Expert: W - 7/16/2007

Question
Hello doctor
Again I've a question for you!I just want to know is that right that white Persians with blue or odd eyes are barren or deaf or they have some disorders inside their eyes?I've asked some breeders.some of them told me that it's just a rumor whereas some other insist on this that there are some disorders with these cats.what about the Himalayan cats?I've heard that Himalayas also have some problems because of their blue eyes.
I've always loved to have a white Persian with blue eyes but I have been hesitating because i don't want to have a barren cat.
Thanks a lot
Soheil

Answer
Ho Soheil
You will not have a barren cat, the colour of the coat and the colour of the eyes dont have anything to do with fertility. White cats with blue eyes may present themselves with a deaf gene, meaning the cat may well be deaf. The only problem with a deaf cat is that it cannot hear it's kittens when they are crying out. It is therefore not considered to be a suitable parent but if you decide to care for the cat and litter it could well survive and do well. It is also dangerous to allow a deaf cat out as it cannot hear cars or traffic and may get run over.
Unfortunately you could not show such a cat at a cat show as it would be disqualified.
Because of these problems it could be difficult to get a white persian with blue eyes from a breeder as they would be checking their lines and if they suspect something like this turning up then they may well not carry out such a mating.