Why do cats have blue eyes?
Eye color in almost all cases directly depends on genetics, but there are exceptions, for example, when eye color changes as the cat grows up or this is explained by a lack of melanin. It is these pigments that are responsible not only for the color of the iris, but also for the color of the skin and coat color.
In addition to blue shades, others may be present; heterochromia is also common among such cats. This is one of the pathologies of the color of the iris, when the shade is uneven or the eyes are completely different colors.
There are a lot of cat breeds with blue eyes in the world and here are the most popular ones.
Origin of the mineral
A stone resembling a cat's eyes has been considered expensive since ancient times. Archaeologists have found talismans and jewelry with the mineral in the tombs of kings and priests. Moreover, many finds were made several thousand years BC. Ancient people were confident that the wearer of the stone would be able to understand the language of animals and birds.
The gem was widely known in India; it is mentioned in the famous Vedas. In Europe, the attitude towards the stone was negative for a long time, since cats were associated with dark power. And a stone similar to the pupils of cats was considered devilish. However, at the end of the 19th century, attitudes towards the mineral changed.
Queen Victoria's son, Arthur William Patrick, was to marry Princess Louise Margaret. Instead of a flower, he gave the bride a ring with a cat's eye for her wedding. The mineral immediately became fashionable, and society ladies began to go out wearing jewelry with chrysoberyl.
Important . Not only chrysoberyl, but also tourmaline, moonstone and jade can have a cat's eye effect.
Where is it mined and used?
Cat's eye stone is mined in India and Ceylon. Sri Lanka and Madagascar produce the best minerals. And the jewelry type of “cat’s eye” is mined in the Middle Urals. Stones obtained in the Russian Federation are considered rare and are expensive.
Usually the mineral is looked for in the thickness of granite or shale. In addition to the above, mining is carried out in:
- Czech Republic;
- Australia;
- Brazil;
- Colorado;
- SOUTH AFRICA.
How to distinguish from a fake
Cymofane is expensive, so there are often fakes on the market. Moreover, they look very authentic. The origin of a mineral can be determined in the following ways:
- Cat's eye is very durable. According to this indicator, it is second only to ruby, sapphire and diamond. The mineral can easily scratch glass. And chrysoberyl itself can only be damaged by these stones.
- If you place a natural stone in a dark place, it will glow faintly. From the outside it will look like the twinkling of a cat's eyes.
- It is better to hold the stone in your palms for several minutes before purchasing. If the natural gem remains cold, the synthetic one will heat up.
- Rotate the stone in your hands, observing the glare. In a natural mineral it is straight; a zigzag or roundness will give away a fake.
- Wipe the stone with a rag, it should shine even brighter.
You can learn more about ways to distinguish a fake in the video:
Javanese
The longhaired breed is one of the varieties of domestic cats. By their nature, they are also mischievous, so they should not be left without toys and unattended. They themselves are friendly and affectionate, but despite this they are very stubborn, get used to their owners and have a hard time with separation.
Their health is not the best, they need to be protected and given a lot of attention to care. An interesting feature is the unique structure of the wool, to which people are not allergic. One can note very beautiful eyes, but despite this, strabismus is common among this breed.
Javanese
Balinese cat
This is also a long-haired domestic breed. They become very attached to their owner, they are loyal, devoted and constantly require attention, but even with such affection they will feel fine alone. Cheerful, active, friendly, easy to get along with children and pets in the house. They need a lot of space to use their energy to the fullest. The physique of such cats is slender and muscular, which can explain their energy. Unfortunately, this breed cannot boast of good health, so they need careful care.
Balinese cat
Himalayan cats
This is a breed of long-haired cats with a fairly thick coat. They are sociable, friendly and inquisitive, they get very used to people, they also love attention to their person, but at the same time they are comfortable being alone. By nature, they are not the most active, preferring peace and quiet, so they are great for people with a similar lifestyle, but for active people this is not the best option. The body of representatives of this breed is round in shape, the paws are not long. Unlike the previous ones, these cats have excellent health and rarely get sick.
