Cats Cat Breeds

10 Best Cat Breeds With Blue Eyes

By
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone, writer for The Spruce Pets
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/05/23
Reviewed by
Bartley Harrison
Bartley Harrison
Reviewed by Bartley Harrison

Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets’ veterinary review board.

Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board
Siamese cat with blue eyes closeup

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Kittens are born with blue eyes. They can stay that way, but more commonly, their eye color will start to change as they mature and the production of the pigment melanin occurs. Adult cats with blue eyes aren't widespread. When it does occur, it is a result of their genetics, which often means the cat is a pointed breed.

What Is a Pointed Cat?

Pointed cat breeds have light-colored bodies and dark extremities (such as the signature look of the Siamese). The faces, ears, tails, and often the paws or legs are a darker color than the rest of the cat's fur.

The production of pigment in their irises doesn't occur, and when light reflects off the rounded surface of their eyes, they look blue in color. Cats with blue eyes run the spectrum in terms of their personality types and activity levels. Some breeds are closely related while others are more distinct.

Here are 10 cat breeds that always or sometimes have blue eyes as adults.

Tip

Genes that limit cat coloration result in blue eyes. Pointed cat breeds always have blue eyes. Moreover, cats that have the dominant white gene can sometimes, but not always, have blue eyes. White cats are also genetically predisposed to deafness.

  • 01 of 10

    Balinese

    Balinese cat standing in a garden

    Natalie Herzer / Getty Images

    The Balinese is a pointed cat breed that will always have deep blue eyes. The long coat of these strikingly beautiful felines came about as a result of a spontaneous genetic mutation in purebred Siamese cats. These medium-sized cats aren't just a pretty face. Known for being intelligent, inquisitive, playful, and loving, Balinese cats can make great family pets.

    Breed Overview

    Weight: 6 to 11 pounds

    Length: Around 18 inches

    Physical Characteristics: Slender body with a long tail and pointed ears; coats are long and silky in creamy white with pointed colors around the face, ears, tail, and paws

  • 02 of 10

    Birman

    Birman cat lying down head shot

    Giulia Chironna / Getty Images

    The Birman is another attractive pointed cat breed with blue eyes. This long-haired cat comes in six different colors, but it always has white mittens on its paws. The breed's exact history is unknown, but it might have come about after cats imported from Burma were bred with Siamese cats in France. Birmans are sweet, playful, and loving. Although still a vocal breed, their meows aren't quite as noisy as their Balinese and Siamese relatives.

    Breed Overview

    Weight: 10 to 12 pounds

    Length: 15 to 18 inches

    Physical Characteristics: Long, silky hair and pointed markings; coat comes in seal, blue, chocolate, red, cream, and tortoiseshell with pointed or lynx patterns

  • 03 of 10

    Himalayan

    Himalayan cat lying on a green deck

    Kryssia Campos / Getty Images

    The pointed Himalayan was created by crossing Siamese and Persian cats. Not all organizations recognize the breed as being separate from the Persian. Himalayan eyes are always vivid blue, and its coat, which comes in a variety of shades, is long and dense. Himmies are usually incredibly affectionate and playful. They can, however, create mischief if they aren't given enough enrichment and attention. This breed also has a high-maintenance grooming regime due to its thick coat.

    Breed Overview

    Weight: 7 to 12 pounds

    Length: Around 18 inches

    Physical Characteristics: Wide chest, round abdomen, and muscular build; can often look bigger than they actually are; coat comes in cream, gray, blue, and chocolate with pointed markings

  • 04 of 10

    Ojos Azules

    Profile shot of an Ojos Azules

    angelyto / Getty Images

    The Ojos Azules (the Spanish translation of "blue eyes") is a rare cat breed, and its breed standard is still in development. However, its eyes are always an unusually deep shade of blue, despite not having pointed or solid white coloring. The origin of the breed dates back to 1984 when a tortoiseshell cat from a feral colony in New Mexico produced a litter with intense blue eyes like hers. These cats went on to produce litters with a variety of markings and perhaps the deepest blue eyes seen in any breed of cat.

