15 Captivating Cats with Big Eyes: Must-Know Breeds Unveiled
Cats are known for distinct features like hair color, hair type, and notably, eye size. If you're searching for cats with big eyes, certain breeds will delight you. These cats can be exceptionally cute, often reminiscent of anime characters. Breeds with large eyes include familiar names like the Persian, and more exotic ones like the Tonkinese or Singapura.
Cats communicate through their eyes. Pupil size, blinking, and staring can signal their thoughts and actions. Larger eyes provide better insight into what your cat is thinking.
Here are the top 15 cat breeds known for their large eyes.
What Your Cat Is Saying With Its Eyes
Breed Characteristics
Medically speaking, big-eyed cat breeds do not have a higher tendency to have eye conditions as a group. However, of the top big-eyed breeds, Persians and Burmese are more prone to cataracts, a condition when the eye lens becomes white and cloudy. All cats, no matter the breed, can develop cataracts in their old age.
01 of 15
Cornish Rex
Often popping up on the list of curly-coated cats or best hypoallergenic cats, the Cornish rex is no stranger to being at the top of specialty cat breeds. But this time, it’s for this breed's captivating gaze.
The Cornish rex has a triangle-shaped head that lends to their oval-shaped eyes' prominent position and size. The eyes are often gold in color, though green, blue, brown, and hazel eyes are also possible.
These are easygoing kitties that enjoy being around people, and some are quite vocal. Their unique coat doesn’t shed much but can become oily.
Breed Overview
02 of 15
Devon Rex
Similar to the Cornish rex, the Devon rex usually gains fame for their curly coat. However, this breed also has large oval-shaped eyes that give an out-of-this-world look. The svelte body paired with the large eyes and wide, triangular ears mean these cats command attention when they saunter into a room.
All shades of eye color are possible in a Devon rex, though cats with a mink-colored coat will often have aqua eyes, and cats with a colorpoint coat often sport beautiful blue eyes.
This hypoallergenic cat breed doesn’t shed much. And these outgoing cats are highly trainable.
Breed Overview
03 of 15
Singapura
One of the tiniest felines also happens to be a cat breed with the most enormous eyes. The Singapura, which originated in the streets of Singapore, is The International Cat Association's (TICA) smallest registered cat breed.
This cat is best known for their large, expressive eyes and affectionate, playful nature. The Singapura’s almond-shaped eyes are hazel, green, or yellow. The large, wide-open eyes are an integral characteristic of the breed. The breed standard states explicitly that small eyes are a severe fault for this breed.
These attractive little cats are social and affectionate. They don’t do well when they’re left alone for too long, so they aren’t best for people who are too busy.
Breed Overview
04 of 15
Sphynx
Usually known for their hairless skin, the sphynx is also known for their arresting gaze and nearly human-like expressions (and personality). Maybe it’s the lack of facial fur, but there’s no denying that the sphynx will draw you in with large and uniquely shaped eyes.
The breed standard describes the eyes as “lemon-shaped,” with the eyes of this cat breed having a wide-open center that comes to a point at either side of the eye. While a variety of eye colors are possible for this cat breed, icy blue, aqua, and green shades especially highlight the big gaze of the sphynx.
Sphynx cats like being around people and other pets, including other cats, so they make wonderful family pets. Because they are hairless, care needs to be taken to support the health of their skin.
Breed Overview
05 of 15
Persian
Perhaps owing to the Persian’s small, flat face, the round, full eyes are prominent in this exotic-looking cat breed. Persians are also known for sporting bright blue, green, or copper peepers that strike a beautiful contrast with their long, fluffy coats. However, odd-eyes or heterochromia (one blue, one copper) is also possible.
These cats are described as affectionate, sweet, and mellow. They do need a lot of grooming to keep their coat healthy, and they can get tear stains.
Breed Overview
06 of 15
Scottish Fold
The most distinctive feature of the Scottish fold might be their ears, which appear to fold over and lay flat against the head. But not to be overlooked is the fact that the Scottish fold has rounded, large eyes that, together with their ears, give these cats a quintessentially cute look.
Scottish fold eye colors include copper, gold, blue, and green. They are notably well-rounded in shape. The broad nose in the center of the face separates the eyes.
These cats are friendly and easygoing, but because they are prone to osteochondrodysplasia, which is a genetic skeletal disease that impacts cartilage and bone development, the breeding of these cats is controversial.
Breed Overview
07 of 15
Burmese
The Burmese cat as we know them today resulted from a cross of the native copper cat of Burma (Myanmar) with the Siamese. All Burmese cats trace their heritage to a female Burma kitty named Wong Mau. Another feature that all Burmese cats share is large round eyes in glowing green or gleaming gold.