Himalayan cat
Colors and varieties
According to the ethics of jewelers, only chrysoberyl can be called “cat's eye”. If a similar optical effect occurs in other minerals, then its type is specified. For example, cat's eye quartz. The color of a cat's eye can vary from lilac to completely transparent.
Pink
Thanks to the pink cat's eye, you can get rid of insomnia; it will give you a restful sleep without nightmares. To do this, you need to place the gem at the head of the room. The stone also drives away jealousy.
Tsimofan
Cymophane is a mineral with a cat's eye effect. Such gems are rare and their cost is high. There are greenish, yellow or blue cymophanes.
Green
A green cat's eye is necessary for people engaged in physical labor. It will help restore strength and stabilize your emotional state. The person's concentration will increase.
Golden
A golden stone with a cat's eye effect is considered a talisman:
- firefighters;
- military;
- managers;
- rescuers.
Thanks to regular wearing, authority increases and the owner becomes respected in society. It’s better to buy a gem figurine and place it on your desktop.
Blue
The blue cat's eye is considered the stone of dreamers. He will lead these people to success and help them realize their cherished desires. The blue gem will give caution and increase intuition. It was often broadcast over the door for protection.
White
The white gem is indicated for wearing by children, with its help they were protected from the evil eye. It will protect owners from diseases and strengthen family ties.
Black
Black and gray stone endows a person with magnetism and increases the intellectual abilities of the owner. The mineral is suitable for those who want to achieve recognition. With its help, the owner will gain self-confidence and will be able to choose the right time to implement his plans.
Burmese cat
This is one of the old breeds that appeared back in 1919 in Europe; the cats themselves are small, although they create the illusion of massiveness. They are good-natured, affectionate and get along well with other pets in the house and do not cope well with loneliness. Yes, they are playful, cheerful and curious, but at the same time quite calm. The main feature of this breed is its color, which acquires a different shade with age.
Burmese cat
The most popular breeds of brown cats
Among all breeding groups, there are a sufficient number of animals with brown fur. But there are very few breeds where color is present as the main one and at the same time is steadily passed on from generation to generation. For example, the brown color of Yorkie cats. Their chocolate coat color is inherited and is even enshrined in their name. These cats are not widespread, although they were recognized by the largest international association WCF.
Abyssinian
Descendant of ancient indigenous breeds from Africa and Southeast Asia. Only 4 colors are officially registered, including the red-brown sorrel. A stripe of a rich shade of the main color is allowed along the line of the spine, and the root part of the hair and undercoat are in the color of a delicate apricot.
Abyssinians gave their name to a separate group of ticked colors that were later introduced into other breeds.
Havana
Havana Brown is a very active, active and sociable cat. The breed is more than a century old, and it differs from others precisely in its brown color. Sometimes it “goes” into red shades or gets a pinkish tint. Some brown kittens are born with a residual tabby pattern, but this should completely disappear by the age of one year.
Burmanskaya
It is known that the breed was formed as a result of crossing Siamese cats with animals brought from Burma. Later the population was divided into two directions: American and European.
The former have rounded shapes and are similar to local short-haired cats. The appearance of the second, European ones, is similar to the Siamese group.
The coat is in brown-chocolate shades, very thick, soft and short.
This is interesting! Burmese cats hold the record for fertility. In 1970, a litter of 19 kittens was registered in England.
Devon Rex
Short-haired curly representative from Great Britain. His breed line began in the 60s, and later breeders were able to consolidate the unusual appearance in the offspring - curly hair, huge ears, a slightly curved nose and mustaches twisted into a thin spiral.
Brown cats are rare in the Devon Rex breed - color is not one of the priorities of this group; any combination of shades is allowed.
British
One of the most famous shorthaired cats of old England, she became the ancestor of several other breeds. The British belong to the category of large cats with characteristic external features:
- rounded shapes;
- heavy frame;
- short coat with a plush texture.
