Okay, let’s settle this once and for all: Are cats color blind? Because if you’ve ever waved a bright red toy in front of your cat and they stared at you like you were offering them a tax return, you’ve probably asked yourself this question. I’ve been there—trying to match my cat’s toys to my living room decor (don’t judge), only to realize she couldn’t care less if it was neon pink or beige.
So, what’s the deal with feline vision? Do cats see the world in grayscale like an old-school movie, or is there more going on behind those mysterious eyes? Let’s break it down, science-style—but with zero jargon and a whole lot of curiosity.
What Is Color Blindness?
First things first—color blindness doesn’t mean total blindness. It simply means an eye’s photoreceptors don’t process colors like a “standard” eye would.
Cones are the cells in the retina that detect color, and their absence or malfunction is usually the cause of color blindness in humans. The majority of us have trichromatic vision, which consists of red, green, and blue. You’re color blind if one cone is broken or absent.
So if you can’t tell whether your shirt is navy blue or black, congrats, you might just be a little color blind.
Color Blindness in Cats
So, now we come to our furry friends. It’s a common misconception that cats see the world in monochrome. The truth is, they aren’t totally color blind. Scientists have figured out that cat eyes have both rods and cones, just like ours.
However, the ratio is a lot different. Cats have way more rods than we do, and fewer cones. This is a huge clue about how their vision works. While we see a vibrant rainbow of colors, their palette is a bit more limited. Think of it less as an old black-and-white film and more like a muted, slightly sepia-toned photograph.
Variations in Feline Color Blindness
Not all cats have identical color perception. Similar to how some people have stronger or weaker eyesight, some cats may be slightly better at detecting particular shades than others. Still, the overall feline vision spectrum stays limited compared to humans.
Testing Color Vision in Cats
How the heck do you test a cat’s vision? It’s not like you can hand them one of those Ishihara color vision charts and say, “What number do you see, buddy?”
Scientists use behavioral experiments. They present cats with two different colored bowls, one with food and one without, and see which one the cat consistently chooses.
Another method is training them to distinguish between different colored lights to receive a treat. It’s a testament to a cat’s intelligence, IMO, and a little bit of a testament to our desperation to figure out what they’re thinking.
Why Do Cats’ Eyes Work Like This for Color Vision?
Cats evolved as nocturnal hunters, so their eyes prioritize motion and low light over color. Nature basically said, “You don’t need red. You need to catch mice at midnight.”
Causes of Cat Color Blindness
The main cause of a cat’s limited color vision is simply their eye anatomy, which we just talked about. It’s not a deficiency or a disease; it’s just how they’re built. It’s an evolutionary trait that has served them well for thousands of years.
We, on the other hand, are designed for daytime. We needed to see a wide range of colors to find ripe berries or recognize a poisonous plant. Our vision is a reflection of our history, just as a cat’s is a reflection of theirs.
Understanding Cat’s Eye Anatomy
Let’s break it down a little further.
- Cones: Cats have fewer cones than humans, which means they can’t see the same variety of colors we do. While we have three types of cones (red, green, and blue), cats have just two. This is called dichromatic vision. This is why they can’t see reds.
- Rods: Cats have six to eight times more rods than we do. This is a game-changer for them. It means they can see in light levels that would be almost complete darkness for us. Just so you know, this is also the reason they get frightened by sudden movements that you might not even notice.
- Tapetum Lucidum: The tissue layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum reflects light back through the retina like a mirror. This is a major factor in cats’ remarkable night vision and the reason their eyes glow in the dark.
How Cats See the World
Consider a slightly faded Instagram filter that enhances greens and blues while reducing reds and oranges. That’s roughly how your cat sees the world.
Objects are still distinct, but colors aren’t as rich. Honestly, cats don’t seem to mind. They rely more on movement and contrast than fancy hues.
Can Cats See in the Dark?
Yes, without a doubt. In a sense, cats are the animal kingdom’s ninjas.
Reasons for Cats’ Night Vision and Color Vision
They crush it in the dark for the following reasons:
Wider pupils allow for lighter intake; more rod cells improve low-light detection; and the tapetum lucidum reflects light for increased visibility.
Your cat is already planning their next zoomie session while you’re fumbling for the bathroom light.
What Colors Are Cats Attracted To?
