Ojos Azules Cats

Ojos Azules cats are a relatively new cat breed that originated from a naturally-occurring genetic mutation. “Ojos Azules” is Spanish for “blue eyes.” The breed is said to have originated with the finding of a blue-eyed stray cat in Mexico in the 1980’s. The vivid blue eyes of Ojos Azules cats are a defining characteristic. The eyes can be blue to blue-gray or odd eyed with one eye being blue and the other being copper, gold, green. Deeper colors are most preferable for this cat breed.

The genes for blue eyes are usually recessive, meaning that if a cat with blue eyes mates with a cat with different colored eyes, it is not likely for the kittens to have blue eyes. In many cat breeds, blue eyes only occur when the kitten is pure white or colorpointed like Siamese cats. However, an Ojos Azules kitten has blue eyes no matter what color coat it has. This is a very unique characteristic of the Ojos Azules cat breed.

The Ojos Azules cat breed has not been accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) of the United States. This cat breed has been accepted as one of the preliminary new cat breeds of The International Cat Association (TICA). This means that though Ojos Azules cats can participate in TICA sponsored cat shows, they cannot earn titles. But, the Ojos Azules cat breed may eventually be accepted as a championship cat breed.

Since the blue eyes are unexpected with most colored coats and patterns, Ojos Azules cats with coats colors that are not normally associated with blue eyes are preferred. Solid white Ojos Azules are discouraged from participating in cat shows since the blue-eyed white cat is not distinguishable from an Ojos Azules cat. Ojos Azules cats have medium-short coats that typically have patches of white coloring on the face, muzzle, tip of the tail, and toes of the hind feet.

The gene responsible for the blue eyes has been linked to fetal death in some Ojos Azules kittens. If an Ojos Azules kitten has both genes linked with the blue eyes, the Ojos Azules kitten will die in the womb due to cranial deformity. Healthy Ojos Azules kittens have only one of the mutated gene. Ojos Azules cats are generally described as having large eyes and a sweet expression. They should have a balanced appearance from the medium-sized ears to the tapering tail. Ojos Azules cats are friendly and playful.