Maine Coon Eye Facts
Maine Coon cats are renowned for their striking and expressive eyes. Their large, almond-shaped eyes are one of the breed’s most distinguishing characteristics, adding to their majestic, regal appearance.
In this article, we will explore the key features of a Maine Coon’s eyes, including their shape, color, health issues, and unique traits like heterochromia, as well as the age at which their eye color changes.
Shape And Size
Maine Coon cats are known for their large, oval-shaped eyes that are set wide apart. This gives them a curious, alert, and even slightly surprised look, enhancing their expression.
Their eyes are well-proportioned to their large heads and contribute to their imposing but gentle appearance.
The eye size and placement help amplify their facial features, making them stand out as one of the most striking and recognizable cat breeds.
Color
Maine Coons typically have large, expressive eyes that come in a range of colors. The most common colors include:
Green
Green is one of the most common eye colors for Maine Coons, especially in older cats. The percentage of Maine Coons with green eyes could be around 30% to 40%.
Green eyes in Maine Coons can vary in shade, from light to deep emerald tones.
Gold/Yellow
Gold and yellow are also common in the breed. Many tabby Maine Coons have this eye color, and it’s often associated with darker or brown tabby cats.
Cats with gold or yellow eyes likely make up about 25% to 35% of the Maine Coon population.
Copper
Copper-colored eyes are rare and are highly sought after. These deep, reddish-orange eyes are typically seen in certain darker or solid-colored Maine Coons.
Copper eyes are likely found in 5% to 10% of Maine Coons.
Blue
Blue eyes are relatively rare in Maine Coons but may be found in certain light-colored or silver-coated individuals.
Blue-eyed Maine Coons make up about 5% to 10% of the breed.
Odd-Eyed
In some rare cases, Maine Coons can have different colored eyes where one eye is a different color from the other, often with one eye being a vibrant blue and the other a golden, copper, or green shade. This condition is known as heterochromia.
Odd-eyed cats have inherited genetic traits that cause their eyes to develop different colors. The cause can be linked to specific mutations that influence pigmentation in the iris.
These cats are considered rare, and this trait is particularly admired in Maine Coons. While it’s often seen as a random genetic quirk, it’s not an indicator of any health issues.
The percentage of odd-eyed Maine Coons is around 1% to 2%.
When Do Their Eyes Change Color?
Like most cats, Maine Coons are born with blue eyes, which is common in newborn kittens of many breeds. As they grow, the eye color starts to change around 6 to 8 weeks of age.
By the time they are 12 weeks old, their adult eye color begins to emerge, though the full change may not be completed until the cat reaches 4 to 6 months of age.
The eye color of a Maine Coon is determined by genetics, and while kittens start with blue eyes, they will eventually transition to the color they will retain for life.
Eye Health Issues
While Maine Coon cats are generally healthy, they are not immune to eye health problems. Below are some common eye issues that can affect Maine Coons, along with their symptoms and treatment options.
1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the eyelid and covers the eyeball. It can be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants.
Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge (clear or green)
- Squinting
- Excessive Tearing
Treatment can involve:
- Veterinary-prescribed antibiotics
- Antiviral eye drops or ointments
2. Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is an open sore or wound on the surface of the eye, which can be caused by:
- Trauma
- Infection
- Certain underlying conditions
Symptoms include:
- Squinting
- Excessive blinking
- Watery eyes
- Cloudiness or opacity in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
Prompt veterinary care is required to prevent complications, including the use of special eye drops and sometimes a protective collar.
3. Uveitis
Uveitis is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (the uvea). It can be caused by:
- Infections
- Injuries
- Autoimmune disorders
Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Squinting
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Cloudy appearance of the eye
Anti-inflammatory medications and possibly antibiotics or antiviral drugs are prescribed depending on the underlying cause.
4. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them moist, leading to irritation and potential damage to the cornea.
Symptoms include:
- Red, inflamed eyes
- Excessive blinking
- Thick discharge
- Squinting
Treatment involves artificial tear drops or ointments, or in severe cases, surgery to stimulate tear production.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to blindness if not treated.
Symptoms include:
- Dilated pupils
- Redness in the eye
- Cloudy cornea
- Behavioral changes (like pawing at the eye)
To treat this condition medications to reduce eye pressure or surgery in extreme cases can be used.
6. Retinal Degeneration
Retinal degeneration refers to the gradual loss of retinal cells, leading to vision loss. This can be hereditary in Maine Coons.
Symptoms include:
- Decreased vision
- Particularly at night
- Dilated pupils
- Behavioral changes such as bumping into objects
There is no cure but management may involve supplements to help preserve eye health and prevent further degeneration.
How Eye Color is Determined
Eye color in Maine Coon cats is determined by genetics, specifically the amount and distribution of melanin (pigment) in the iris.
The genes responsible for eye color are closely linked to coat color genetics, but they function independently in many cases.
The two main factors that influence Maine Coon eye color are:
- Melanin Production – More melanin results in darker eye colors (gold, copper), while less melanin results in lighter eye colors (green, blue).
- Gene Interactions – Various genes control pigmentation and can influence the shade of green, gold, or blue in a cat’s eyes.
Genes Influencing Eye Color
While no single gene has been fully isolated as the “eye color gene,” here are some genetic factors that contribute to different eye colors in Maine Coons:
- OCA2 Gene (Oculocutaneous Albinism 2) – Regulates melanin production in the eyes, skin, and fur. Variations in this gene influence lighter or darker eye colors.
- TYR Gene (Tyrosinase) – Impacts melanin synthesis; defects can lead to albinism and blue eyes.
- ASIP Gene (Agouti Signaling Protein) – Affects coat color and may also influence eye pigmentation.
- KIT Gene (White Spotting Gene) – Plays a role in odd-eyed Maine Coons (heterochromia), where one eye is blue and the other is gold or green.
How Different Eye Colors Develop
1. Green Eyes (Most Common In Maine Coons)
- Green eyes are caused by low to moderate levels of melanin in the iris.
- The specific shade of green (light green, emerald, or yellow-green) depends on the balance between melanin and the structural reflection of light.
- Green eye color is dominant over blue and results from normal pigmentation genes without excessive suppression of melanin.
2. Gold/Yellow Eyes (Common: Brown Tabbies & Solids)
- Higher melanin levels lead to rich gold or yellow eye colors.
- Variations in the OCA2 gene can make the gold tone darker (toward copper) or lighter (toward yellow).
- This color is common in tabbies and darker-colored Maine Coons.
3. Copper Eyes (Rare, Higher Melanin Levels)
- Copper eyes contain the highest amount of melanin among non-blue eye colors.
- This is a result of intensified pigmentation genes, likely controlled by TYR and OCA2.
- Found in darker solid-colored Maine Coons, such as black or dark brown tabbies.
4. Blue Eyes (Rare, Linked to White Coat Or Albinism Genes)
- Blue eyes do not contain melanin. Instead, they appear blue due to the way light scatters in the iris (Rayleigh scattering).
- Maine Coons with blue eyes typically have:
- The dominant white gene (W gene), that suppresses melanin in the eyes and fur.
- The Siamese-type albinism gene, which restricts melanin production based on temperature-sensitive pigmentation.
- The white spotting gene (KIT), that causes one or both eyes to lack melanin.
5. Odd-Eyed (Heterochromia, One Blue Eye and One Gold/Green Eye)
- Odd-eyed Maine Coons are rare and result from the white spotting gene (KIT) or dominant white gene (W).
- These genes can block melanin from reaching one eye while allowing it in the other.
- Usually seen in partially white cats (not fully white) due to incomplete suppression of melanin.
