Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat's eye color changed. Is this normal, or should I be worried?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

Hi! My cat has changed eye color from bright green to orange brown. Should I be worried, is it normal?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 7th, 2016

It is common for kittens to undergo an eye color change. If your cat is an older cat though, it may signify infection or more serious underlying disease. Any sudden change in eye color should be addressed by your vet or veterinary ophthalmologist.

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 15th, 2019
This can be normal, and if the color changed started when she was four months old, that's the right time for it to happen. If there are no other symptoms and she is acting perfectly normal, I would not be worried.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on May 22nd, 2019
There is not a photo attached to this post. I recommend to get a second opinion with another veterinarian. The iris can change due to a few conditions including freckling, FIV and iris melanoma (a type of cancer). A physical exam is needed to look at the iris. Testing for FIV is generally straight forward and involves a simple blood draw and can generally be done during the same visit. It's best to get this checked out sooner rather than later. so try to get this done within the next couple days. I hope this helps. Please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on June 12th, 2019
I think it depends on the lighting and how dilated her pupils are at the time. Totally normal! The iris has many different color filaments in it and depending on the shape and amount of light hitting them, they may appear a different shade.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

My nursing cat's eye color changed, and she won't eat. Is she sick?

A cat's eyes can change color when they are kittens, that is normal. This turning away of a food she normally loves may not be normal and can be a sign of illness. This is why it's important to get her checked out by a vet for it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's green eye is turning brown. Could cat litter be why?

I would be concerned that Ball might have inflammation in his eye that has caused the color change to his iris - this condition is known as anterior uveitis and can have many potential underlying causes. Growths on the iris might be another possibility. I'd recommend having his eyes examined by your vet. They may want to check the eye pressure.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My older cat's eye changed color and is red. Is she going blind now?

Color changes in the eye can be something benign like iris freckles but it can also indicate a cancer called an iris melanoma. I recommend to get Prada into the veterinarian right away for an exam. If you catch things early, you have a much better prognosis. Other issues, if its not the iris, could be conceal edema, or glaucoma. Both require treatment. Cats don't generally go blind like dogs can. I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 12-year-old cat's blue eyes changed. Is it age or a health issue?

This can be a sign of a systemic disease. The inflammation in the eye can be a serious problem that needs treatment. I recommend a veterinary exam and lab testing to diagnose the problem and start him on the appropriate treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Loty.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten's eye is suddenly milky and red. Is it an emergency?

the most common causes are an eye infection or an eye injury (most commonly a scratch on the cornea). If the color of the cornea seems to be changing, i would consider it as an emergency, the damage to the eye might not be reversible if you wait until a monday apointment. if it is just a milky discharge, then it may be ok to wait until monday if it doesn't get worse in the meantime.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why did my cat's bright green eyes turn dull and yellowish-orange?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rajah. It is not uncommon for eye color to change a bit as kittens and puppies mature. The change you have observed is likely not problematic, but you can attach a picture from then and now if you would like more insight. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a dark eye spot. Vet says it's nothing. Should I worry?

Brittany is beautiful! It is common that cats will have color changes in the iris (the colored part of the eye) that will appear darker or almost like a freckle. If your vet has examined Brittany and told you that it is nothing to worry about, then I would just monitor it. It should not change appearance over time or appear to be getting thicker. If that happens, then I would have your veterinarian examine it again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share