What colors does a cat's eye see? - briefly
Cats see primarily in shades of blue and green, as their vision is optimized for low-light conditions rather than a full color spectrum.
What colors does a cat's eye see? - in detail
Cats possess a unique vision system that differs significantly from that of humans, particularly in their perception of colors. While humans are trichromatic, meaning they have three types of cone cells in their retinas that detect red, green, and blue light, cats are dichromatic. This means they have only two types of cone cells, which are sensitive to blue and green wavelengths. As a result, cats perceive the world in a more limited color spectrum compared to humans. They are most adept at distinguishing between blues and greens but struggle to differentiate between reds, oranges, and yellows. These colors may appear as shades of gray or brown to a cat. The reduced number of cone cells also means cats have less sensitivity to color saturation and brightness, making their color vision less vibrant than that of humans. However, cats compensate for this limitation with other visual adaptations, such as superior night vision and motion detection. Their eyes contain a high number of rod cells, which are highly sensitive to low light conditions, allowing them to see clearly in environments where humans would struggle. Additionally, the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina, enhances their ability to see in dim light by reflecting light back through the retina. While cats may not see the full spectrum of colors, their vision is finely tuned for their survival needs, enabling them to navigate their environment effectively, especially during twilight or nighttime. Understanding the nuances of feline vision helps explain why cats rely more on movement and contrast than on color in their daily activities.