Why do cats often have heterochromia? - briefly
Heterochromia in cats is often caused by a genetic mutation affecting melanin distribution, particularly common in white-coated breeds like the Turkish Van or Turkish Angora.
Why do cats often have heterochromia? - in detail
Heterochromia in cats, a condition where each eye has a different color, is primarily influenced by genetics and the distribution of melanin during development. This phenomenon occurs due to variations in the amount of melanin, the pigment responsible for eye color, present in the iris of each eye. In cats, heterochromia is most commonly observed in white or predominantly white cats, particularly those with the white spotting gene or the dominant white gene. These genes can affect the migration of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, during embryonic development. If melanocytes fail to reach one eye, it will remain blue, while the other eye develops its color based on the melanin present. Additionally, certain breeds, such as the Turkish Van and Turkish Angora, are more predisposed to heterochromia due to their genetic makeup. While heterochromia is often harmless and purely cosmetic, it can sometimes be associated with underlying health conditions, such as deafness, particularly in white cats with blue eyes. The condition is a fascinating example of how genetic factors and developmental processes can result in unique and striking physical traits in animals.