If you want to get noticed in the sea of Instagram models and influencers, it helps to have a unique look. And Joseph has just that.
Joseph, a Scottish Fold cat from Russia, has some seriously stunning eyes. One iris is bright yellow, while the other is icy blue.
"When I saw his photo I didn't believe he was real,” pet parent Evgenii Petrov told the Daily Mail.
Joseph was the last of his litter to find a home. However, like Petrov, the Internet loves his one-of-a-kind peepers. Since joining social media, Joseph has acquired quite the fan base.
Joseph’s condition is unusual, but not exceedingly rare in cats. Heterochromia – also referred to as “odd eyes” – occurs due to a defect in pigment cells, explains Dr. Lauren Jones, a veterinarian in the Philadelphia area.
While any color combination is possible, blue commonly occurs because blue irises lack pigment.
There are several forms of heterochromia; two are congenital, and one develops secondary to other eye diseases, says Jones. Congenital heterochromia irides occurs in cats and dogs, and is considered a normal variation in eye color. Congenital heterochromia iridis usually affects dogs and is associated with eye problems including cataracts and retinal dysplasia.
“Provided that no other eye problems are present, heterochromia does not typically affect vision,” says Jones.
White cats, such as Jospeh, are more likely to have heterochromia, adds Jones. Entirely white cats with blue eyes may be deaf due to the absence of melanin in the cilia within the ear.
Petrov reports that Joseph is perfectly healthy and has no vision problems, like most of his fellow felines with heterochromia.
“For most cats, heterochromia it is not a sign of health problems,” says Jones. “But it’s still important for a vet to do a full eye exam to rule out problems.”