Do All Black Cats Have Green Eyes? Facts, Characteristics & Supersititions
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Not all black cats are like those depicted in stories and mainstream media, with suspicious-looking green eyes. While green is the most common eye color for black cats, they can also have blue or yellow eyes.
Do All Black Cats Have Green Eyes?
No, not all black cats have green eyes. Black cats can have a variety of eye colors, including green, yellow, blue, and even copper. However, green is indeed the most common eye color for black cats.
While cats of any breed can have green eyes, there are certain cat breeds that more commonly have green eyes. These include:
- Sphynx
- Egyptian Mau
- Russian Blue
- Siamese
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Havana Brown
What Determines a Cat’s Eye Color?
A compound called melanin determines the color of a cat’s eyes. The more melanocytes (or cells containing melanin) that a cat has, the darker their eye color will be. Cats with green eyes have less melanin than other cats. Orange or gold-colored eyes have the most melanin.
Unlike humans, a cat’s eye color has nothing to do with genetics, so you can’t tell a kitten’s eye color by looking at those of their parents.
Superstitions Surrounding Black Cats With Green Eyes
A black cat with green eyes is a common symbol of superstitious belief. While some people believe that they assist humans in healing journeys, others believe that they are a source of bad magic.
In the Middle Ages, black cats were considered to be witches’ helpers. That association with bad luck and misfortune was brought to the United States. While most of us today know that there’s no truth to these stories, black cats can still be found next to witches on Halloween decorations. Most depictions show them with green eyes.
In other places around the world, however, including Ireland, Scotland, and Japan, black cats with green eyes are seen as signs of good luck. People even carry around black cats on key chains and pendants as lucky charms.
Unique Characteristics of Black Cats
Black cats are interesting creatures with an incredible history that threads throughout spirituality and superstition.
- There are 22 registered breeds of black cats, more breeds than cats of any other color.
- Black cats were worshipped by the Ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian goddess Bastet was a black cat. Harming one, even if it was by accident, was a crime punishable by death.
- Black cats are adopted less often than cats of other colors. Despite efforts to dispel misconceptions about black cats, they still have lower adoption rates than cats of other colors. Most black cats are lovable, sweet natured, and perfect additions to your home!
Final Thoughts
While green is the most popular eye color among black cats, they can have other eye colors. A cat’s eye color isn’t determined by their fur color or their genetics but by how much melanin their body produces. Regardless of a black cat’s eye color, it tends to stand out against their luxurious fur.
Featured Image Credit: Alexandra Morosanu, Shutterstock