These are energetic and playful cats. Even as adults, they have kitten-like personalities, and they are also so devoted that they’re compared to dogs.
Breed Overview
08 of 15
Tonkinese
Gaze into the eyes of a Tonkinese kitty, and you may not be able to look away. In addition to having large, rounded eyes, these cats have exotic eye colors like aqua, sky blue, violet, and gold.
The breed developed as a cross between the Burmese and the Siamese, which have striking coat colors and varied genes. Together, this heritage gives the Tonkinese big, colorful, unique-looking eyes.
These cats love people, and thrive on interactions with their family. They even get along great with kids and other pets.
Breed Overview
09 of 15
Russian Blue
The beautiful Russian blue is another top cat breed with big eyes. These cats have triangular heads with round, wide-set eyes that always seem to be watching you—except for when a cat nap is in progress.
What’s most interesting about this cat breed’s eyes is the fact that all kittens are born with yellow eyes. As the kitten matures, the eyes will slowly transition to green, the expected eye color of this big-eyed cat.
In addition to their gorgeous eyes, Russian blues have a shimmery blue coat. They are gentle and kind, but they can be shy around strangers.
Breed Overview
10 of 15
British Shorthair
Nearly all features of the British shorthair are round, and the eyes of this cat breed are no exception. These cats have large, round, and well-opened eyes. Pictures of the breed often feature a blue coat paired with gorgeous gold eyes, but many coat colors and eye colors are possible, including green, blue, and copper.
These cats are easygoing and make great family pets because they can get along with kids and other pets. They are also quiet and affectionate, but they aren’t needy.
Breed Overview
11 of 15
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is an exotic-looking cat for many reasons, not the least of which is their large and expressive eyes. Interestingly, these cats have somewhat almond-shaped eyes that are fairly unique in the feline world. This cat's peepers have a distinctive angled corner and aren’t the typical round shape of many large-eyed cat breeds.
A unique feature of Abyssinian cat eyes is a thin dark line that encircles the eye, providing high contrast to the often light green or golden eye color.
Abyssinians are playful, active, and social. They need attention and mental and physical stimulation daily. It’s best to have more than one cat so they can keep each other company.
Breed Overview
12 of 15
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a cat breed with round eyes that seem to be always alert and ever-expressive. A national treasure in France, the Chartreux cat has a uniform blue-gray coat, and the eyes are also somewhat standard in color, ranging from copper to gold. The most desirable eye color is a deep orange hue that nicely complements the Chartreux’s blue coat.
This cat is smart, so you can give them puzzle toys and teach them to perform tricks. And their coat has a slightly woolly texture, so use a comb instead of a bristle brush when grooming your cat.
Breed Overview
13 of 15
Ocicat
Unique in their leopard-like appearance, the ocicat has large, almond-shaped eyes. They angle upwards in the corner and are somewhat wide-set. There should be more than the width of an eye in between each eye, according to the breed guidelines.
Ocicats have diverse genes, and the eye color can vary significantly, with all eye colors acceptable for the breed except for blue.
Ocicats look like little wild cats, but they are friendly, social, and dog-like. They’re also curious and intelligent, but don’t like to be alone for long periods.
Breed Overview
14 of 15
Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is a long-haired breed with huge, expressive eyes that can be found in all shades. They are sometimes confused with the Ragdoll breed. The Ragamuffin has walnut-shaped eyes and a distinct scoop to the nose profile. On the other hand, the Ragdoll has almond-shaped eyes, and the nose is sloped, not scooped.
This cat is adaptable and calm, and gets along with kids and other pets. Their coat isn’t hard to care for, and they don’t shed excessively.
Breed Overview
15 of 15
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese bobtail is perhaps best known for sporting a short bobbed tail, but their eyes are also large and round and come in an attractive range of colors. Heterochromia or having odd-eye colors is not uncommon with this breed. The breed standard accepts heterochromia.
These playful and intelligent cats are good-natured. They learn quickly, and they enjoy the company of their humans.
Breed Overview
Breeds to Avoid
Macrophthalmia refers to a congenital condition where either the eye or eyes are abnormally large. It is extremely rare but can occur during fetal development in any breed.
This condition usually indicates the lens is detached (luxation), the presence of cataracts and glaucoma, and that the cat is generally blind.
Macrophthalmia is likely passed down as a genetic error. Blind cats make up for their vision loss with hearing and smell senses and can live happy and healthy lives. However, it's considered inhumane to breed cats that have macrophthalmia.
Cats may not show discomfort, but if the eye pressure is causing the eye to bulge, it can cause discomfort or pain, and a veterinary specialist should remove the eyeball to alleviate the pain.
