What Colors Do Cats Like?

​Your favorite feline friend likely has incredible eyesight. Cats famously have amazing senses, including sight, smell, and hearing.

They’re very skilled at seeing nearby objects and can even see in the dark.

Many people assume that their beloved pet is colorblind. If so, they would be unable to register certain colors.

​This guide tells you everything that you need to know about a cat’s perception of color. Namely, we answer which colors cats enjoy.

​Are Cats Colorblind?

​No, cats are not entirely colorblind. However, they are not capable of seeing as broad a spectrum of colors as humans.

Their perception of color is much more limited.

It used to be believed that cats were dichromatic. Essentially, this means that they could only see two colors.

However, research has since disproven this theory, as a cat's perception of color is more complex. Cats can see shades of blue and yellow.

They can also see some shades of green, which is a combination of these two primary colors. Moreover, your feline can recognize some hues of purple.

Cats are not able to see shades of red and pink. Thus, they are considered red-green colorblind.

For felines, this means that they are unable to distinguish between brown, red, purple, and orange. This is due to the shades of red that are present in all of these colors.

Green is a tricky color for cats because they can see some shades but not others. This is the same with purple.

If the shade of purple contains a lot of red, your cat is unlikely to perceive it properly. Even though cats do perceive these colors, they will see them as being more muted than humans do.

The reason that cats are partially color blind is that their eyes lack the number of cone receptors that humans possess.

​These cones allow humans to recognize a large spectrum of colors. Unfortunately, cats gave roughly ten times fewer cone receptors than humans.

​What Colors Do Cats Like?

​If you are looking for toys for your cat and are unsure which colors you should look for, we advise getting a yellow or blue toy.

Though your cats can still see toys that are red or another color, they will not be able to perceive the color itself. 

As a result, the toy will become a muted version of a different color. Therefore, you should stay away from toys of other colors.

In terms of relaxation, cats prefer blue and purple shades. Though they cannot detect all purple hues, they can see some.

Consequently, you might want to opt for a shade of purple that is closer to blue than red. For instance, indigo is an outstanding option.

If you are trying to relax your cat, you should utilize these colors.

For instance, if you are creating a sleeping space for them, you might want to obtain blankets and cushions that are blue or purple.

​Though, as many cat owners will tell you, it can be difficult to get your pet to sleep in one location. Instead, many cats will sleep anywhere but the designated area!

​Can Cats See Red Laser Pointers?

​You might be confused to learn that cats can’t see shades of red. After all, cats are obsessed with laser pointers.

Many of these devices use red lasers. Surely this would suggest that cats can’t see the red lasers?

Interestingly, cats aren’t interested in these laser pointers because of the color. They will see red as either yellow or white. 

The reason why cats are so fascinated by laser pointers is a result of their movement. Most people will move these pointers in a fast and dynamic way.

The cat will perceive this light, causing them to try to chase it. In many ways, these laser points are comparable to a cat’s prey.

Laser pointers are a magnificent method of getting your feline to do some extra exercise. Just avoid shining this light in their eyes.

This is because laser pointers can cause permanent damage to their vision.

​If you are afraid of causing this, it is best to refrain from using a laser pointer, even if your cat does enjoy playing with one.

​How Can Cats See In The Dark?

​Cats are famous for their ability to see in the dark. In this sense, their eyesight is superior to human eyesight.

Aside from cats, only a few other animals have this ability, including owls, foxes, and bats.

Though cats have fewer cone receptors in their eyes, they have more rods. These receptors are light-sensitive, enabling cats to see in dim conditions.

​Plus, they possess the ability to expand their eyes, thus permitting more light to enter. As a consequence, cats can see in the dark over six times better than humans.

This ability gives felines a major advantage over their prey. Therefore, many cats choose to hunt at night.

​Frequently Asked Questions

What Colors Irritate Cats?

There are no particular colors that annoy cats. This is because cats can see such a limited spectrum of colors.

Colors are less vibrant to cats due to the structure of their eyes. Of course, every cat is different, so some cats may be annoyed by specific colors while others will not.

Are Red Lights Suitable For Cats?

If you have red lights in your home, they should be fine for your cat. The majority of cats are fine around red and infrared (IR) lights.

​These lights will not harm your cat, especially if they are not very intense.

​If your cat is irritated by these red lights, they will likely avoid them or turn their heads away from these lights.

​Final Thoughts

​Cats are fascinating creatures. Though their ability to see in the dark is brilliant, they are unable to see certain colors, namely red, pink, brown, and orange.

If you want to find an object that will appeal to your pet, whether that be a toy or blanket, you should opt for ones that are either blue or purple.

​This is because these are the most relaxing and visible colors to cats!