Can cats see in colour? What their vision reveals

It can be hard for us as humans to understand that other animals have a rather different view of the world than we do, because their eyes are constructed differently and their vision has evolved to become the most appropriate type to fit the lifestyles and challenges that they face.

Most pet owners know that dogs experience the world in shades of blues and yellows, but what about cats? Have you ever wondered what colours your feline friend can actually see?

Your cat’s vision is unique, differing both from humans and dogs. Their eye structure, field of vision, night-time sight, and ability to perceive colours are all specialised features designed by evolution.

In this article, we answer the question "can cats see in colour?" and explore the details of feline vision to help you better understand your pet's world.

What colours can cats see?

Understanding what colours cats can see starts with how colour vision works in general. Our eyes contain two types of nerve cells called rods and cones. Cone cells are responsible for detecting colour and shade variations. Humans have three types of cone cells sensitive to red, green, and blue light, allowing us to experience a rich spectrum of colours.

Cats also have cone cells, but far fewer than humans—about ten times fewer. Research suggests cats mainly perceive colours in the blue and green-yellow ranges but have a limited ability to see reds and pinks, which may appear as greenish or purplish shades to them.

Importantly, cats are not completely colour blind. They can distinguish some colours, though the colours they see are less vibrant and less varied than what humans perceive.

Comparing feline vision to human sight

Cats’ colour vision is functional but limited. They see a narrower range of colours and with less detail; their world tends to look more muted. Unlike humans, cats are more near-sighted, which means their sharpest focus is closer to them, usually within about 20 feet (6 metres).

While their distance vision is blurrier, cats are excellent at detecting movement at close range—an evolutionary advantage for hunting.

Their eyes are positioned more widely than ours, offering them a broader peripheral view to detect potential predators or prey. This positioning, however, can reduce their ability to judge depth compared to humans.

Special adaptations for low light and hunting

A cat’s pupil shape is unique—it’s vertical and slit-like rather than round, enabling it to expand dramatically to allow more light in when it’s dark. This makes cats superb at seeing in low light conditions, particularly during dawn and dusk when they are naturally more active and successful hunters.

Cats have a higher proportion of rod cells, which detect motion and light intensity, further boosting their night vision capabilities. This trade-off between colour vision and night vision suits their crepuscular lifestyle.

How does your cat's vision help in daily life?

The evolutionary design of a cat’s eyes equips them with precise abilities for survival. Their capacity to detect slight movements in dim light means that they are particularly perceptive hunters and observers, even if their colour perception isn’t as vivid as humans'.

Recognising that your cat sees the world differently can enhance your bond—they rely on movement detection and light sensitivity more than colour details.

Quick FAQ: Can cats see red?

Quick Answer: Cats have difficulty seeing reds; these often appear muted or as different hues like green or purple to them. Their vision is tuned more toward blues and greens.

Because cats have fewer red-sensitive cones, red objects won't appear bright or distinct. Instead, a red item might be confused with other colours depending on lighting. This is quite normal and reflects their evolutionary needs rather than a visual impairment.

Promoting responsible cat care

Understanding your pet’s sensory world helps in providing the best care. If you notice changes in your cat’s vision or behaviour, consulting a vet is essential. Always ensure safe environmental enrichment that respects their visual abilities, such as toys that move rather than relying purely on bright colours.

If considering a new cat companion, look for reputable breeders or local shelters that focus on health and wellbeing rather than appearance alone.

Being informed about how cats see and sense their environment is a key part of loving, responsible ownership.