How Do Cats See? We Tell You Everything

Have you ever wondered how cats see the world around them? Feline vision is fascinating and full of peculiarities. From their incredible ability to see in the dark to how they perceive colors, cats have vision adapted to their life as predators. In this article, we'll answer common questions like: what colors do they see? How do they react to certain shades? What can they see that we can't? Plus, we'll explain how they detect movement, how they see us humans, and how their visual perception changes day and night. Find out everything you need to know about your feline's vision!

Characteristics of feline vision

• Cat vision has several unique features that allow them to adapt to different situations, especially in low-light conditions. Here are some of its main characteristics:
• Night vision: Cats have excellent vision in low-light conditions. This is due to a high concentration of rods in their retinas, the light-sensitive cells, and the presence of a structure called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back to the photoreceptors, improving their ability to see in the dark.
• Wide field of vision: Cats' eyes are positioned forward, giving them a field of vision of approximately 200 degrees, allowing for good peripheral and depth perception.
• Color perception: Unlike humans, cats are dichromatic, meaning they can only see a few colors. Although they can see blue and green, their ability to distinguish colors like red and pink is limited. This gives them a duller color perception than humans.
• Motion Sensitivity: Cats are extremely sensitive to motion, especially in low light conditions. They can detect quick movements better than humans, which helps them in hunting.
• Lower visual acuity: Although cats are good at seeing in the dark, their visual acuity during the day is not as good as that of humans. It is estimated that a cat has 20/100 vision, meaning that what a human can see clearly at 100 feet, a cat will only see clearly at 20 feet.
• Blurry vision up close: Cats have difficulty focusing on objects that are very close to them. They often rely on their whiskers to sense objects that are right in front of their noses.

What colors do cats see?

Cats can see mainly in shades of blue and green, as they are dichromatic. This means that they perceive fewer colours than humans and have difficulty distinguishing red and pink, which they may see as dull greys or browns. Their worldview is more limited in terms of colour, but they are very sensitive to contrasts and movement.

What colors do cats hate?

Cats have not been shown to "dislike" specific colors, but because they do not perceive reds and pinks well, these colors may seem less interesting or relevant to them. Cats are more sensitive to movement and light intensity than to colors themselves, so they tend to react more to visual stimuli than to color preferences.

What colors relax cats?

Soft shades of blue and green tend to be calming for cats, as these are the colours they perceive most clearly. Additionally, these colours are often associated with nature and can convey a sense of calm. Soft lighting and a peaceful environment, more than the colour itself, are what really contribute to cats feeling relaxed and comfortable.

To help your cat find calm in their everyday life, we present Waggy's Calming for cats, a formula specially designed to promote relaxation and well-being for your feline. With natural ingredients such as HEMP, L-Theanine and Passionflower, this supplement supports a sense of tranquility and effectively reduces stress. HEMP acts as a natural relaxant, while L-Theanine and Passionflower help maintain calm and emotional stability. In addition, the packaging in a soft blue tone not only reflects the tranquility that the product seeks to offer, but is also a color known for its visually relaxing effect on cats. Thus, by choosing Waggy's Calming, you are not only providing essential support for their well-being, but you are also contributing to a visually serene environment that complements their relaxation efforts.

How do cats see humans?

Cats see humans differently than we do. Their vision is less acute, with less ability to distinguish fine details, so they see us in a blurrier way, especially at long distances. They also have limited colour perception, seeing shades of blue and green, while warm colours, such as red, appear dull or grey to them. However, their ability to detect movement is much greater, which helps them follow our actions even if their vision of detail is inferior.

In terms of interaction, cats don't see us as a different species, but rather as large companions. They identify us by our voice, scent, and behavior, rather than by our detailed visual appearance. Some studies suggest that they see us as big cats who simply act differently, yet they use their keen sense of hearing and smell to recognize and understand us better.

How do cats see during the day?

During the day, cats have less sharp vision than humans, with a reduced ability to see details at long distances. Although their visual acuity is not as good as in the dark, they are still sensitive to movement, allowing them to detect changes in their environment with ease. The colours they perceive are limited to shades of blue and green, while reds and pinks appear dull to them. Their daytime vision is not their strong point, but it is sufficient to function normally in illuminated environments.

What color do cats see at night?

At night, cats see in muted shades of grey and blue, as they cannot perceive colours clearly in low-light conditions. Their night vision is more focused on detecting contrast and movement than identifying specific colours. Although their ability to see details is diminished in the dark, their acute sensitivity to light allows them to move with ease in dark environments where humans would barely be able to see.

What can cats see that we can't?

Cats have the ability to see in low-light conditions much better than humans, thanks to the large number of light-sensitive cells in their eyes and the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer that enhances their night vision. This allows them to detect details and movements in dark environments that we wouldn't be able to see without help. Additionally, they are more sensitive to quick and subtle movements, allowing them to notice small changes in their environment that often go unnoticed by us.

How do you know if a cat is blind?

To know if a cat has vision problems or is blind, you can observe several signs that Waggy's shares with you:

• Disorientation: The cat may bump into furniture, walls or objects that he would normally avoid.
• Uncertain movements: They walk cautiously, raising their legs higher than normal or feeling the ground before moving forward.
• Pupil changes: Pupils that are constantly dilated or do not respond well to light may be signs of vision problems.
• Lack of visual response: Does not react to sudden movements near the face or to bright lights.
• Dependent behavior: The cat may become more clingy, follow owners closely, or rely more on its other senses, such as smell and hearing.
• Veterinary exam: If problems are suspected, a veterinarian can do more detailed tests to confirm vision loss.

It is important to watch for these signs and consult a veterinarian if changes in the cat's visual behavior are noticed. If you notice your cat beginning to suffer from cat stress before vet visits, consider trying Waggy's HEMP products, specifically designed to help calm your feline. These products contain natural ingredients that can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being in your pet. However, it is essential to remember that the use of these products is the responsibility of the owner. We recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the proper use and dosage for your cat, thus ensuring an effective experience.

Conclusion

In short, cats' vision is an impressive example of evolutionary adaptation. While their ability to distinguish colors is limited and their daytime visual acuity is not as keen as ours, their extraordinary night vision and sensitivity to motion allow them to skillfully navigate the dark and detect small changes in their environment. Although they see the world in a more restricted color palette and with less detail, their keen sense of visual perception helps them to be the effective hunters and explorers that they are. Understanding how cats see not only helps us better appreciate their unique abilities, but also create a more suitable environment for them.