Cats with a predominance of white in coat color are the achievement of breeders. The existence of white cats in the wild is a very rare occurrence. It is in such animals that heterochromy is most often encountered. This is a feature of the body in which the iris of the eye has a different shade. It is not a disease, but acts as a kind of genetic abnormality that does not create problems in the development and vital functions of the body.
Features
The color of the coat and eyes at the genetic level is determined by the pigment melanin. Different eyes are found in cats not only in white. The reason for this may be a variety of heterochromia.
- Congenital Eye color is always the same and is inherited by posterity.
- Acquired. The iris changed color after the injury, including psychological, or prolonged medical treatment.
- Partial With her eyes are not evenly painted in different colors, but only some areas.
- Complete. The pigment is evenly distributed over the shell of the eye, while one will be sure to be blue in color, and the second may have a green, amber yellow or brown color.
Multi-colored irises do not affect the vision of the animal. This behavior is also not reflected. However, it has been observed that white-haired cats with heterochromia are more susceptible to developmental abnormalities associated with hearing.
Breeds
The fundamental varieties of cats, representatives of which are born with eyes of various shades, are rightfully considered:
- Turkish Angora
- kao mani;
- turkish van.
Turkish Angora
The breed got its name thanks to the Byzantine city of Angora, which is its homeland. These cats came to Europe in the 16th century. It is believed that it is precisely its representatives that are most prone to heterochromia. Cats of the Angora breed for the most part have white hair, less often - a marble shade or cream. However, you can find individuals of black, red or even blue color.
This is an elegant animal of medium size, weighing about 4 kg. Has long erect ears. The coat is almost without undercoat, while it is soft, soft and fluffy. A disadvantage of the breed is the tendency to hearing loss.
The cat is characterized by a calm and complaisant character, gets along well with other domestic animals, and is very attached to the owner.
Kao Mani
The breed hails from Thailand and was bred for representatives of the royal family. Even now, not everyone can afford to buy such a kitten because of its high price. The name translates as "diamond eye" or "white pearl." It was believed that a white cat with different eyes attracted happiness, prosperity and good fortune to the home. Therefore, in the modern world, kao mani is treated with awe and adoration.
Animals of small size, have a short silky coat. A slightly elongated muzzle, combined with a pink nose, make the cat funny and cute. Some kao mani kittens are born with colorful spots, but as they grow older, the marks disappear completely. Cats of this breed are friendly and sociable, require constant attention of the owner and are afraid of loneliness.
Turkish van
The breed is named after the region of Turkey in which it was created. The individuals of this breed are quite large. The coat is not very long, but soft and pleasant to the touch. Color can have not only white, there are animals of various colors: tortoiseshell, with red, black, gray markings.
These cats are very playful and mobile, they have a well-developed hunting instinct. The Turkish van is distinguished by curiosity and sociability, while he considers only one person to be the master. Contrary to popular belief that cats do not like to swim, representatives of this breed do this with pleasure.
They are also easy to train and quickly master simple commands.
There are breeds of cats for which heterochromia is not a regularity, but rather occurs as an exception. Animals are born albinos, and the different colors of the irises of the eyes are a secondary sign of genetic abnormality. Heterochromia is extremely rare in such breeds:
- Shorthair British;
- Scottish scottish or highlands;
- Orientals
- Persian cats
- Maine Coons;
- canadian sphinxes;
- Devon Rex
- Cornish Rex.
No matter what the breed of your pet is called, multi-colored eyes will give it special charm and amazing beauty.
Content Rules
Most often, cats with heterochromia do not require special care or special conditions. They, like cats of any other breed, from early childhood accustom to the regime and order. Eating, resting and outdoor games should take place at a specific time. The kitten gets used to the established rhythm of life, which contributes to a mutual comfortable pastime.
An important factor is accustoming the animal to the toilet. Kittens learn this from their mother by observing and inheriting her actions. If you have acquired a very tiny fluffy, you will have to take care of his good habits. In the tray with the pet's filler, it is necessary to plant it immediately after feeding. The thoroughbred kittens are very smart and clean, so they quickly get used to relieve the need in a certain place.
It is important that the tray is in an accessible and safe place.
Kittens are naturally active and playful, but there is not always time to have fun with them.The consequences of independent cat games can be torn curtains, tattered wallpapers or furniture. To avoid this, it is necessary to accustom the animal to the correct games. First of all, you need to buy or build a scratching post for your pet. Of the many toys in the pet store, you will surely choose something useful and attractive for your cat.
Despite the innate cleanliness and neatness, the cat will have to bathe sooner or later. Especially this procedure will be relevant for animals with a white and long coat. It is necessary to accustom a kitten to water procedures from early childhood, then the addiction process will pass quickly and painlessly. Water should be at a comfortable temperature - about 30 degrees, only special shampoo is allowed to be used as a detergent. For long-haired breeds, it is advisable to use air conditioning - in order to prevent tangling and electrification of wool.
A cat, being in a limited environment, needs proper and balanced nutrition, which you must provide it. It is very convenient to feed the animal with ready-made dry or wet food. To make the right choice, it is enough to consult a veterinarian and carefully read the instructions on the package. A prerequisite is compliance with the recommended dosage of feed. If you think that your cat is worthy of exclusively fresh and natural products, then get ready to diversify its menu with products such as:
- fish;
- meat;
- dairy products;
- cereals;
- vegetables.
When composing a pet’s diet, one should take into account the breed, age, sex of the animal, state of health and even the time of year and the temperature of the food. For comfortable keeping cats at home, one must take into account their physiological characteristics. If you do not plan to breed animals, then for convenience and your own peace of mind, it is recommended to sterilize them. This simple surgical procedure is performed in a veterinary clinic.
Sterilization has a positive effect on the nature and behavior of the cat and even helps prevent certain diseases.
Cat health
The well-being of the pet directly depends on its state of health and immunity. White cats with multi-colored eyes are no different from representatives of other breeds. But still, there are statistics that a third of cats with heterochromia are deaf. It is proved by laboratory studies that deafness develops due to the dominance of the “white” gene, causing deviations of the genetic code.
Hearing may be absent in whole or in part to decrease, affecting one or both ears. As a result of this, other feelings become aggravated in the animal - vision and smell. In general, cats with different eye colors are calm and affectionate creatures with strong immunity. It is necessary to carefully monitor the color of the irises of the cat: if the blue eye has acquired a reddish tint, this may indicate a hematoma or a bursting vessel. Violation of the body's hormone production of melanin can lead to the development of melanoma or tumor.
Any neoplasms must be promptly and expertly examined and treated.
Healthy cats are active and clean. If the animal looks lethargic and untidy - this may be a sign of kidney disease or the genitourinary system. The diagnosis can only be made by a specialist, self-medication can only exacerbate the problem. Cats with heterochromia are more prone to cancer than their relatives with the same eye color. They often develop leukemia. For this reason, it is necessary to limit the presence of the animal in the sun. It is noted that individuals of pure white color have a shorter lifespan than cats of another suit.
Some breeds of white cats are pathologically afraid of loneliness. This cannot but affect the state of health of the animal. His appetite disappears, the cat becomes shy and reserved.If it is not possible to constantly be around, then you should think about purchasing another cat, this will help to cope with the situation. In order to ensure your pet a healthy, happy and long life, you need to regularly conduct a veterinary examination, routine vaccination and carefully monitor his behavior. Subject to these simple conditions, a cute white cat with multi-colored eyes will delight you with its presence for a long time, bringing good luck and prosperity to the house.
More about cats with different eyes, see the video below.
