Crossed Eyes in Cats

Cats are known for their graceful agility, sharp vision, and keen senses, but some cats possess a feature that makes them stand out even more: crossed eyes. Also known as strabismus, crossed eyes can give a cat a distinctive, quirky look. This condition is more common in some breeds and may be inherited, but it can also occur due to underlying health issues. Let’s explore what crossed eyes mean in cats, their causes, and whether this trait impacts a cat’s health or quality of life.

     

Crossed Eyes in Cats: What Does It Mean?

Crossed eyes, or strabismus, occur when a cat’s eyes don’t align in the usual manner. In strabismus, the eyes may point inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), or show vertical misalignment (hypertropia or hypotropia). Crossed eyes are a result of a misalignment in the muscles or nerves that control the eyes, and the severity of this misalignment can vary. In cats, it can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.

Some people may find the appearance of crossed eyes endearing, and in many cases, it doesn’t seem to affect a cat’s overall health. However, understanding the underlying causes and whether any health risks are associated with it is essential to ensure a cat’s well-being.

Is Crossed Eyes Bad for Cats?

Whether crossed eyes are “bad” for a cat depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In many cases, strabismus in cats is harmless and does not impact their vision, coordination, or quality of life. Cats with congenital strabismus often adapt well to the alignment of their eyes, maintaining good depth perception and focus, especially if both eyes are equally affected.

However, if strabismus is acquired later in life, it could indicate underlying health issues such as neurological disorders, injuries, infections, or problems with the eye muscles. In these cases, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian, as acquired strabismus might be a sign of more serious medical concerns. Signs that may indicate a problem include:

• Sudden onset of crossed eyes:
  If a cat’s eyes suddenly become crossed, it may point to an injury, nerve damage, or illness that requires immediate attention.
• Changes in behavior or coordination:
  If a cat begins to struggle with balance, has trouble moving around obstacles, or starts showing signs of dizziness, it could indicate that the strabismus is affecting their spatial awareness.
• Eye irritation or inflammation:
  If the strabismus is accompanied by redness, swelling, or discharge, it could be a symptom of an infection or injury.

In most cases where strabismus is congenital or breed-related, cats are unaffected by it in terms of health and vision. Nevertheless, a check-up with a veterinarian is always a good idea to ensure no underlying health concerns are present.

What Causes Crossed Eyes in Cats?

Crossed eyes in cats can stem from a variety of factors. Below are some common causes:

Genetics:
In many cats, especially those of certain breeds, strabismus is hereditary and results from a genetic predisposition. Siamese cats, for instance, are known for their cross-eyed appearance due to specific genetic traits.

Neurological factors:
The muscles responsible for eye alignment are controlled by the brain and nervous system. If there’s damage to the nerves controlling these muscles, such as due to trauma, brain lesions, or infections, strabismus can develop.

Eye muscle abnormalities:
If the eye muscles are not evenly matched in strength or length, they may not pull equally on each eye, leading to misalignment.

Vestibular system issues:
The vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation, can influence eye alignment. In cats with vestibular disorders, symptoms may include head tilting, loss of balance, and in some cases, strabismus.

Injury or trauma:
Head trauma or injury to the eyes can disrupt the eye muscles or nerves, causing strabismus.

Eye disease or infection:
Certain infections or inflammations in the eye, such as feline herpesvirus or toxoplasmosis, may impact eye movement and lead to temporary or permanent misalignment.

In cases where strabismus is caused by genetics, it typically appears in kittens and remains stable throughout their life without affecting their well-being. However, if strabismus develops suddenly or progressively in an adult cat, a veterinary evaluation is necessary.

Does Cross-Eyed Condition Run in Cat Families?

Yes, crossed eyes can be inherited, and this trait can indeed run in cat families. In breeds like the Siamese, the crossed-eye condition is a genetic trait passed down through generations. This hereditary trait is not associated with a specific disease but rather with the genetic makeup of the breed. In Siamese cats, for example, the eye-crossing results from a unique neural wiring that affects the visual pathways, which tends to “confuse” the brain into aligning the eyes inward.

While crossed eyes in cats are usually a genetic trait, it’s essential to remember that breeding two cats with strabismus doesn’t guarantee that their offspring will have crossed eyes. However, the likelihood is higher within breeds known for this trait or in families where it is more common. In mixed-breed cats, strabismus as an inherited trait is rarer but still possible.

How Rare Are Cross-Eyed Cats?

Crossed eyes are relatively uncommon among the general cat population, especially outside of specific breeds. In mixed-breed and domestic cats, strabismus is rare, often only occurring as a result of injury, illness, or developmental abnormalities. Within certain breeds, however, such as Siamese and related Oriental breeds, crossed eyes are much more common. This unique trait can add to the charm of these breeds and is even celebrated by some cat enthusiasts.

While strabismus in cats is less frequently seen compared to dogs, where the condition is more commonly observed, its rarity in most cats makes it an intriguing and memorable trait in those who do have it.

What Cat Breeds Have Strabismus?

Several cat breeds are known to have a higher incidence of strabismus. The most well-known is the Siamese cat, though a few other breeds with Siamese lineage or related traits may also display this characteristic:

Siamese:
Siamese cats are most famous for their crossed eyes. Their strabismus is linked to a unique neural wiring in their visual system, where the brain processes visual information differently. Although not all Siamese cats have strabismus, it’s more common within this breed than others.

Himalayan:
Himalayans, a cross between Siamese and Persian cats, sometimes inherit the cross-eyed trait from their Siamese ancestors. While less common than in Siamese cats, it’s still occasionally seen in this breed.

Burmese:
Some Burmese cats, although not as prone to strabismus as Siamese, may display slight eye-crossing, often as a result of their close genetic ties to Oriental breeds.

Balinese:
The Balinese, essentially a long-haired Siamese, can also inherit strabismus. This breed shares many physical and genetic characteristics with the Siamese, including the occasional tendency for crossed eyes.

Tonkinese:
Tonkinese cats, a cross between Siamese and Burmese, sometimes inherit the genetic predisposition for strabismus, though it’s less pronounced than in the Siamese.

These breeds often carry the genes that contribute to the crossed-eye appearance, making strabismus relatively more common. In these breeds, strabismus is generally considered a harmless trait and is part of their distinctiveness.

Final Thoughts

Crossed eyes in cats, or strabismus, is a unique trait that can make cats appear endearingly quirky. For most cats with congenital or breed-related strabismus, the condition does not pose any health risks and does not affect their quality of life. However, if strabismus appears suddenly in a previously unaffected cat, or if there are accompanying behavioral or physical symptoms, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues. Crossed eyes add charm to many cats, especially within breeds known for this feature, and are often embraced as part of their unique personality and look.