IconicSX - A Home to the 1st World's Recognised DBE Celestial Line in Sphynx Cats
GCCF Approved Sphynx Breeder | TICA Outstanding Cattery Certificated | DBE & Odd-Eyed Sphynx Cats
We are proud to be the world’s first recognized Sphynx cattery with a genetically confirmed Dominant Blue Eye (DBE) Celestial Line. Alongside our DBE cats, we celebrate the beauty of DBE & odd-eyed Sphynx, featuring stunning combinations of blue and green eyes caused by white spotting gene mutation.
Built on ethics, health, and dedication, our cattery offers truly exceptional and healthy Sphynx cats.
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Genetically confirmed DBE-CEL Line
DBE-CEL gene was previously known by breeders as the DBE-Altai gene . It was identified in 2024 by prof. Marie Abitbol, and from this time it was separated from DBE-ALT gene umbrella . DBE-CEL is an autosomal dominant trait with variable expression and incomplete penetrance . Our DBE breeding queen is genetically confirmed heterozygous N/ DBECEL, one of the safest Dominant Blue Eye (DBE) genes recognised today. This line is the best studied and well known for its genetic health*, making it a cornerstone of our breeding program. Each of our DBE kittens leaves our cattery with DNA Certificate confirming their DBE genes' status for 100% transparency**.
*DBE-CEL cats are not linked with deafness and do not show the hallmark dystopia canthorum, a key diagnostic feature of Waardenburg Syndrome Types 1 and 3:
“Dystopia canthorum was not observed in adult DBE cats from Altai, Celestial, British, Sphynx, and Siberian genetic backgrounds.” (...) "The variant (DBECEL) was found in the Celestial breed, and the variant has not been associated with deafness".
(Different Founding Effects Underlie Dominant Blue Eyes (DBE) in the Domestic Cat, Marie Abitbol et al. Animals (Basel). 2024.)
**statistically, 50% of kitten born from DBE parent carries dbe gene, therefore our line is extremely rare.
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DBE-RE Gene: Safeguarding Hearing and Health
None of our cats carry the DBE-RE gene, which has been linked to Waardenburg-like Syndrome and deafness in Dominant Blue Eyed (DBE) cats. This ensures our DBE line is free from genetic factors associated with deafness, prioritising the health and well-being of our cats. All our cats are rigorously and extensively DNA tested for over 70 inheritable genetic disorders and they have CLEAR genetic status for all of them.
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BAER Tested Cats and Kittens
All of our DBE and Odd Eyed cats and kittens undergo BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing to ensure their hearing is perfect. This advanced test, provides precise and reliable results, confirming that none of our cats have any hearing impairments. BAER testing is an essential part of our commitment to health and transparency in our breeding program.
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Spontaneous Odd-Eyed Mutation
Solveig, our remarkable queen, is the proud carrier of odd-eyed mutation caused by the white spotting gene. This rare genetic trait has given her one mesmerising blue eye and one radiant green eye, creating a stunning and unique look. This mutation not only highlights the beauty of rare genetic diversity but also reflects the uniqueness we cherish within our breeding program. Solveig’s odd-eyed appearance is a testament of the care we dedicate to preserving and celebrating such extraordinary traits.
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Advancing Research on the Dominant Blue Eye Gene
In addition to our dedication to ethical breeding, we actively contribute DNA samples from our cats to multiple research projects aimed at understanding the Dominant Blue Eye (DBE) gene. Our involvement extends to studying the different variations of the DBE gene, helping to advance scientific knowledge and improve the health and well-being of cats with this unique trait. By participating in these studies, we aim to support the development of more accurate genetic testing and provide valuable insights into the responsible breeding of DBE cats.
DBE & Odd-Eyed Sphynx – Questions & Answers
Q1. What makes the IconicSX DBE Celestial line different from other DBE blue-eyed cats?
The Dominant Blue Eye (DBE-CEL) gene produces true blue eyes in fully coloured cats — without white, without pigment loss, and without any link to deafness. It’s a genetically confirmed mutation identified by Prof. Marie Abitbol in 2024. Our Celestial line is verified through DNA testing and represents the purest form of the DBE gene.
Q2. Are DBE eyes the same as blue eyes in white or colourpoint cats?
No. Blue eyes in white or colourpoint cats come from pigment suppression — their genes (white, white-spotted, or cs/cs) block colour. DBE eyes appear because of a completely different mechanism in the PAX3 gene, not pigment loss. That’s why DBE cats can be black, chocolate, lilac, red or tortie — and still have crystal-blue eyes.
Q3. How often are DBE kittens born?
DBE is a dominant gene, but expression is unpredictable. Statistically, there’s a 50/50 chance of inheritance — yet it behaves like genetic roulette. A whole litter may have DBE, or none at all. Some kittens can carry the gene silently (latent DBE) without showing blue eyes. The only reliable way to confirm DBE status is through DNA testing.
Q4. What does “odd-eyed” mean?
True odd-eyed cats (also called heterochromic) have two eyes of completely different colours — one blue and one fully pigmented (green, copper, amber, or gold). Each eye has only one pigment type.
Sometimes, you may see cats with sectorial or split-colour eyes — where one iris is partly blue and partly coloured. That is not true heterochromia. It’s called a mosaic eye, caused by pigment disruption or developmental irregularity. Mosaic eyes are considered a defect, not a desirable trait, and such cats should never be bred.
At IconicSX, our breeding cats are genuine heterochromic cats — each eye carrying a single, stable pigment. Their difference is natural, clean, and genetically defined.
Q5. Can DBE CEL cause hearing problems?
No. The DBE-CEL gene is not linked to deafness or Waardenburg syndrome. Every IconicSX cat is BAER-tested (hearing test) to confirm perfect auditory health.
Q6. Why doesn’t IconicSX mix DBE with white, white spotted or colourpoint genes?
Because we prioritise scientific accuracy. Blue eyes caused by white (W), white-spotted (ws) or cs/cs genes can look similar but are genetically different. To ensure our cats’ eye colour is purely DBE, we’ve fully excluded these genes from our breeding program.
Q7. Are all DBE eyes bright blue?
Most are — vivid, glassy and consistent throughout life. Some DBE cats develop odd eyes or slightly different tones, but the blue never fades or dulls. It’s stable, permanent, and genetically driven.
Q8. What guarantees that IconicSX cats are true DBE?
Every kitten is DNA-tested for the DBE-CEL gene and for exclusion of white, WS, and cs/cs. Each one leaves with a genetic certificate confirming their DBE status. No assumptions. No visual guesses. Only verified science.