Hazel-eyed cats have a gaze that seems to shift between warm gold, green, and rich brown, giving them a truly captivating look that draws you in. From elegant, pedigreed breeds to beloved mixed-breed companions, hazel eyes add an extra splash of personality and charm to a cat’s expression.
While not every feline will sport this unique shade, there are several breeds and coat types where hazel eyes appear more often, making them especially treasured by cat lovers around the world.
Whether you adore striking eye color or simply enjoy learning more about feline genetics, cats with hazel eyes are a fascinating and beautiful group to explore.
Cat Breeds with Hazel Eyes
1. Tonkinese
According to the Tonkinese Breed Association, the Tonkinese is known for its soft, blended coat colors and expressive eyes that can appear aqua, green, gold, or hazel depending on lighting and genetics.
This breed comes from crossing Siamese and Burmese cats, which explains its balanced look that sits neatly between slender and sturdy. Their eyes are especially eye-catching because the color often looks warm and shifting rather than flat.
Personality plays a big role in the Tonkinese appeal, as these cats are social, vocal, and deeply people-focused. They enjoy following their humans from room to room and tend to insert themselves into daily routines with confidence and curiosity. A bored Tonkinese will find its own entertainment, often in ways that make you laugh.
Eye color in Tonkinese cats is closely tied to coat pattern genetics, which allows for a wider range of shades compared to many other breeds. Hazel tones can show up as a mix of green and gold, giving the eyes a glowing depth. This natural variation is part of what makes each Tonkinese feel visually unique.
Care tips
Hazel-toned eyes may look different throughout the day, so natural light shows them best
Regular interaction helps keep their bright expression lively and alert
Mental stimulation supports overall eye and coat vibrancy
2. Abyssinian
As per Britannica, the Abyssinian is one of the oldest known cat breeds, admired for its ticked coat and alert, intelligent expression. Its almond-shaped eyes often appear gold, green, or hazel, framed by dark markings that make the gaze stand out even more. The overall look is athletic, curious, and always ready for action.
These cats are famous for their high energy and problem-solving skills, preferring exploration over lounging. Abyssinians love climbing, jumping, and supervising everything happening in their space, usually from the highest point available. They form strong bonds but prefer interactive play over constant cuddling.
Hazel eyes in Abyssinians tend to appear warm and earthy, blending beautifully with their rich coat colors. The eye shade can seem to change slightly depending on mood and surroundings, adding to their animated appearance. Their intense stare often feels like they are silently planning something clever.
Care tips
Bright eyes pair best with daily play that keeps them mentally sharp
Clean living spaces help their expressive eyes stay clear and noticeable
Natural movement and exercise enhance their alert, focused gaze
3. Somali
The Somali is often described as the long-haired cousin of the Abyssinian, carrying the same lively spirit with a softer, flowing coat. Their large, almond-shaped eyes can appear green, gold, or hazel, giving them a warm and curious expression. Combined with their bushy tail and ruff, the eyes feel especially prominent.
Purina states that this breed is playful, intelligent, and known for staying kitten-like well into adulthood. Somalis enjoy interactive games and tend to invent their own activities when left alone too long. They thrive in environments where curiosity is encouraged rather than restricted.
Hazel eyes in Somalis often appear rich and glowing, especially against their fox-like coloring. The eye color adds depth to their already expressive faces, making every look feel intentional. Their gaze often reflects both mischief and affection at the same time.
Care tips
Good grooming routines help keep attention on their striking eyes
Engaging play supports their bright, inquisitive expression
Calm environments allow subtle eye color tones to stand out
4. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is famous for its large size, tufted ears, and friendly, almost dog-like personality. Eye color in this breed can vary widely, and hazel tones may appear as kittens mature and their eyes settle into warmer shades. Their broad faces make eye color especially noticeable, giving them a gentle but powerful look.
These cats are known for being adaptable and easygoing, often fitting well into busy households. They enjoy human company without demanding constant attention, preferring to be nearby rather than on top of you. Many Maine Coons communicate with soft chirps, which adds charm to their already expressive faces.
