What colors can cats see?

By Kristia Goodnight

Have you ever wondered what colors cats can see as they watch the world go by with those big, curious eyes? While humans see a rainbow of colors, cat vision is more about survival than aesthetics. Let’s look at how your cat’s world appears to them, and how their vision is perfectly designed for their lifestyle.

What colors can cats see?

While cats don’t experience color in the same way humans do, their vision is finely tuned to help them navigate their environment with precision.

Cat vision science

Unlike humans, who have three types of cone cells in their eyes, cats have only two types. This means their color vision is more limited, similar to how someone with red-green color blindness might see the world.

Cats primarily see shades of blue and green, but they struggle to distinguish reds, pinks, and other warm hues, which often appear muted or gray.

What colors do cats see best?

Cats are best at seeing shades of blue and green, which appear more vivid to them. These colors stand out in their environment, especially when compared to warm tones, which are more difficult for them to differentiate.

While their color perception is limited, it helps them thrive in their world, particularly in low-light settings where their vision excels.

Do cats see in black and white?

Despite the myth, cats don’t see the world in black and white. While their color vision is limited, they can still see shades of blue and green, making their world far from grayscale.

How do we know cats aren’t color blind?

We know cats aren’t completely color blind due to scientific research on their eye structure and vision capabilities. Cats have two types of cone cells in their retinas, which are responsible for detecting color.

While humans have three types of cones that allow us to see a broad range of colors, cats' two cones give them limited color perception.

This research provides clear evidence that while cats don’t see colors as saturated as we do, they can still distinguish between certain hues, ruling out the idea that they only see the world in black and white.

What does a cat’s vision look like?

Cats see the world in a muted color palette of mostly blues and greens. Their overall vision is not as sharp as ours, but they see in low-light conditions far better than humans. Although they may not view the world in full color or fine detail, their vision is perfectly suited for detecting movement and thriving in low light.

How far can cats see?

Cats can see clearly up to about 20 feet, but their vision becomes less sharp beyond that distance.

Unlike humans, who can see details at much greater distances, cats are considered nearsighted. This means that while they excel at focusing on objects or movement within a short range, typically 2 to 3 feet, they struggle with clarity when it comes to distant objects.

However, cats compensate for this by being highly sensitive to movement; they can detect subtle motions, making them excellent hunters. Their vision is perfectly suited to their needs, allowing them to spot prey and stay alert in their environment, even if distant objects appear blurry.

Cat vision vs. human vision: what is the difference?

Cats and humans view the world through very different lenses. While humans thrive in bright, color-rich environments, cats are built for low-light, motion-sensitive hunting. Their vision may be less colorful, but it’s ideal for survival in the wild.

How do dogs see colors differently from cats?

Both cats and dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they see a limited color spectrum compared to humans - but their color perception differs in a few key ways.

Dogs primarily see the world in shades of blue and yellow. They have two types of cone cells, similar to cats, but their specific color range is slightly different. Dogs are better at distinguishing between blue and yellow but struggle with reds and greens which appear as shades of gray or brown to them.

Cats also have dichromatic vision (two types of cone cells), but they are better at seeing shades of blue and green. Colors like red, orange, and pink are more difficult for cats to differentiate, often appearing as gray or muted.

This difference is due to the specific distribution of cone cells in their eyes, which affects the colors they can detect.

Do cats see better at night than during the day?

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Their eyes, like their whiskers, are specially adapted for low-light conditions, giving them a nighttime advantage, even though they don’t have true night vision.

Do cats have night vision?

While cats don’t have true night vision like some nocturnal animals, they can see much better in low-light conditions than humans. This ability comes from a higher number of rod cells in their eyes, which are responsible for detecting light.

Additionally, cats have a layer behind their retinas called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back through their eyes. This "second chance" at capturing light helps them see in much darker conditions than we can. It’s also what gives their eyes that glowing effect when you shine a light on them at night.

How can I support my cat’s vision?

Supporting your cat’s vision is foundational to their overall health and well-being. Here are a few ways to keep their eyes sharp:

• Vision Nutrition: Feed your cat high-quality cat food rich in antioxidants and vitamins to support eye health.
• Sight Exercise for Cats: Choose toys that promote movement and visual tracking, helping to stimulate their eyes and sharpen their focus.
• Regular Eye Cleaning: Keep your cat’s eyes clean and free from any discharge to prevent infections that could affect their vision.
• Annual Vet Exams: Prioritize regular vet visits with eye check-ups to catch any potential issues early on.

How cats see the colors of the world

When choosing cat toys or training tools for your cat, remember their unique color perception. Toys in shades of blue and green are more likely to stand out in your cat’s vision, making playtime more engaging.

For more ways to support your cat’s well-being, consider Lifetime Protection Membership Plus, it includes many benefits like customized training plans, 24/7 access to veterinary professionals, lost pet protection, and so much more.