A British cat of chocolate (brown) color is rare - more than 200 colors are allowed in the breed, and the main one is a gray-blue shade. But there are specialized nurseries that deal only with brown cats.
Scottish lop-eared
A representative of the British subspecies with a characteristic mutation of the auricle. The tips of the ears are curved forward, which gives the Scots an unusual appearance. For some time they were even considered a variation of the parent English group, but were later separated into a separate category.
The standard allows about 200 color combinations, including chocolate, cinnamon, and brown.
British and Scottish brown
Chocolate Persian
Iranian cats are among the oldest domesticated cats and are notable for their inability to live in the wild or outdoors. Brown color in these animals is allowed and even recorded in the breed standards, but it is found in solid form only sometimes.
Much more often you can see a color-point chocolate mask, which came into fashion at the end of the last century.
Persians also stand out from other breeds due to two difficulties:
- Grooming. It is long, fine in texture, with a thick undercoat and, if handled carelessly, very quickly becomes tangled.
- The flattened nose has led to a deformed septum, causing Persians to snore. The eyes of Persian cats often water, this is due to the structural features of the skull.
Chocolate exotic
The exotic was bred from an interbreed mixture of American Shorthair and Persian cats. He took the appearance from his eastern ancestors, but the fur remained short, which greatly facilitates its care and general hygiene.
To consolidate the necessary qualities, the Burmese and Russian Blue cats were additionally included in the breeding strategy. But later, when the group became numerous, priority was given only to representatives of the Persians.
Chocolate, cinnamon and brown are not considered a surprise in this community. To transfer color genes, exotic cats are traditionally used in matings with other cat species.
Thai cat
This breed became famous in history; there are many legends and beliefs about them; it was believed that they drove away evil forces. Pets are relatively small, strong and slender. This breed is distinguished by good health and long life. They become strongly attached to their owners and cannot stand loneliness, and can appear stubborn and independent. They themselves are very smart, cheerful, playful, energetic and never sit still, noisy, they find it easy to communicate with other pets, but only in the role of leader.
Thai cat
Magical Features
Now that people have become much bolder, moved away from superstitions and stopped considering the cat’s eye to be a damn gem, all kinds of jewelry have begun to be made from this mineral. But talismans made from it are not uncommon. Having discovered that the stone was not associated with Satan, people found many useful properties in it. For example, it protects the feeling of love from adversity. Those who do not want to part with their beloved should definitely purchase such an amulet. Businessmen and careerists, due to their busyness, may not be aware of the miraculous properties of the mineral. But it can help them work more productively. Having acquired such a stone, ambitious people begin to notice a significant improvement in business, an increase in profits, and the emergence of good luck. Protecting against failures and dangers, the stone becomes heavier on the body of its owner. So he warns about the onset of a black streak or the appearance of ill-wishers on the horizon. This property forces us to admit that the gem is an excellent protector. It is recommended to set the mineral only in silver, since in this case it acquires even more abilities . He must be very picky - he definitely won’t help an unscrupulous owner.
Snow-shoe
Can be considered one of the newest shorthaired breeds. This is the result of crossing bicolor American Shorthairs with Siamese cats. The breed has an amiable character and a pleasant voice, and they do not create noise at all. They are affectionate, curious, friendly, absolutely unobtrusive, and in places they can be independent and proud. They hate loneliness; a long stay in this state contributes to very big changes in behavior.
Cats of this breed interact well with all pets and love children. It may seem strange, but these cats are incredibly fond of water and will never miss the opportunity to take a little swim.
Snow-shoe
Ragdoll
These cats are large (the third largest in the world) and have unparalleled thick and long hair. They differ from others in their passivity and relaxed muscle tone. Their character is quite pleasant, they are friendly, good-natured and affectionate, they are also very smart and incredibly loyal. They can also be considered excellent companions for other pets and children, because they completely lack aggression. The ideal living environment for this breed is peace and quiet, they cannot tolerate noise, but under no circumstances should they be left alone. They also differ in their slow development.
