Blue-Eye Syndrome (DBE) CEL

General description

A genetic variant of the PAX3 gene causes blue eyes in cats from the Celestial line. In addition to blue eyes, there is also evidence of health effects such as deafness, which currently require further research. Heterozygous cats are not believed to be at increased risk of deafness. Homozygous cats, as well as cats that also carry the DBEALT gene, should be avoided in breeding programs due to health issues.
There are reports of latent cats that carry the variant but do not themselves have blue eyes.

Breeds

Celestial, Maine Coon, Siberian