Cats have fascinating vision abilities that differ from humans in a few key ways. Understanding what colors cats can and cannot see can provide insights into how they experience the world around them. This knowledge can be particularly useful for cat owners, veterinarians, scientists studying feline vision, and anyone else interested in the visual capabilities of cats.
In this article, we will explore the structure of the feline eye, how it impacts color perception, which colors cats have the most and least trouble distinguishing, and why certain colors appear dull or faded to cats. Read on to learn more about the visual world of cats and what color is hardest for them to see.
The Feline Eye and Color Vision
Cats are known for having excellent vision and being able to see well in low light conditions. This is partly due to the structure of their eyes. Here are some key facts about feline eyes and how they impact color perception:
- Cats have a high density of rods in their retina which are the photoreceptors responsible for vision in low light.
- They have a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum behind the retina that reflects light back through the rods, improving vision in darkness.
- Their pupils can open very wide to let in more light.
- They have fewer cones than humans which detect color. Cones require more light to function well.
Due to having more rods than cones, cats see best in low light conditions. However, they do still have cones that allow them to see some colors.
Which Colors Can Cats See?
Research indicates that cats can see some colors, but not the full spectrum that humans perceive. Here is an overview of feline color vision capabilities:
- Cats see shades of blue and green the best. These wavelengths stand out compared to others.
- They can see some shades of yellow and orange. However, these colors appear duller and less vivid.
- Reds appear very dark to cats. Red wavelengths blend into shades of black or gray.
- Purples, violets, pinks, and magentas are impossible for cats to distinguish. They appear as various shades of blue.
So while cats do have some color vision, it is limited compared to humans. Certain colors seem faded and difficult for cats to detect.
Which Color is Hardest to See?
Of all the colors, there is one shade that cats have the most trouble perceiving – red.
Due to having fewer cone photoreceptors for detecting color, cats are essentially red-green colorblind. Their eyes lack cone cells that are sensitive to longer, red wavelengths of light.
As a result, any shade of red appears dark or even black to cats. Bright red objects seem dull and indistinguishable from black or gray items to a feline eye.
To illustrate how cats see red compared to humans, here is a table:
| Color | How humans see it | How cats see it |
|---|---|---|
| Bright red | Vivid, intense shade | Very dark gray or black |
| Dark red | Muted red tone | Black |
| Red stripes | Clearly visible red pattern | Harder to distinguish stripes |
As you can see, the different red tones appear very similar to cats, while humans perceive more variation between lighter and darker reds.
Why is Red Hard for Cats to See?
The reason cats struggle to see red all comes down to their cone photoreceptors.
In human eyes, we have three types of cones that detect different wavelengths of light:
- S cones – short wavelength (blue)
- M cones – medium wavelength (green)
- L cones – long wavelength (red)
Having all three cone types allows humans to see the full spectrum of colors.
Cat eyes only have S and M cones. They lack the L cone type that is sensitive to long, red wavelengths. As a result, shades of red get absorbed into the black and gray scale rather than appearing as a distinct color.
How Does This Impact Cats?
The inability to see red does have some implications for cats:
- Cannot distinguish red toys or objects. Red balls, lasers, etc. will not stand out against other dark items.
- May have difficulty spotting red prey or foods. Red meats contrast less against backgrounds.
- Red markings on other animals less visible. Red stripes/features harder to see.
- Cannot appreciate red colors the way humans do. Rose petals and sunsets lack vibrancy.
However, keep in mind that cats rely more on movement detection than color when hunting prey. So their red-green colorblindness does not impact them too severely. It is just important to be aware of when choosing toys, training cues, or food for cats. Stick with more visible blues and greens.
Do All Cats See Red Poorly?
The inability to distinguish red is universal among domestic cats and wild feline species like lions, tigers, leopards, etc.
However, there are a few rare exceptions. For example, the fishing cat, a medium-sized wild cat native to Asia, has cones that can detect some red wavelengths. So unlike most felines, these cats can likely distinguish red from black and gray.
There is also a possibility that the mutation for red colorblindness does not affect every single individual cat’s eyes. But in general, the vast majority of cats perceive red very poorly compared to humans. It appears dull and indistinct from black to their vision.
Tips for Cat Owners
If you want to optimize objects, toys, and cues for your cat, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid red laser pointers or training tools. Use green or blue instead.
- Pick colorful cat toys in shades of blue, green, yellow, white.
- When painting or decorating, know that red looks dark and uninteresting to cats.
- Use visual cues that contrast strongly for training. Red/green is indistinguishable.
- Make sure food and water bowls contrast with flooring.
Keep in mind that cats rely more on smells and textures than bright colors. But choosing perceptible shades when possible can help engage their vision and interest when playing or training.
Conclusion
To summarize, red is the color that cats have the hardest time seeing compared to humans. Due to their cone photoreceptors being sensitive to shorter wavelengths, shades of red appear dull and indistinguishable from gray or black to cats.
So while cats do see some colors in the blue, green, yellow range, the inability to detect red means they do not experience the full spectrum of hues that humans enjoy. Knowing this provides insight into the feline world and how to best engage cats using visual cues and objects tailored to their vision capabilities.