Ragdoll
Hygiene
Albinos, like other cats, usually manage their own hygiene on their own. However, dust and dirt are much more noticeable on snow-white wool than on dyed wool. Not all albinos cope with maintaining their fur in proper form. In this case, owner intervention is required. It is not advisable to bathe cats frequently. Frequent exposure to water and detergents can cause the skin to dry out and become more prone to dermatitis. Dust from wool can be removed with a damp cloth.
Once every couple of months, the animal can be completely bathed. During the procedure, special shampoos should be used. Human cats are not suitable. They may have odors that are irritating to the animal. In addition, they contain components that can lead to irritation on the pet’s skin. It is worth noting that there are special shampoos for albino cats that help whiten their fur. After bathing, your pet should be protected from drafts. You can't let him go outside with wet fur.
You should also monitor the condition of the eyes, ears, fangs and claws. You can wipe your eyes with a cotton pad moistened with clean boiled water. Ears can be cleaned with cotton swabs, and claws can be cut with a nail clipper. Veterinarians also advise periodically brushing your pets' teeth. To do this, you need to use a special toothpaste and brush. A cat should be taught to brush its teeth from childhood.
We recommend the article: Dandruff in cats: causes and methods of treatment
Foreign white
The Shorthair breed is the result of crossing a White British Shorthair and a Siamese cat. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by intelligence and intelligence, thanks to this they can even teach and follow commands. They have a very slender and muscular physique, and at the same time they have an inherent grace. They are kind to their owners and get used to them, they get along well with children, but still such a cat needs to be handled carefully. But as for relationships with pets, here it is simply vital for such a cat to take a leadership position. By their nature, they are quite calm and balanced, they will not get underfoot and impose themselves, but it is still not recommended to leave them alone.
Foreign white
White Persian cats
This is one of the most ancient breeds, it appeared in the 16th century. Cats are not the largest, medium-sized, and have thick, long and fluffy hair. By nature they are affectionate, peaceful and friendly, preferring tranquility and a more passive lifestyle, although they also like to play. They treat their owners with special reverence; they become very attached to people, so separation is simply unbearable for them. Persian cats are incredibly peaceful and will thrive in any environment.
The popularity of this breed among European aristocrats was instilled by Queen Victoria, who had more than a dozen of these cats. Now anyone can have such a pet.
White Persian cat
Palette of shades
This interesting stone belongs to the “eye quartz” variety. Like other stones in this group, cat's eye contains crocodolite and asbestos crystals. It is the presence of these crystals that determines the iridescent surface of the stone. A dark stone is valued more than a light one. It just stays in the ground longer, becoming more and more beautiful with every century.
It’s not for nothing that the stone acquired such a name – its color is very similar to a cat’s eye.
It may be green, yellow-green, or honey-colored. There are stones of other colors as well. Women and young people like to wear a white stone as a talisman. The mineral, which has a blue tone, is unusually beautiful. The blue cat's eye can shimmer in shades from soft blue to green. Minerals can be very different in color. Bright blue, calm blue, noble white, seasoned gray and even joyful orange minerals are often found in store windows in jewelry and talismans .
Gems with a stripe that has a white tint are highly valued. This stripe appears when the stone is cut into a cabochon. By cutting the gem into two halves, the silver stripe creates an original effect.
Turkish Angora
A specially bred long-haired cat breed is now actively gaining popularity among lovers of blue-eyed pets. Many years of complex and painstaking work by breeders has led to such a successful result. This breed has many colors, but meeting a snow-white cat, of which there used to be many, is now very rare.
They themselves are small, of medium size, have a slender physique, in which one can notice grace, the limbs and tail are long, supposedly emphasizing the elegance of the silhouette. Smart, sociable, friendly - that's all about them. They do not leave their owner for a second, as they need attention; because of this feature, they have a hard time experiencing loneliness.
