Meet Olive, the stunning cat from Derbyshire, UK, who is turning heads on social media due to her rare genetic condition called sectoral heterochromia. This condition gives Olive striking two-colored eyes, with each eye divided into blue and yellow hemispheres. Olive, a 4-year-old Oriental crossbreed with Siamese traits, has a white coat that enhances the unique beauty of her eyes.
Olive’s captivating appearance has earned her a significant following on Instagram, where she goes by the name “Odd Eyed Olive.” Despite her unusual eye color, Olive’s owner, Kim, initially chose her for her charming personality rather than her distinctive features. As Olive grew, her sectoral heterochromia became more pronounced, making her a truly unique and eye-catching feline.
Sectoral heterochromia is a rare form of heterochromia, a condition caused by differences in melanin concentration and distribution. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving color to eyes, hair, and skin. While heterochromia can occur in both humans and animals, Olive’s specific form is exceptionally rare, even among all-white cats.
Olive’s mesmerizing gaze tells a fascinating genetic backstory. Typically, kittens are born with blue eyes that change color as they start producing melanin. Olive’s friend Charlie, another cat with striking blue eyes, retains his blue eyes throughout his life. Notably, many white cats with blue eyes are deaf, but Olive, with her perfect hearing and vision, defies this common association.
Despite her unique appearance, Olive is adored by her fans, who see her as a beautiful and captivating creature. She shares her adventures on Instagram, often seen snuggling with her boyfriend, Charlie, who also boasts striking blue eyes. Olive’s charming antics and stunning eyes have made her an internet sensation, showcasing the beauty that can arise from genetic variations in our animal companions.