What color do cats see red as? - briefly
Cats perceive red as a shade of gray or a muted tone due to their limited ability to detect red wavelengths in their vision.
What color do cats see red as? - in detail
Cats perceive colors differently from humans due to the structure of their eyes and the types of photoreceptors they possess. While humans have three types of cone cells that allow us to see a broad spectrum of colors, cats have only two types of cones, making their vision dichromatic. This means they primarily see the world in shades of blue and green. Reds, oranges, and similar warm colors appear differently to cats. Specifically, red is not perceived as a distinct color by cats; instead, it is likely seen as a muted or grayish tone. This is because their cones are more sensitive to wavelengths in the blue and green spectrum and lack the ability to process longer wavelengths associated with red. As a result, red objects may blend into their surroundings or appear less vibrant to cats. Their vision is adapted for detecting movement and seeing in low-light conditions rather than distinguishing between a wide range of colors. This adaptation aligns with their evolutionary needs as nocturnal hunters, prioritizing functionality over color differentiation.