    Breed Overview

    Height: Breed standard still to be determined

    Weight: Breed standard still to be determined

    Physical Characteristics: Generally short-coated; wide variety of colors except for white, though white patches are acceptable

    Continue to 5 of 10 below
  • 05 of 10

    Persian

    White Persian cat with blue eyes

    João Pedro Neves / Getty Images

    With their soft and silky coats, distinctive smushed faces, and sweet personalities, Persians are one of the most popular and recognizable cat breeds. White Persians often have blue eyes. Persians are known for being undemanding, calm, and loving. They often like nothing better than snuggling up in their owner's lap for some affection. However, you'll have to be prepared for a high-maintenance grooming regime due to that lush coat.

    Breed Overview

    Weight: 7 to 12 pounds

    Length: 14 to 18 inches

    Physical Characteristics: Sturdy build; "smushed" face; round, vivid eyes; long, silky coat in solid, bicolor, tabby, calico, and other color variations and patterns

  • 06 of 10

    Ragdoll

    ragdoll cat on a wood floor

    Alex Barlow / Getty Images

    It's hard to find a more laid-back cat than the ragdoll. And it's easy to be sucked in by these charming cats and their big blue eyes. Their friendly and intelligent nature is often compared to that of dogs. It's not unusual for ragdolls to perform tricks for treats. Plenty of company during the day and lots of at-home enrichment are important to prevent these energetic and social cats from becoming bored.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 9 to 11 inches

    Weight: 8 to 20 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Large, semi-longhaired coat; blue eyes; coloring can vary

  • 07 of 10

    Siamese

    Siamese cat lying on a leather chair

    archimobil / Getty Images

    The popular Siamese has charmed cat lovers the world over for decades. With its striking almond-shaped blue eyes, pointed coloring, elegant physique, and sociable nature, is it any surprise? Meezers, as they're affectionately referred to, are very smart and curious. They also thrive on being the center of attention, and they're not shy about telling you when they want more cuddles. With a wide range of vocalizations and a loud meow, they don't like to be ignored.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 8 to 10 inches

    Weight: 8 to 10 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Sleek body; almond-shaped blue eyes; large ears; wedge-shaped head

  • 08 of 10

    Snowshoe Cat

    Blue-eyed snowshow cat in a garden

    fitopardo / Getty Images

    The snowshoe cat was created by crossing Siamese cats with the American shorthair. Another pointed breed, these cats always have blue eyes. They get their name from their white mittened paws that look like they have been dipped in snow. Unsurprisingly, snowshoes share many traits with their Siamese relatives. They want to join in with everything. And they're smart, vocal, and easily bored.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 8 to 10 inches

    Weight: 7 to 12 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Light body with darker points on the ears, face, legs, and tail; usually a white chest; short to medium coat length

    Continue to 9 of 10 below
  • 09 of 10

    Turkish Angora

    Turkish angora cat

    leoprio / Shutterstock

    Blue is the most common eye color for the exquisite Turkish angora, but its eyes also can come in green, gold, amber, and even bicolor. This cat often has a glistening white coat and a long body. It’s quite affectionate and friendly and does best in a home where it will have company for much of the day.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 8 to 10 inches

    Weight: 5 to 9 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Long, silky single coat; white with various color combinations

  • 10 of 10

    Tonkinese

    tonkinese cats in a tunnel

    Flutter_97321 / Getty Images

    The Tonkinese is a cross between the Siamese and Burmese. It has beautiful soft pointed coloring, and its eyes can come in blue, aqua, or yellow-green. These cats tend to be highly affectionate as well as very playful. They are not as chatty as the Siamese, but they will vocalize their feelings.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 8 to 10 inches

    Weight: 6 to 12 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Base colors are platinum, champagne, blue, and natural; patterns are solid, mink, and point

15 Top Cat Breeds With Big Eyes