What Colour Can Cats See

Pet owners and researchers have always been interested in how cats see the world around them. People can see a wide range of bright colours, but cats can only see a limited range of colours that are better suited to their needs. Instead of enjoying bright colours, their vision is best for hunting, detecting motion, and staying alive. This full guide answers common questions like “Can cats see pink?” “Can cats see red?” and “What do cats see when they look at people?” It also tells you what colours cats can see and how they understand their surroundings.

An Overview of How Cats See

Cats are twilight hunters, which means that their eyes are specially made to work well in low light. Their eyes have more rod cells, which help them see at night, and fewer cone cells, which allow them to see colours. This difference has a big effect on how cats see colours and how they see the world.

What Colours Can Cats See?

The most important question is what colours cats can see, and this depends on the structure of their cone cells. People think that cats are “dichromatic,” which means they only have two types of cones instead of three.

Cats mostly see blue and green colours

Studies have shown that cats can see these colours well:

• Blues
• Greens
• Yellowish tones

These colours look the clearest and most distinct to cats.

Colours That Are Hard for Cats to See

Cats can’t see all the colours that people can. They see red and pink shades as dull or greyish. Purples also look more blue than purple.

To sum up:

• Red → Dark brown or grey
• Pink → Faded or greyish
• Purple → Blue-ish
• Orange to yellowish

This helps answer a lot of the color-related questions that cat owners often have.

Can Cats See Red?

There is a clear scientific answer to the question that many people ask: “Can cats see red?”

No, cats can’t see red.

Cats don’t have the red-sensitive cones that people do. Because of this, colours like:

• red
• orange
• brownish colours

Cats see everything as dull or grey.

This is like a type of red-green colour blindness that people have.

Do cats see pink?

The answer is easy because pink is just a lighter, less saturated version of red.

Cats don’t see pink the same way people do.

To cats:

• Pink looks like a faded grey or beige.

Your cat probably recognises pink toys by their shape or smell, not their colour.

Do Cats See Purple?

Another common question is whether cats can see purple.

Cats see purple as blue.

Cats can see blue but not red, so any colour that has red in it (like purple or violet) will look more blue.

Do cats see white?

Yes, cats can see white. White is a reflection of all colours, and cats see it as a bright colour, especially when it is next to a darker background.

But cats might not see brightness the same way that people do.

What Colours Do Cats Like to See?

Cats can see a lot of colours, but some colours are easier for them to see than others.

The Colours That Cats See Best

• Blue
• Green
• A shade of yellowish green

Cats seem to see these colours the clearest, brightest, and most clearly.

Why Blue and Green Are Different

Cats have two kinds of cones that can see:

• Blue light
• Green wavelengths

This means:

• Blue toys
• Green laser pointers
• Green food bowls

They are all very easy for your cat to see.

Choose blue or green if you want your pet to be able to find something easily.

What Colors Can Cats See When It’s Dark?

A lot of people who own cats think their pets can see colors in the dark, but that’s not true.

In total darkness, cats can’t see colors.

No animal, not even cats, can see color in the dark.

But:

Because of this, cats can see much better than people in low light:

• Their pupils get a lot bigger.
• They have more rod cells.
• The tapetum lucidum is a reflective layer that helps them see better at night.

Can Cats See Color in Low Light?

Yes, but:

• Colors look weak
• The blue and green tones are still the most visible.
• Reds and pinks are still not clear.

So, even though cats can see well at night, they can’t see colors as well when it’s dark.

What do cats see when they look at people?

What do cats see when they look at people? This is one of the most interesting questions.

Cats See Us in a Different Way Than We Do

Cats can’t see all the colors that people can. They see people in muted tones, mostly in shades of:

• blue

• green
• gray

Cats Don’t Pay Attention to Facial Features

Cats can’t see sharp edges or fine details as well as people can.

For them:

• People’s faces look a little blurry.
• Moving things are easier to see than still things.
• Size, smell, and voice are important clues.

How Cats Know Us

• Voice
• Smell
• Routine
• Moving
• Form

Color doesn’t matter much to cats when they see people.

Can dogs see colours? (Compared to Cats)

Another common question is whether dogs can see colour, since pet owners often compare different types of animals.

Cats Can See More Colours Than Dogs

Dogs are also dichromatic, but they can’t see as many colours as other animals.

Dogs mostly see:

• Blue
• Yellow

They don’t see:

• Red
• Green
• Orange

Cats can see colours a little better than dogs.

Cats:

• Find more shades of green.
• Have better colour visibility in low light.
• See movement better

Dogs:

• Have better vision for long distances.
• Find small movements more slowly than cats do.

In short:

• Cats see colours and see better at night than dogs do.
• Dogs are better at focusing and seeing things far away than cats.

How Cats Really Use Their Colour Vision

Cats can’t see the whole spectrum, but their colour vision is very important.

1. Hunting

Cats can see blue and green colours better than other colours.

• Movement of prey
• Differences in the environment
• Shadows and forms

2. Talking

Cats can sense changes in:

• Body language
• Patterns in fur
• Enlargement of the eyes

Colour perception is not essential, yet visible shades facilitate movement detection.

3. How to Act When Playing

Bright blue or green toys get kids excited:

• Chase your instincts
• Pay attention
• Want to know more?

People who own pets often notice that their cats like toys in these colours.

4. Orientation

Colours help cats tell the difference between:

• The edges of objects
• The area around
• Ways to go

Even limited colour vision helps them be aware of their surroundings.

Do cats like some colours more than others?

Yes. Cats usually react more to:

• Blue
• Blue-violet
• Green

These colours are the brightest and easiest to tell apart.

They are more likely to:

• Play with toys that are these colours.
• Find bowls or beds in these colours.
• These colours make you feel strongly from a distance.

How to Pick Colours for Cat Beds, Toys, and Other Things

To make your cat more visible and easier to interact with:

Colours that are best for cats:

• Blue
• Green
• Greenish yellow

Stay Away From Colours Like:

• Red
• Pink
• Purple
• Orange

These colours look grey, dull, or not there at all.

Useful Advice

• Pick blue toys to keep your cat busy.
• Choose green food bowls or feeders so they are easier to see.
• Use colours that are opposite each other, like a blue toy on a beige floor.

In conclusion

Cats don’t see the world as brightly as we do, but their eyes are very good at finding food, hunting, and detecting motion. They mostly see shades of blue, green, and yellow. Colours like red, pink, and purple look dull or greyish to them. Pet owners can choose better toys, accessories, and environments for their cats that support their instincts and make them feel safe and comfortable if they know what colours cats can see.

Knowing what colours cats see best and what they see when they look at people can help you connect with your cat and make their visual world more comfortable.