Cats are usually drawn to blue and green shades, since they can actually see those. Ever notice how they chase blue toys more? It’s not a coincidence.
If you buy your cat a red laser pointer toy, they don’t really see the red—what grabs their attention is the movement, not the color.
What Colors Are Cats Unable to See?
Cats struggle with:
- Red
- Orange
- Pink
- Brown (often blends into background)
These colors appear as grayish or muddy tones. So your cat’s “hot pink” bed? Probably looks like a sad gray blob to them. Sorry.
Are Cats Totally Color Blind?
Nope. They’re partially color blind, specifically red-green color blind—similar to some humans.
What Colors Can Cats See?
Cats can see:
- Blue
- Green
- Some shades of yellow
They can’t distinguish:
- Red
- Orange
- Pink
So yeah, they’re not seeing rainbows, but they’re not stuck in grayscale either.
Are Cats Better in Low Light?
100%. Cats see six to eight times better than humans in low light. Their eyes are basically built for twilight missions.
Is a Cat’s Eyesight Bad?
Not exactly, but it’s different. Cats can’t focus on fine detail as well as humans. Their vision is sharper at a distance than up close.
Basically, you look a little blurry to them when you’re nose-to-nose. But from across the room? They’ve got you pegged.
Cat Vision vs. Human Vision
Let’s do a quick comparison to really drive this home.
- Color: Humans see a full spectrum (trichromatic). Cats see a limited spectrum (dichromatic), mostly blues, greens, and yellows.
- Field of View: Cats have a wider field of view (around 200 degrees) compared to humans (around 180 degrees).
- Visual Acuity: Humans have much sharper, more detailed vision, especially at a distance. Cats have poorer visual acuity but are much better at detecting motion.
- Night Vision: Cats are vastly superior in low light due to more rods and the tapetum lucidum. Humans are pretty much useless in comparison. What Do Cats See When They Look at Humans?
Cats probably don’t see us in the same vibrant detail we see each other. Instead, they notice our shape, size, and movement.
Do they recognize your face? Studies suggest they identify us more by scent and voice than by appearance. So don’t stress if you look like a smudge to your cat—they still know you’re their favorite human.
How Color Blindness Affects Cats
Honestly, it probably doesn’t affect them at all. It’s not a disability for them. Their vision is perfectly suited for their lifestyle. They don’t need to appreciate a sunset in all its vibrant glory.
They need to spot a mouse in the dark or a wiggling toy under the couch. Their limited color vision is a non-issue because their other visual abilities more than compensate. It’s like saying a fish is bad at flying—it’s just not what they’re designed for.
Color Considerations for Cats
If you’re buying toys, beds, or bowls for your cat, go for blue or green shades. Those stand out to them more. Red and pink? Meh. Total waste.
Do Other Animals See Colors Differently?
Oh, totally. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Dogs: Also red-green color blind
- Birds: See UV light (show-offs)
- Snakes: Detect infrared
- Bees: See blue, green, and UV
So yeah, cats aren’t alone in their weird color vision. Nature’s got a whole palette of visual quirks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors do cats see?
Blue, green, and some yellow. Everything else? Meh.
Are cats more color blind than dogs?
Not really. Cats and dogs are both color-limited, just in different ways. Dogs see more yellows, cats see more greens.
How to tell if a cat is color blind?
You can’t diagnose this at home. Only research testing confirms feline vision ranges.
Can cats see pink?
Not clearly. Pink looks grayish or muddy to them.
What colors can cats see?
Blue, green, and yellowish hues. That’s their sweet spot.
Can cats see in the dark?
Yes! Their night vision is way better than ours.
Can cats see green?
Yep. Green is one of their strongest visible colors.
Are cats color blind to red?
Absolutely. Red looks like a dull gray or brown.
Final Words
So, are cats color blind? Kind of—but not completely. They see a limited range of colors, mostly blues and greens, and they crush it in low light. Their vision isn’t broken—it’s just tailored to their lifestyle. IMO, that’s pretty cool.
Next time you’re picking out a toy or wondering why your cat ignored your bright red sweater, remember: it’s not personal. It’s just science. And hey, if your cat could talk, they’d probably say, “Color? Meh. Just give me the treat.”
Now go give your feline friend a blue mouse toy and watch them go wild. Or ignore it. Because cats. 😼
