Have you ever wondered, “Can cats see color or are cats color blind?” Maybe you’re curious if your cat can see the same colors as you. Well, cats can see colors, but how those shades appear to human and feline eyes is very different. Cats don’t see a full rainbow of colors that humans do — their vision is more muted. While they don’t see bright colors like we do, they do have other abilities that humans don’t, such as broader peripheral vision and the ability to see in dim light.
What Colors Can Cats See?
Humans and cats have similar eye structures, including eyelids, corneas, retinas, pupils, irises, lenses, blood vessels and optic nerves. Both species possess rod cells, which contribute to peripheral and night vision, as well as cone cells in their retinas that are responsible for color perception.
However, according to Zoetis, a key difference between cats and humans is the number of cones — special color-sensitive cells — that are present. Cats don’t have as many cone cells as humans, which limits their ability to see a wide range of colors in the spectrum. Due to the reduced number of cone cells, cats don’t see the vibrant colors that we do. When looking at what colors cats can see best, it is thought that the colors cats can see are various shades of blue. More specifically, blues, greens and grays are best; there is also some debate that cats can see yellow, much like a dog’s vision.
What Colors Can Cats Not See?
Cats are unable to see colors in the red-to-orange range of the spectrum. This means that colors like red, orange and brown likely appear as shades of gray or dull muted tones to them. Cats can’t see pink, and purple may be hard to distinguish. Pink may look more like green, and purple may appear as a shade of blue.
Even though toys come in many bright colors, cats do not perceive the entire spectrum of colors. Cats may love to chase a red laser pointer, but they are primarily attracted to the rapid movement of the light, not the red color.
Do Cats Have Night Vision?
According to PetMD, cats do not have true night vision, but they can see significantly better than humans in low-light conditions due to several unique aspects that set them apart from humans. One reason for this enhanced ability is the tapetum lucidum, a layer of highly reflective cells behind the retina, which is the light-sensitive part of the back of the eye. The tapetum lucidum layer reflects light back to the retina, improving their vision in low-light settings. The glow you see in a cat’s eyes in the dark is a result of this reflective layer and how it interacts with incoming light.
A cat’s eyes also have large corneas and slit shaped pupils, allowing more light to enter. It has been estimated that cats can see about five to seven times better than humans in low-light conditions.
Cats possess more rod cells in their eyes, which are effective at detecting low light levels. These rods help them perceive contrasts between light and shadow. Cats have six to eight times more rod cells and are more sensitive to light. The higher concentration of rod cells in their retinas enhances a cat’s ability to track motion.
What Are Some Other Aspects of a Cat’s Vision?
Cats have excellent depth perception, which is crucial for activities like hunting, jumping and navigating their environment. Their binocular vision, where both eyes focus on the same object, enables them to judge distances accurately.
Cats have forward-facing eyes that also help them judge distances and track movement. They possess approximately a 200-degree visual field, which is wider than a human’s 180-degree vision. This wider range can help cats spot potential prey or threats more easily.
Feline vision is significantly blurrier than that of humans. Visual acuity, which refers to the ability to see fine details, is measured differently for humans and cats. The standard for normal human vision is 20/20, while a cat’s vision typically ranges from 20/100 to 20/200. This means that what a human can see clearly from 100 to 200 feet, a cat needs to be 20 feet away to see with the same clarity.
What Can You Do to Help Your Cat’s Vision?
A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A can support eye health and reduce the risk of age-related vision problems. Taurine, an essential amino acid found in protein, is needed in your cat’s diet. It is critical for normal vision and to maintain a healthy immune system. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is also included in some feline diets, like Diamond Naturals® Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula, to support brain and vision development.
Providing stimulating toys and activities is a great way to support your feline’s vision. Just remember they can’t perceive the rich vibrant tones we do, so choose toys designed to catch their attention. Incorporating sight-based exercises not only keeps their eyes engaged but also helps maintain their cognitive function, promoting overall mental and visual health.
Regular vet checkups are essential, as they can detect early signs of eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma or retinal degeneration, allowing for prompt treatment. If you notice your cat’s eyesight is bad and see signs such as difficulty navigating their surroundings, excessive blinking or squinting, consult a veterinarian for advice and potential treatment options.
Cats see the world in a different way than we do. While your cat may not perceive color variations the way you do, their vision is perfectly adapted to their needs. Cats tend to identify combinations of blue and green rather than those in orange or red, so provide toys that cater to your cat’s eyesight. Although a cat’s color range is limited compared to that of humans, it is still uniquely suited to their hunting instincts and environment.