What colors do cats see best? - briefly
Cats see shades of blue and green most effectively, as their vision is optimized for detecting motion and navigating in low light rather than distinguishing a wide range of colors.
What colors do cats see best? - in detail
Cats possess a unique vision system that differs significantly from that of humans, particularly in terms of color perception. While humans are trichromatic, meaning they have three types of cone cells in their retinas that allow them to perceive a broad spectrum of colors, cats are dichromatic. This means they have only two types of cone cells, limiting their ability to distinguish certain colors. Cats are most sensitive to colors in the blue-violet and greenish-yellow ranges. They can perceive shades of blue and green reasonably well, but their ability to differentiate between reds and pinks is notably poor. This is because the cones in a cat’s eyes are less responsive to longer wavelengths, which correspond to red and orange hues. Instead, cats rely more on brightness and contrast rather than color to navigate their environment. Their vision is optimized for low-light conditions, a trait that stems from their evolutionary history as nocturnal hunters. While cats may not see the world in the same vibrant colors as humans, their visual system is highly adept at detecting motion and enhancing their ability to hunt effectively, even in dim lighting. This adaptation makes their perception of color secondary to their ability to detect movement and navigate in the dark.