Ojos Azules cat

Unrecognized breed.

The history of Ojos Azules cat started on 1984 in New Mexico ((UNITED STATES)UU.), when a family discovered a colony of stray cats, some of whose members had intense blue eyes. Their attention focused on a tortoiseshell cat that they took in and called Cornflower.

She was bred with other unrelated cats and gave birth to kittens, some with the same eyes. More intense than the Siamese cat, this blue color is not linked to the color of the cat's fur, and the gene responsible for it does not cause strabismus or deafness, unlike other blue-eyed cats.

In fact, regardless of race, it is the absence of melanin in the iris that makes the cat's eye blue. But, the cause of this absence is not the same; in the case of Ojos Azules, it is a hitherto unknown gene that is in the origin.

It was the discovery of this new gene, that allowed to have cats with dark fur and blue eyes, without being affected by strabismus or deafness, which led to the International Cat Association (TICA) to recognize this breed in 1991 and to set a standard, although at that time it was still very rare. In fact, in 1992 they only registered 10 specimens.

But, Later research showed that the gene responsible for blue eyes was also responsible for a life-threatening cranial deformity. A subsequent investigation by the DRA. Solveig Pflueger, judge and president of the TICA Genetics Committee since its creation in 1979, confirmed the link. But, at the same time he discovered that the gene is Heterozygosity, so these dangerous cranial deformities can be avoided by crossing a blue-eyed individual with a standard-eyed individual. This led to prohibiting the breeding of two Ojos Azules cats together.

At the same time, a Ojos Azules in Australia, although no specimen had been imported there. This led breeders to believe that this mutation could occur spontaneously in the domestic cat population..

In France, the LOOF (Livre Officiel des Origines Francaises) established a standard for Blue Eyes in 2004.

But, contrary to what is usually observed, recognition of the breed by reference bodies did not lead to its expansion: the Ojos Azules still one of the rarest feline breeds in the world, and the number of breeders remains confidential. In fact, in 2019, both the TICA and the LOOF eliminated the Ojos Azules from the list of recognized breeds.

"Ojos Azules cat"

The main feature of the Ojos Azules cat It, as the name reflects, her magnificent deep blue eyes.

Otherwise, the standards describe a body rectangular with a fine and solid bone structure, well proportioned and flexible: it is about, because, of a semi-linear cat. The legs hind legs are slightly longer than front and legs, round or oval, they are rather small and delicate. The tail is of medium length and tapers to the tip.

The head it is triangular seen from the front, with prominent cheekbones and a slightly rounded forehead in profile, followed by a slight stop at the beginning of the nose. The ears medians are rounded, while the muzzle is rather square. The eyes they are almost round and as big as possible. Different colored eyes are tolerated, being one of them blue and the other green, gold or copper.

The fur it can be short or medium long and has a silky smooth texture. All colors and patterns are accepted, except for the White, to distinguish this breed from the usual white cats with blue eyes.

The gene responsible for blue eyes also usually gives white markings on the tips of the legs, ears and tail.

• Size: 30 cm.
• Weight: Of 4 to 6 kg

By recognizing the Ojos Azules in 1991, the TICA (International Cat Association) distinguished between two different varieties in the first published standard: the Ojos Azules Shorthair and the Ojos Azules Longhair, having a medium length coat.

The rarity of Ojos Azules cats makes it difficult - even dangerous- draw conclusions about their character. But, owners of this breed describe them as affectionate, loyal, smart and playful.

The population of the Ojos Azules cats it is not large enough to have reliable information on possible health problems specific to this breed.

But, in the early days of the breed, some individuals were affected by a cranial deformity that was sometimes fatal.

A study carried out later on the specific gene of this breed that is at the origin of the color of its eyes made it possible to establish that it was enough not to breed two individuals with blue eyes.: being the gene Heterozygosity, kittens born from the union between a Blue Eyes and another cat that does not have blue eyes are protected from this risk of cranial deformation. In fact, this risk has already been eliminated: current specimens no longer suffer from this life-threatening malformation.

Of 12 to 15 years

The Ojos Azules cat It is an easy-care breed of cats: one brushing a week is enough to remove dead hair.

The teeth, the eyes and ears should also be checked once a week to avoid any risk of infection.

Last, if the claws are too long because they do not wear out naturally, it is necessary to trim them from time to time.

The Ojos Azules can be commercially fed, either with kibble or cat food. Quality industrial products provide all the nutrients and vitamins necessary for good health.

The rarity of Ojos Azules cats makes it very difficult to get one of these cats. The few specimens that exist are, Obviously, in the hands of breeders, and no kittens are officially available for sale.