When do kittens get their eye color? - briefly
Kittens are born with blue eyes due to low levels of melanin. Their final eye color typically becomes apparent between 7 to 10 weeks of age as melanin production increases.
When do kittens get their eye color? - in detail
Kittens are born with blue eyes, but this is not their final eye color. The development of their permanent eye color is a process that begins shortly after birth and can take several months to complete.
The initial blue coloration in kitten eyes is due to the lack of melanin, the pigment responsible for determining eye color. As the kittens grow, the cells in their eyes, known as melanocytes, begin to produce melanin. This process typically starts around 4 to 6 weeks of age and can continue until the kitten is about 8 to 12 weeks old.
During this period, the eye color may change gradually or suddenly. The final eye color is determined by the amount and distribution of melanin in the iris. Kittens with a higher concentration of melanin will develop darker eyes, such as brown or green, while those with less melanin will have lighter eyes, like blue or yellow.
It's essential to note that eye color change is not always predictable, and it can vary depending on the cat breed and individual genetics. Some breeds are known for their distinctive eye colors, such as Siamese cats with their striking blue eyes or Abyssinian cats with their golden-green eyes.
In summary, kittens do not immediately possess their final eye color at birth. The process of developing permanent eye color is a gradual one that occurs over the first few months of a kitten's life as melanin production increases in their eyes.