Why does my white kitten have red, unfocused eyes? Is it albino?

Question

My cousin found an app. 24 hr old kitten July 29 and brought it to me; baby is now app. 19 days old, weighs 8 oz and eyes have opened. Totally white kitten; pink pads and nose; still keeping in dim light because eyes look...odd. Reddish glints when light hits them, and still sort of unfocused. Possibly albino? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 19 days old | 0.5 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

Albinism has been reported in cats, and there are a few different types. Complete albinism would result in red irises with no pigment and has been reported in domestic shorthair cats. It's a little tough to see the irises in your picture, and another possibility would be that this cat has pigmented (blue or yellow) irises but dilated pupils and no pigment at the back of the eye, which cases a red 'flash' rather than the typical green 'flash'. Luckily I don't believe true albinism has been linked to other genetic problems. The dominant white coat gene that also typically results in blue eyes has also been linked to deafness.

Why does my white kitten have red, unfocused eyes? Is it albino?

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