Cat Breed Profile: Ojos Azules

The term 'Ojos Azules' is Spanish for 'blue eyes' - which describes the most recognizable trait of this relatively new cat breed. The animal's captivatingly bright blue eyes are seemingly unrelated to the color of their coat, which is highly unusual. One of the rarest domestic feline breeds, the Ojos Azules first appeared among feral cat colonies in New Mexico in the mid 1980s.

Physical Characteristics of an Ojos Azules

The Ojos Azules cat generally has a short, silky coat in a variety of colors; there have been a few long hair varieties reported as well. The cat's markings are varied, with no distinguishable fur patterns linked specifically with the breed. The mutated gene that causes the blue eyes may also cause a bit of white patching commonly found on the tips of the tail and the feet of the Ojos Azules.

This feline generally has a medium-sized frame and a triangular-shaped head with an angular muzzle. The most distinctive characteristic of the Ojos Azules is, as mentioned, the wide, brilliant blue eyes. Before the discovery of the Ojos Azules, blue eyes were only found in cats with point coloration or white cats. The richness and depth of blue color in the Ojos Azules eyes has been described as greater than or similar to the blue eyes of a Siamese cat, and does not cause squinting or the cross-eyed trait.

Grooming Requirements of an Ojos Azules Cat

Ojos Azules cats are fairly easy to groom. As with all cats, attention should be given to the ears, eyes and coat.

Gently clean the ear lobes with a damp cotton ball, removing the large pieces of wax and dirt. If debris is trapped within the ear cartilage, very carefully remove it with a moistened cotton-tip applicator. Do not stick the applicator down into the ear canal!

Clean the cat's eyes by wiping a soft cloth or cotton pad moistened with tepid water across the lower eyelids - careful not to touch the eyeball itself.

Gently comb the Ojos Azules from the front to the back as often as is needed to keep shedding and matting to a minimum.

Personality Traits of an Ojos Azules

The behavior and overall personality of the Ojos Azules is largely unknown due to the limited number of these cats in existence.

A Word of Caution about the Ojos Azules Breed

Owing to the discovery that cranial defects may be linked to the dominate gene, breeding of the Ojos Azules was temporarily suspended pending a genetic investigation. Recently, breeding has resumed in a small and very cautious way with a great deal of effort to perpetuate this lovely cat breed without the fatal genetic defects.

Because of the slow and deliberate genetic analysis required to continue the development of the Ojos Azules breed, there is sparse data on the cat's behavior, personality, temperament, or even long term health.

With so many problems associated with breeding the Ojos Azules, most cat breeders have chosen not to get involved with this cat.

Animal shelters and rescue sites are full of sweet and loving domestic cats waiting on a loving home. Consider adopting from your local animal shelter. And remember, taking on a new pet is a huge responsibility. You are making the decision to add a member to your family. Please do your homework. Carefully consider the decision before embarking on a path for which you may not be entirely ready. Each animal represents a life and deserves your love and respect.

Sources:
The Furry Critter Network
The Fanciers Breeder Referral List