At what age does the eye color of British kittens change? - briefly
British kitten eye color typically changes between 6 and 8 weeks of age. This transition is due to the development of melanin in the iris.
At what age does the eye color of British kittens change? - in detail
The eye color of British kittens undergoes a gradual transition over several months. At birth, most British kittens possess blue eyes due to the absence of melanin in their irises. Melanin is responsible for determining the final eye color and its production begins shortly after birth. This process typically commences around 7-10 days postpartum.
As the kitten grows older, the melanin content in the eyes increases. The eye color may start to change as early as 2 weeks of age, but significant changes are usually noticeable between 4 and 8 weeks. During this period, the blue eyes may darken to shades of green, yellow, or amber depending on the genetic makeup of the kitten.
It is important to note that while many British kittens will have reached their final eye color by the time they are 3 months old, some may continue to experience slight changes until they reach 6-8 months of age. The final eye color is determined by a combination of genetic factors and the amount of melanin produced in the iris.
In summary, the eye color of British kittens begins to change around 2 weeks of age and typically reaches its final form between 3 and 8 months, with full maturation usually completed by 6-8 months.