Turkish Angora
Properties of cat's eye
A number of properties of the cat's eye stone make it special, distinguishing it from other gems. Its healing and magical qualities are of particular interest.
Physical and chemical properties
The physical and chemical properties of cat's eye are listed in the table.
Formula | BeAl2O4 |
Color | Brown, green, bluish green, gray |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Transparent, translucent |
Hardness | 8,5 |
Cleavage | Clear |
Kink | Uneven, conchoidal |
Density | 3.5—3.84 g/cc |
Magical, astrological
The magical powers of the cat's eye are mentioned in ancient legends. Hindus used it for divination or to communicate with animals. It was often used as protection against the evil eye. According to some reports, the stone could ward off not only damage, but also death from its owner.
The magical properties of the cat's eye include:
- Removal of troubles and troubles. Moreover, protective qualities extend to both the owner and his loved ones.
- Danger warning. You should be wary if the stone suddenly becomes heavier.
- The gem makes the owner more vibrant, charismatic and noticeable. Therefore, it should be worn by timid and shy people, as it will help them open up in society.
- A pink cat eye will make the owner more receptive. Under the influence of the stone, he will begin to look at things with different eyes. As a result, intuition will increase and the “third eye” may open. A person will be able to easily reveal the plans of those around him.
- If you give a mineral to an enemy, he will become a friend. The reason is the stone’s ability to awaken reciprocal love.
- The gem allows you to awaken dormant talents. With its help, a person will be able to concentrate on the main goal, which will allow him to achieve it faster.
- Cat's eye jewelry attracts financial success.
Medicinal
Tsimofan is famous for its medicinal properties, which have been known to mankind for at least a thousand years. In ancient times, healers successfully used the mineral to treat many diseases and mental disorders. Amulets made of stone were worn by rulers and high dignitaries, as it makes thoughts clear.
Among the healing characteristics of the mineral:
- Due to the effects of the mineral, immunity increases. And poor health is quickly restored. By wearing the mineral, the functioning of vital organs improves.
- The functioning of the digestive system is normalized.
- The mineral should be worn when treating the liver and gallbladder; it will shorten the recovery period.
- A stone with a cat's eye effect should be worn for respiratory diseases. It will relieve coughing attacks and help with asthma. Regular wearing of the mineral will relieve pneumonia.
- Purple stone relieves depression and helps calm nerves. By regularly wearing the mineral, you can normalize your emotional and mental state.
- If you regularly wear a blue cat eye, you can normalize your hormone levels. It will restore the functioning of the endocrine system.
- The mineral cleanses the blood and blood vessels of cholesterol. Constant wearing stabilizes blood pressure. As a result, the functioning of the heart muscle will improve.
- The stone accelerates the fusion of bones, so it is useful to wear it for fractures. If joints and cartilage are damaged, it is also worth buying a mineral, as it will allow them to be restored. With regular wearing of the blue cat eye, bruises will heal faster.
Scottish fold cats
The short-haired cat breed is relatively small in size. They are very fluffy and look like a plush toy. These cats have an unusual feature - they can stand on their hind legs for a long time.
Representatives of this breed are distinguished by intelligence, good nature and calmness; they are moderately active, but nevertheless cheerful and cheerful. They love peace and silence, and they themselves do not create noise. They are also proud, graceful and certainly will not allow themselves to be offended, which cannot be said by their appearance. Although the cat loves its owners, it will not get in the way, begging for attention, and you won’t be able to squeeze it in your arms for a long time, they don’t really like it.
Scottish cats thrive alone and are ideal for busy people. They don’t know how to get along with children or pets; playfulness and peacefulness towards others is not their thing.
Scottish fold cat
Ojos Azules
Scientists did not spend a single second to create this breed; nature did everything for them. Today, the breed is quite rare, so much so that even in its homeland (New Mexico) it is difficult to meet such a cat, since there are only a few dozen of them left in the whole world. The main feature of pets is their eye color; they are often deep or dark blue; this is an incredibly beautiful sight, one might say, even slightly hypnotic.
