What colors can cats and dogs see? - briefly
Cats and dogs see the world in limited color ranges, primarily perceiving shades of blue and yellow but unable to distinguish reds and greens. Their vision is adapted for detecting motion and low-light conditions rather than color accuracy.
What colors can cats and dogs see? - in detail
Cats and dogs perceive colors differently from humans due to the structure of their eyes and the types of photoreceptors they possess. Humans have three types of cone cells in their retinas, allowing them to see a broad spectrum of colors, including red, green, and blue. In contrast, cats and dogs are dichromats, meaning they have only two types of cone cells, which limits their color perception. Dogs are believed to see the world primarily in shades of blue and yellow. They lack the cone cells sensitive to red light, making it difficult for them to distinguish between red and green hues. For example, a red toy may appear as a shade of gray or brown to a dog. Cats, similarly, have two types of cone cells but are more sensitive to blue and green wavelengths. They can see some shades of blue and green but struggle with reds and pinks, which may appear muted or grayish. Both cats and dogs have a higher number of rod cells compared to humans, which enhances their ability to see in low-light conditions but reduces their capacity for detailed color discrimination. Additionally, cats have a reflective layer behind their retinas called the tapetum lucidum, which improves night vision but does not contribute to color perception. While cats and dogs do not see the full range of colors that humans do, their vision is well-adapted to their natural behaviors, such as hunting and navigating in dim environments. Understanding these differences helps explain why certain toys or objects may be more visually appealing to them based on their limited color spectrum.