The cat being referred to possesses a stunning pair of eyes that may appear enchanting, but there is a logical explanation for this phenomenon. This condition is called sectoral heterochromia, which is a genetic mutation that affects one iris resulting in the display of two different colours. Heterochromia Iridis, meaning “different coloured irises” in Greek, is a subtype of this condition that can affect both humans and animals and has no medical drawbacks. Therefore, the only advantage to this unique condition is its aesthetic appeal.
The quantity of melanin in an animal’s genes determines its eye colour. Typically kittens are born with blue eyes, and over time, melanin granules collect in their irises, gradually altering their hue. However, a specific gene that causes white spots can impede the movement of melanin, leading to heterochromia in white or white-spotted cats. In the case of this particular cat, varying concentrations of melanin within one iris result in the captivating multicoloured pattern. It’s not magic, but it’s still pretty impressive!
The Love Meow website provided us with some amazing pictures, and we are pleased to share them with our readers. All of these images have been sourced from Imgur, and we want to give credit where it is due. Enjoy the adorable pictures!