Though all Maine coon kitties are born with blue eyes, the pigment-producing cells may shift subtly over time, influenced by genetics and development. The color often appears as a blend of green and gold that changes with angle and light reflecting on it. This evolving look adds to the breed’s reputation for visual depth and individuality.
Care tips
Observing eye color changes over time can be part of tracking healthy development
Gentle grooming keeps facial features, including eyes, looking clear and bright
Calm routines help highlight their relaxed, warm-eyed expression
5. Persian
Persians are instantly recognizable by their flat faces, long coats, and calm, elegant presence. Their large, round eyes come in several colors, and hazel can appear as a softer alternative to more vivid shades.
Copper and gold eyes are also common. Odd-eyed Persians are also common, where the cat may have two different eye colors, most commonly copper and blue. The eye shape gives them a permanently wide-eyed, gentle expression.
This breed is known for its quiet nature and preference for peaceful environments. Persians enjoy predictable routines and are more likely to lounge comfortably than race around the house. Their relaxed personality pairs well with cat parents who appreciate a slower pace.
Hazel eyes on a Persian often look warm and deep, standing out against their plush facial fur. Because the eyes are so prominent, subtle color variations are easy to notice. This makes hazel tones especially appealing, as they add richness without overpowering the cat’s overall look.
Care tips
Regular face cleaning helps keep eyes clear and comfortable
Soft lighting shows off warm eye tones without harsh contrast
Low stress spaces support their calm, open-eyed appearance
6. American Curl
The American Curl is best known for its backward curling ears, which give the breed a permanently curious look. Their eyes are large and walnut-shaped, appearing in many colors, including hazel. The combination of unique ears and expressive eyes makes their face especially memorable.
These cats are playful, people-oriented, and known for staying youthful in behavior well into adulthood. They enjoy interactive play and often greet visitors with interest rather than hiding. Their adaptable personality makes them comfortable in many types of homes.
Hazel eyes in American Curls often appear warm and balanced, complementing a wide range of coat colors. The eye shade can look softer or brighter depending on the mood and surroundings. This flexibility adds to their friendly, approachable expression.
Care tips
Regular play keeps their eyes alert and expressive
Watching the ear and eye areas together helps spot changes early
Positive social time enhances their bright, welcoming gaze
7. Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthairs have a sleek body, long lines, and an unmistakably dramatic presence. They most commonly have large, striking green eyes that are almond-shaped and set wide apart, and may appear hazel in some individuals. The head shape naturally draws attention straight to the eyes.
This breed is extremely social and vocal, often holding long conversations with its favorite humans. Oriental Shorthairs thrive on attention and dislike being ignored, making them ideal for interactive households. Their emotional expressiveness shows clearly in their eyes.
Hazel eyes on an Oriental Shorthair can look especially striking due to the breed’s fine bone structure and short coat. The color often appears intense and focused, amplifying their already dramatic stare. The hazel green eyes pop out more on the black and white cat color, which is more common in Orientals.
Care tips
Frequent interaction keeps their eyes lively and engaged
Clean environments help maintain a clear, sharp eye appearance
Mental stimulation supports their focused, expressive look
Conclusion
Hazel-eyed cats have a look that feels warm, changeable, and a little mysterious, whether they show up in a sleek Oriental Shorthair or a fluffy Persian. As hazel is not the most common eye color, you’ll see one clear theme across the breeds covered here: the “hazel” label can include green eyes, yellow eyes, orange eyes, copper eyes, green or yellow eyes, brown eyes, golden eyes, golden yellow eyes, amber eyes, and dark brown tones that shift with lighting and angle, making every cat’s gaze feel unique.
If you’re drawn to hazel-eyed cats, focus on the individual, not just the cat’s eye color, since personality, coat, and care needs matter just as much.
Ready to go from reading to meeting? Visit a reputable breeder or rescue, ask about health history, and spend time with the cat before deciding.
