Cats are amazing creatures with equally impressive eyes. Some cat lovers think of these mysterious beings as pets of the night, nocturnal creatures wandering the dark unknown. Thanks to the special eyes cats have, they can easily see in the dark. However, even if this gives them an advantage in darker areas, they may have difficulty in other areas of their vision. Let’s explore everything there is about what colors cats can see!

All About A Cat’s Eyes

Like humans, cats' eyes contain two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. The rods are the ones who give our cats the ability to see in low light and detect motion. Cones are reponsible for distinguishing colors and these work best when in bright light. Because cats have significantly more rods than cones, they can see perfectly good in the dark, but have trouble seeing different shades of colors. 

The difference in the number of rods and cones explain the reasoning for the differences in our vision. While humans enjoy a vibrant array of colors, cats experience a more muted palette. Their vision is more suited for detecting motion and shapes in dim lighting, a skill that would be advantageous in the wild when hunting prey at night, or just taking an adventurous stroll.

What Colors Can Cats See

Cats can see color, but only from a select few. They can primarily see colors in shades of blue, yellow, and gray.

Blue and Yellow Shades

Cats can see and distinguish various colors of blue and yellow. This means that objects in these colors will appear relatively similar to what humans see but not just as vibrant as what we see. For example, a blue toy or yellow bedding would be distinguishable to your cat and might catch their interest more than an object in a different color.

Gray Shades

Much of what a cat sees could be described as grayish. Their ability to perceive shades of gray is quite refined, which again ties back to their high concentration of rod cells and low number of cones. This grayscale vision helps them in low-light conditions, where color becomes less important than detecting shapes and movement.

Colors Cats Can’t See

Cats differ significantly from humans in their inability to perceive certain colors, particularly red, green, and orange hues. These colors likely appear in a brownish or grayish tone to cats. So, while a bright red ball might be highly noticeable to you, it’s likely just another dull-colored object to your cat. What’s vibrant to us will just be another boring object for our cats.

Do Cats Need to See Color 

Now that we know what colors cats see, do they really need to see every spectrum of the color wheel? While color may not play as crucial a role for cats as it does for humans, it still impacts their behavior and interactions with the world around them.

Hunting Abilities

Cats are natural hunters, and their vision is perfectly adapted to this role. In the wild, being able to detect the slightest movement in low light is far more critical than distinguishing colors. Although color does not significantly influence their hunting success, cats can still differentiate between different tones, which may help them spot any danger and successfully avoid it.

While hunting is not as important for domesticated cats, it can still contribute to giving them a natural sense of living. Playtime with toys, bedding, and scratchposts are good mental stimulation tools to help our cats feel like their natural and primal selves.

Interaction with Toys and Surroundings

Color can play a role in how cats interact with toys, food, and other objects. While your cat may not be drawn to a brightly colored toy for its color alone, the contrast and movement of the toy are what will catch their eye. For instance, a blue or yellow toy might be easier for our cats to see rather than a red or green toy on a beige carpet.

When selecting toys or accessories for your cat, it’s a good idea to choose those in colors they can easily see, such as blue or yellow. Toys that move unpredictably, mimic the appearance of prey, or contrast sharply with the surroundings are likely to be the most engaging for your cat. These tools help stimulate your cat’s mind and keep it mentally active.

Navigating Their Environment

Cats use their vision together with other senses to navigate their environment. For example, they might not see a red sofa as vividly as you do, but they will notice its shape, size, and texture. Cats are also experts at recognizing familiar objects and spaces, even if the colors are muted. Their survival skills have seamlessly transitioned into their domesticated lives.

Contrast is another crucial element in how cats perceive their environment. They are excellent at detecting differences in light and dark, which helps them move around confidently, even in unfamiliar settings. This ability is particularly useful when navigating obstacles or jumping onto surfaces.

So the next time you see your cat walking and roaming around the house at night, don’t worry. It knows exactly where it is going. You could say it just needs a bit of exercise before going to bed.

How to Care for A Cat’s Eyes

While they can’t see all the colors, they still need their eyes to navigate their homes and tackle you for playtime. Healthy eyes not only help your cat navigate the world around them but also prevent discomfort and potential vision loss. Taking care of your cat's eyes helps in keeping their overall health in good condition. Here’s a guide on how to keep your cat’s eyes healthy and what to watch out for.

Regular Eye Checkups

Routine vet checkups with our pet ophthalmologists are essential for monitoring your cat's eye health. During an eye checkup session, we will check your cat’s eyes for any signs of infection, injury, or other health issues. Early detection of problems like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal diseases can make a significant difference in your cat’s quality of life. 

Keep Your Cat’s Eyes Clean

Cats are generally good at grooming themselves, but sometimes they need a little help. When it comes to their eyes, we can use gentle tools to help make sure nothing gets in the way of their vision. Tear stains or minor eye discharge can accumulate around their eyes, leading to irritation or infection if not cleaned properly.

A good start would be to make sure your hands are clean whenever you would play with your cat. Use soft and gentle cloths to wipe away the discharge and tear stains from the corner of your cat’s eyes. Make sure to use a different cloth for each eye.

Our clinic also helps you keep your eyes clean through cat grooming. Through our expertise, we can clean every part of your cat and give it a healthy glow and sparkling eyes!

Monitor for Signs of Eye Problems

Be vigilant about your cat’s eye health, and you can help detect any issues your cat has with its eyes. Here are some signs that may indicate your cat is experiencing eye problems:

• Redness or swelling

• Excessive tearing or discharge

• Cloudiness or changes in eye color

• Squinting or keeping an eye closed

• Rubbing or pawing at the eyes

Suppose you notice anything related to these symptoms for an extended period of time; it's important to bring your cat in for a visit to our clinic. Our pet ophthalmologists will examine your cat’s eyes and get straight to giving your cat the relief it needs. 

Clean Your Home

Keeping your home clean and safe for your cat plays a big part in keeping its eyes healthy. Here are a few tips to ensure your cat’s surroundings are safe for their eyes:

• Remove Hazards

Keep sharp objects, chemicals, and plants that could cause eye irritation or injury out of reach. Pens, pins, and other hazards can potentially damage your cat’s eyes if they get too close.

• Manage Allergens

Dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens can disrupt your cat’s eyesight. Regular cleaning and air purification can help reduce these irritants. Vacuum your carpets and wash your cat’s bedding regularly to help avoid these allergens.

• Use Safe Cleaning Products

Our cats love to roam around the house, which is why we must use cleaning products that are safe for our cats. Make sure to store these chemicals in an area where your cat can’t access them, as these chemicals can damage more than just your cat’s eyes.

Provide Nutritious Meals

While cats mostly need protein in their diets, good amounts of healthy fats, Vitamin A, and taurine are good sources of nutrition that can help your cat keep its good eyesight. Foods such as liver, fish oils, eggs, meats, and fish are good sources of these components. Make sure to give balanced amounts as recommended by our vets so we can optimize the nutrition your cat is getting for its eyes.

Conclusion

While cats may not experience the same vibrant wheel of colors that humans do, their vision is perfect for their needs and wants. By making sure our cat’s eyes are healthy, clean, and protected, we can help them see more of the world. Whether it’s a blue toy, yellow sheets, or a red bowl, our cats eyes are a delicate treasure that needs to be protected. Visit the clinic and let’s help your cats make more memories with you!