The eyes of our 4-legged companions can be fascinating, not least for their variety of colours. Did you know that the colour of our companions’ irises is the result of a complex combination of genetic and biological factors?
As in humans, iris colour in animals is mainly determined by genetics. The genes responsible for eye pigmentation are inherited from the parents. So kittens and puppies can have different eye colours depending on the genetic characteristics of their parents. Certain breeds of dogs and cats are also more likely to have certain eye colours because of their genetic make-up. For example, the Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are known for their bright blue eyes.
Melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of skin, hair and irises, determines the shade of animals’ eyes. The amount and distribution of melanin in the iris influences eye colour. Animals with more melanin will have darker eyes, while those with less melanin will have lighter eyes.
Cats come in a wide variety of eye colours, from green and blue to yellow and amber. In dogs, although brown is the most common, there are also shades of blue, green and even yellow.
The way light interacts with the pigments in the iris can affect the perception of eye colour. Some dogs and cats seem to see their eyes change colour depending on the lighting, going from brown to green or blue.
A sudden change in eye colour can sometimes occur. This is generally a sign of eye disease. The causes are varied: uveitis – inflammation of the iris, for example – can be the cause, as can certain iris tumours. If you notice this type of change in your companion animal, make an appointment to see your vet.
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