Ojos Azules

Ojos azules are a relatively new breed of domestic cat. Cats with dark blue eyes were discovered in New Mexico among cat populations. The first cat discovered was a tortoiseshell named Cornflower, who was found in 1984. She was bred to males without the trait which proved to be dominant as all her kittens showed it. The breed was founded and named Ojos Azules, in Spanish meaning literally 'Blue Eyes.' Ojos Azules are held distinct for their deep blue eyes. Unlike the blue eyes seen linked to bicolor cat genes and point coloration, both of which suppress pigmentation, this gene is not linked to any color or pattern, giving the opportunity to have dark colored blue eyed cats. The depth of color in the eyes is greater even than that seen in a [siamese cat], and does not cause squinting, deafness or cross eye. They are a very rare breed. In 1992, only ten were known. No true standard has been made, and no cat registration recognizes them. So far, only cats expressing the deep blue eye gene have been called Ojos Azules. Unfortunately. It was recently discovered that cranial defects may be linked to the gene, and breeding has died down.

Most information comes from Cat World, a Feline Dictionary by Desmond Morris, published in 1997.