Cats themselves can be either medium or large in size and are characterized by a slender and muscular build. Representatives of this breed have a very pleasant character, they are friendly to people from birth. Active, playful and cheerful, you definitely won’t get bored with them. Apart from this, they are smart and have a well-developed intellect. This cat gets along well with children and pets, but still should not be left unattended.
Ojos Azules
Neva Masquerade
Another name for this breed is Siberian Color Point. Not all felinological organizations recognize the Neva Masquerade cat as an independent breed, and some do not recognize this color at all in the native Siberian breed.
The breeding of Neva Masquerade Dogs first began in St. Petersburg, at the Kotofey club, and the breed is still widespread mainly in Russia. The name of the breed is due to the peculiar mask on the face, characteristic of this color. Neva Masquerade cats are characterized by all colors of the color-point group and eyes of all shades of blue.
Khao-mani
This breed can be considered legendary, because the history of its creation has passed many years and, as we can see, its demand has not fallen to this day, on the contrary, it is gaining popularity. In her homeland, Thailand, they believe that such a cat brings good luck and prosperity to the house.
Representatives of this breed are characterized by an unusual appearance, especially their eyes, they are like their calling card. Among such cats, heterochromia is widespread, when the color of the iris of the eyes is uneven, and sometimes the eyes can be completely different colors.
They are distinguished by a slender and muscular physique, and the tight-fitting coat seems to emphasize all the advantages of the silhouette. They are also characterized by elegance and grace in all movements.
They are affectionate and friendly, quickly get used to people, so they have a hard time experiencing separation and loneliness. These are excellent companions for both children and a wide variety of pets. By nature they are active, cheerful, playful and curious.
Khao-mani
British blue-eyed cats
This breed has taken all the best qualities for itself; they are considered a kind of aristocracy. The cats have a medium, slightly muscular, strong and massive build.
The character is very unique, it contains both kindness and friendliness, as well as pride, independence and courage. Thanks to these character traits, cats of this breed will not beg for attention and get in the way. They love their owners, but they tolerate separation quite well, because they will always find something to do with themselves; this is an excellent pet option for a busy person.
Representatives of this breed get along well with children and pets; their calmness, restraint and non-aggressive behavior are perhaps their biggest plus.
British blue-eyed cat
Siamese cat
This is one of the most famous and sought-after breeds in the whole world, as well as one of the most ancient. Previously, they were revered as sacred and they believed that such a cat was a powerful amulet against everything bad, namely evil spirits, the belief in which scared people to death.
Cats of this breed are distinguished by their athletic build; they are slender and muscular, while being elegant, graceful and graceful. They can also boast of their coat; their coat, although short, is incredibly silky and soft.
Their character is also quite interesting, they are friendly, affectionate, smart, love people, curious and active. They get too used to their owners and suffer when separated. Such cats need a lot of space, because they love to have fun and literally turn over everything they see on their way. They are also not the quietest pets; they have a loud and deep voice, with which they will not miss the opportunity to attract attention in this way.
Siamese cat
The meaning of the stone in ancient times
If today jewelry with a cat's eye is available to everyone, then in ancient times only sorcerers and shamans could wear this mineral. Ancient wizards called it the eye of the devil and were confident that it would enhance their supernatural abilities. Any self-respecting white or black magician carried a gem with him, believing that it would help him influence people.
Ancient eastern magic considered the greenish-yellow digital stone to be an ideal stone for a person, wonderfully combining Yin and Yang - opposite energies, symbolizing the feminine and masculine principles. For this reason, Chinese sages advise wearing amulets and amulets with stones not only for women, but also for men. A talisman with a mineral will help a gentle and kind person to develop strength of character, become more decisive and purposeful. If an aggressive and rude person wears the stone, then after a while she will become much more tactful and calm.
You can use a cat's eye for magical purposes only with good intentions. If a person wants to harm others with the help of a gem, he risks bringing misfortune upon himself.