When do British Shorthair kittens' eyes change color? - briefly
British Shorthair kittens are typically born with blue eyes, which gradually change to their permanent color, often copper or gold, by the time they are around 6 to 12 weeks old.
When do British Shorthair kittens' eyes change color? - in detail
British Shorthair kittens are born with their eyes closed, and they typically open their eyes between 7 to 14 days after birth. Initially, all kittens, including British Shorthairs, have blue eyes due to the lack of pigmentation in the iris. This blue hue is a result of the way light scatters in the eye, not because of actual blue pigment. As the kittens grow and their eyes develop, melanin production begins, which is responsible for the eventual eye color. The process of eye color change in British Shorthair kittens usually starts around 6 to 7 weeks of age. By this time, the melanocytes in the iris start producing melanin, which gradually alters the eye color. The transition from blue to the final eye color is a gradual process and can take several weeks to complete. Most British Shorthair kittens will have their permanent eye color by the time they are 3 to 4 months old. The final eye color can vary widely among individuals, with shades ranging from gold, copper, green, or even blue, depending on genetics. It’s important to note that the coat color and genetics of the kitten play a significant part in determining the final eye color. For example, British Shorthairs with certain coat colors, like the classic blue or black, often develop deep gold or copper eyes, while those with colorpoint patterns, such as the British Shorthair variant of the Siamese, may retain blue eyes. Observing this transformation is a fascinating aspect of raising British Shorthair kittens, as it provides insight into their genetic makeup and development.