What Colors Can Cats See? 7 Surprising Facts About Your Cat’s Vision

As a busy cat mom, you want to understand your cat’s world while you're away. Today you might be wondering: What colors can cats see? Here are 7 surprising facts about how your cat perceives light and color.

1) Cats Don’t See the World in Black and White

Surprising Fact: Despite the myth we grew up with, cats aren’t completely colorblind. While they don’t see the full spectrum that humans do, they can distinguish certain colors.

Cat eyes are structured differently than ours. With fewer cones — the cells responsible for detecting color — their color range is limited. So some pigments appear muted or gray. But cats can still perceive the colors we'll mention below, giving them a broader view of the world than black and white.

2) What Colors Can Cats See Best? Blue and Yellow

Surprising Fact: Cats are most sensitive to blue and yellow tones, which appear more vivid to them. Other colors tend to look grayish or muted. So, if you’re choosing a toy for your cat, blue and yellow shades are most likely to catch their attention.

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3) Blue, Green, and Purple are Calming Colors for Cats

Surprising Fact: Blue, green, and purple tones are naturally calming to cats. If you want to create a soothing space for your cat, look for items in these hues. But to prevent overstimulation, avoid overly bold or vibrant shades. Softer colors help keep your cat relaxed, especially if they have nervous habits or separation anxiety.

4) Red Toys? Not So Exciting for Your Cat

Surprising Fact: Colors like red and orange don’t appear as distinct to cats as they do to us. So if your cat doesn’t react to a bright red toy the way you expected, it's because it just looks grey to them. Try blue or yellow toys. Since these are the colors can cats see best, they're more likely to grab their attention.

5) Cats Are More Attuned to Motion than Color

Surprising Fact: Cats are built for hunting, which means they’re wired to detect movement rather than color. While humans rely heavily on color for detail, cats rely on quick, responsive vision to catch small movements — even in low light.

Tip: Toys like automatic laser pointers and can be a huge hit with cats. They trigger that hunting instinct and keep them engaged, without relying on color.

6) Cats See Better in Low-Light than Humans

Surprising Fact: Cats have more rod cells in their retinas. This makes them able to see 6 times better than humans at dawn, dusk, and in dimly lit rooms.

Tip: There’s no need to leave lights on for your cat while you’re at work. Their vision will adjust well to dim light, and they’ll be comfortable until you’re home in the evening.

Find out how long you can actually leave your cat alone.

7) Cats Rely on Contrast to See Details

Surprising Fact: Cats have an easier time distinguishing objects when there is a strong contrast between them.

For example, they’re more likely to notice a blue toy on a white rug than one that blends in with its surroundings. Understanding this sensitivity to contrast can help you choose toys or bedding that are easier for your cat to recognize. So, while you're shopping, it's important to ask yourself 'what colors can cats see best'?

Cats and Humans: Vision Differences in a Nutshell

• Cats see in shades of blue, yellow, and gray; reds and oranges look more like shades of gray.

• Low-light vision is their strength, helping them spot prey at dawn and dusk.

• Movement catches their attention more than color, which is why toys that move, like automatic laser pointers, are so engaging.

Understanding Your Cat’s View of the World

So what colors can cats see best? In short, blue and yellow. But while cats don’t see the vibrant spectrum of colors that we do, their vision is designed to help them survive and thrive.

Understanding these differences can help you choose toys and create an environment that suits their unique perspective. Without complicating your daily routine.

Ready to learn more about enriching your cat’s world?

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