Here's a breakdown:
* Lipochrome: This yellow-brown pigment is present in the iris, the colored part of the eye.
* Light Scattering: When light enters the iris, it interacts with the lipochrome pigment. Some wavelengths of light are absorbed, while others are scattered.
* Green Appearance: The scattering of light by lipochrome results in the green color we see in cat eyes. The amount and distribution of lipochrome determine the shade of green.
Other factors that can affect cat eye color include:
* Genetics: Different breeds and even within breeds, cats can have varying eye color genes.
* Age: Kittens often have blue eyes that change color as they mature.
* Health: Some health conditions can affect eye color.
It's important to note that:
* Green eyes are not always purely green. They can have other hues like gold or hazel depending on the light and the cat's individual pigmentation.
* Not all green-eyed cats have the same type of green. Some have a more yellowish green, while others have a bluer green.
So, the green color in a cat's eyes is the result of a combination of pigment, light scattering, and genetics. It's a beautiful and complex characteristic that makes each cat unique!