Ojos Azules Cat

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: September 12th, 2018

About Ojos Azules Cat

Height

8-10 inches

Weight

9-12 lbs

Physique

Deep blue eyes

Lifespan

10-12 years

Best Suited For

Singles, seniors, and families with children and other pets

Temperament

Friendly, active, affectionate

Comparable Breeds

Domestic Shorthair, Domestic Longhair

Ojos Azules Cat Breed History

The name Ojos Azules translates to “blue eyes” in Spanish, and the Ojos Azules cat name is fitting because these felines feature beautiful eyes that are a deep blue color.

This breed dates back to 1984 when a tortoiseshell female cat named Cornflower from a feral colony in New Mexico had kittens. Those kittens featured the same intense blue eyes that she had, thereby proving that this unique trait was a dominant trait that could be reproduced.

What is interesting about the Ojos Azules cat is the fact that the gene that causes the intense blue eyes does not appear to be linked to any particular coat pattern or color. So you could, for example, have Ojos Azules cats with blue eyes and dark coats. But breeders discovered that dangerous genetic mutations are avoided only when the gene that causes the blue eyes is heterozygous, so the Ojos Azules cats have to be crossed with cats that don’t have the blue eyes in order to help ensure a healthy litter of kittens.

In addition to the blue-eyed cats discovered in the United States, a cat with similar characteristics was discovered in Australia, even though no Ojos Azules were imported there. Therefore, breeders think that the mutation might be spontaneous amongst domestic cats.

The International Cat Association (TICA) first recognized this breed in 1991, and a few breeders continue working with it today. However, the Ojos Azules cat is considered a rare breed.

The most distinctive feature of the Ojos Azules cat has to been its deep blue eyes.

Breed Traits

Unfortunately, because the Ojos Azules is still a rare breed, not much is known regarding the personality of these cats. The ones that have been bred, however, have been described as affectionate, loyal, friendly, gentle, smart, social, playful, and active.

This breed is also considered a lap cat that gets along great with adults, so if you are in search of a loving feline companion that is also stunning in appearance, the Ojos Azules might be a great choice. And, as with all other cats, when Ojos Azules kitties are properly introduced to children and other pets, including other felines, they could get along well with all of them.

These cats need a moderate amount of attention, and they also desire to be active, so giving your pet a variety of toys and setting aside some time to play with your pet will help keep him healthy and happy. You might also find that the Ojos Azules cat is moderately vocal as well, so you should find the time to give your pet plenty of affection.

Overall Description

Even though the standard for the Ojos Azules cat breed is still in development, the radiant blue eyes are considered the main feature that absolutely has to be present. Also, the coat of these cats will be silky and soft, and the animal will be medium in size with a somewhat triangular shape for the head. The large eyes are round, the tail will be proportionate to the rest of the body, and the neck will be arched. Also, the forehead will be rounded, the nose will have a slight beak, and the muzzle will be angular too.

Colors

The Ojos Azules cat could feature a variety of coat colors because all colors are allowed. The only exception is solid white, which is not desirable. So, for example, you may find an Ojos Azules that features a bicolor coat, or you might find cats that have tan or blue coats. No matter what, all of the coat colors will end up contrasting in an attractive way with the breed’s stunning blue eyes. And many cats will also feature white patches on their body, such as on the tip of the tail, on the face, and on the feet.

Grooming Requirements

The Ojos Azules is considered easy to groom because these cats don’t need to be brushed often and their shedding is considered average. The coat, which could be long or short, is described as silky, soft, fine, and shiny. Therefore, a simple brushing routine could be used to bond with your cat and to help your pet maintain a clean and smooth coat. Plus, brushing your cat regularly could also remove loose hair and help to reduce the incidence of hairballs, so it is worth investing in a comb for your kitty that you can use to massage the skin, stimulate circulation, and smooth out the fur. And, like all other feline breeds, it is also important to get a good pair of claw trimmers for your Ojos Azules cat so that you can regularly trim your pet’s claws.

Photo credit: jeep2499/Shutterstock; SNC Art and More/Shutterstock; hannadarzy/Shutterstock

