What Colors Do Cats Like? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Preferences Revealed
In this article
Ever wondered what colors cats like the most? The answer isn't so simple. The way that cats view and perceive the world is quite different from humans. Cats are natural-born hunters, so they have a set of eyes that specialize in catching prey. Therefore, their eyes and how they function differ from how humans use their eyes.
More research has to be done to form more definitive statements about a cat’s ability to see color. However, what we already know is pretty fascinating and may even cause us to see our cats in a different light. The best colors for cats are blue, green, and yellow. Keep reading to learn why!
Colors That Cats Can See
The ability to see and differentiate colors is attributed to a type of photoreceptor cell located in the retina, at the back of the eye. Photoreceptors are light-sensitive cells that enable vision, and there are two types: cones and rods.
Cones are responsible for color vision and help us identify different colors. Color vision is determined by the number of cones, the number of photopigment populations, and the extent of their absorbance spectrum overlap. Humans have about 10 times more cones than cats do and a higher wavelength sensitivity, so we can identify a broader spectrum of colors.
The research community has differing beliefs on the types of colors that cats can see, but most experts believe that cats can see shades of blue, green, and yellow.
Is a Cat’s Vision Worse Than a Human’s Vision?
Comparing cats’ eyes to humans’ eyes is like comparing apples to oranges. They’re designed for different functions and excel in what they’re supposed to do.
Human eyes can see a broader range of colors and detect vibrancy. There are several theories as to why humans see colors. One theory is that color helped early humans detect more suitable food. This is, a human’s ability to make comparisons between different shades of color of the same fruit can help them to determine which one is more ripe.
Cats don’t necessarily need that sort of differentiation. They’re obligate carnivores that hunt for food in the wild. So, they need eyes that are more sensitive to motion. First, the placement of their eyes is slightly more on the sides of their heads, so they have better peripheral vision than humans.
Second, cats have a higher proportion of rod photoreceptors in their eyes, so they have great night vision. This ability is necessary to find small prey, such as birds and mice, and to do so at dawn and dusk. Cat pupils can dilate much more than human ones, and felines have a tapetum lucidum, which acts like a mirror so they can capture more light and see better in dim settings.
So, it’s hard to say who has better vision. Cats and humans use their eyes for completely different purposes, and their eyes can sufficiently help them navigate daily life.
Do Cats Have a Color Preference?
Color doesn’t have too much of a significant effect on a cat’s preferences. However, if you want to capture your cat’s attention, it may be helpful to use colors that they can see. So, if you’re looking to encourage your cat to play with a toy, try to find one that’s either blue, green, or yellow.
Just keep in mind that there may be better tactics to help your cat engage in play. For example, since close objects appear blurry to cats, they may not want to play when you present a toy to them up close. Instead, try wiggling around the toy at a distance so that the motion catches your cat’s eye.
Conclusion
Feline eyes are built differently from human eyes, so determining what colors cats like isn't simple. Two main functions of their eyes are to see in low-light conditions and to detect motion to help them catch prey. Therefore, colors don’t play as significant a role in their vision as they do for humans.
So, if you ever find yourself redecorating a room, you don’t have to worry too much about your cat’s color preferences. However, when you’re playing with your cat, it’ll be helpful to use toys and play in a way that engages the strengths of their vision.
See also:
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Agata Kowalczyk, Shutterstock
Expert cat care, straight to your inbox
News, insights, and useful advice, delivered to you.
No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)
Jessica is a freelance writer who spends most of her day researching and writing while her fluffy Cavapoo, Nora, naps beside her. She loves and appreciates pets and animals because there’s so much to learn from them, and they do so much for people. As a dog owner, she understands the special connection that pet owners form with their pets. She loves sharing helpful information that people can use to better understand their pets. When she’s not writing, you can find her walking dogs, tending to her plant babies, or drinking her nth cup of coffee.