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Training a dog can seem intimidating, and doesn’t always yield the expected results. Luckily for all dog owners out there, a new study has found another way to train your four-legged companion. Scientists at Aberystwyth University, located in Wales, United Kingdom, have discovered that scent training could improve pet dogs' behavior. The study shows that pet dogs trained to detect scents have a better mental ability and capacity to carry out certain tasks.Previous research only compared highly trained working dogs, like assistance dogs or search and rescue dogs, with untrained pet dogs. Now, for the first time, the researchers have tested the effects of scent training on two groups of untrained dogs. A research team from Aberystwyth University led the study in collaboration with Emma Stoker, owner of Puppy Plus, a dog training company based in Newton, Wales.The study involved 40 dogs of varying degrees of training, whose owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire with basic information about their pet. Researchers gave the dogs two tasks, both requiring impulse control. In the first test, called the “detour task”, the dogs needed to navigate a transparent barrier to get food. The second “A not B task”, tested the dogs’ ability to switch their choice from one pot to another, depending on where food was placed. Researchers separated the dogs into two groups to see whether their ability to detect scents would improve their cognitive ability. The dogs in the first group were given the “detour task” and had to navigate around a transparent barrier to get a treat. In the second group, the researchers said “Look” to the dog to get its attention and then showed it a treat before hiding it under a pot. Dogs in the second group underwent scent training, separated into three phases - familiarization, training, and test phase. In the first phase, only one pot was used. In the training phase, two pots were used, and in the final, test phase, three pots were used.Pate scent was rubbed on all pots to make it harder for the dogs to sniff out where the treat was hidden. If the dog didn’t respond within 20 seconds of being released to find the treat, or if it picked the wrong pot, the dog was shown the treat but wasn’t rewarded. Researchers discovered that dogs who received scent training performed the tasks more efficiently than those who weren’t trained. The study also showed that scent training improved dogs’ inhibitory control and helped them focus on completing a specific task. What’s important for dog owners to know is that poor impulse control is believed to be the main cause of a lot of unwanted behaviors in dogs, such as house soiling and destructive behavior. This new study suggests that scent training could help owners improve their dogs’ behavior. Dr. Sarah Dalesman, the co-author of the study, said: “This research shows that dogs that train primarily in scent work have stronger inhibitory control, suggesting that this training can have a positive effect on their behavior.”“Scent training is offered by a lot of dog trainers, and easy to practice at home. It might offer a great way for owners to improve their pets’ behavior, and we’re aiming to test this theory in future studies.”If scent training isn’t compatible with the way your pup learns, you can try agility or puzzle training. Puzzle training provides mental and physical stimulation and can come in handy when a dog needs to stay home alone or confined. Agility training is another option. Agility is a sport in which you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course allowing them to gain problem-solving skills. Try different training activities with your dog to find out what you and your pooch enjoy doing together the most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

How Can I Remove Plaque From My Dog's Teeth?

We love our dogs and many of us won’t say no to puppy smooches – but to be fair, not all furballs have the freshest breath out there. If your dog has  bad-smelling breath, the culprit might be plaque buildup and the bacteria overgrowth that comes with it. We all know that bacteria are responsible for all things smelly, and when it comes to oral hygiene, the reason why bacteria are there in the first place is bits of leftover food that slowly but surely turn into tartar on your pet’s teeth. The best way to prevent plaque on a dog's teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.How Can I Remove Plaque from My Dog's Teeth?Maintaining good dental health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Addressing plaque in your dog's teeth is not just about maintaining a bright smile; it's a key aspect that contributes to their overall health, happiness, and longevity. Regular dental care is an investment in your dog's well-being that pays off in various ways - it’s sure way to prevent dental diseases such as  gingivitis and  periodontitis, eliminate bad breath odor, avoid tooth decay and loss, and maintain your dog’s good appetite. After all, dogs depend on their teeth to eat properly. Just imagine the effect of bad or missing teeth. Unchewed food, indigestion, vomiting – the list is long. So it goes a long way to act on this ahead of time and prevent tartar buildup and remove any existing one. Here are just a few tips to consider when dealing with persistent dog teeth plaque:Prevent Buildup With Regular BrushingDogs need to brush their teeth just like us! They’ll need your help to do it, of course. Remember that it is never too late to start. Start slowly and gently with short brushing sessions, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Of course, you should use  a toothbrush that is designed specifically for dogs or a similar fingerbrush. The toothpaste also needs to be for dogs only (never use human toothpaste as it may contain ingredients harmful to dogs).

Amazing Wiener Dog Gives Birth to a Record Breaking Puppy Litter

Puppy litters can certainly be large, but in the case of this brave Wiener dog mom, everyone was taken by surprise! This extraordinary female dachshund brought to the world a litter of no less than 11 puppies – there is definitely potential for a world record here. Winnie, a three-year-old female dachshund, was seemingly a normal pregnant dog, and nobody expected her litter to be this big. Normally, this breed of dog delivers between one and six puppies, but Winnie delivered nearly double that number in September.

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and you’re probably excited about everything that this festive time of year has to offer. But even though you might be focused on being with the people you love, eating delicious food, and sharing gifts, it’s important to also consider the effects the holidays can have on your pets.To help you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with your furbabies, here’s a list of holiday safety tips for pets.

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