What colors do cats like, and can they really see them?

We often take the world around us for granted and assume that our furry, feathered, or scaly friends can see exactly what we’re seeing. However, your furry feline friend might be looking out at a slightly different scene from what you see. How your cat sees colors can affect what colors and items they like, so it begs the question - what colors do cats like?

Key takeaways

• Cats see differently from us and can see better at night or in low-light conditions.
• It’s a common misconception that cats can only see in black and white. 
• Similar to dogs, cats can see the colors blue and yellow, and some scientists suspect they may also see some shades of green. We do know, however, that they can’t see pink or red at all!  

How is a cat’s vision different from ours?

All eyes have two different types of cells that help us see. Rods help with peripheral vision and night vision, while cones help with color perception.

Cats will see colors differently from how people can, but this isn’t the only difference. Cats have elliptical pupils that let them get a lot more light into their eyes, helping them see better at night or in low-light conditions. Cats also have more rods in their eyes, which allows them to detect motion much better than we can (ideal for all those nighttime escapades!) 

Cats also have a wider range of vision since their eyes are closer to the sides of their heads than ours. However, humans can see things more clearly at a distance, with cats effectively being near-sighted compared to humans. This means that while we might see something more clearly in the distance, cats will be able to see it move better than we can.

What colors can cats see?

There’s still some debate about exactly what colors cats can see, but it’s generally accepted that cats can only see a shorter range of the color spectrum compared to humans, as cats only have one-tenth of the cones that we have in our eyes. It’s also speculated that they see colors as being duller than we do, because they are less sensitive to the brightness of different tones.

Do cats only see in black and white?

Good news: Your cat sees more than just black and white! They actually enjoy a colorful world, even if it’s not quite like ours. It’s a common misconception that cats only see in black and white. Instead, cats can see some colors, which we’ll go over below, with everything else appearing in shades of gray.

Can cats see blue?

Most experts agree that cats can see shades of blue, much like dogs can. So they’ll be able to see the blue sky and any blue toys quite clearly.

Can cats see yellow?

Yellow is another color that cats can see quite clearly, though again it will be duller than what we humans can see, so bright yellows might be more appropriate for cats to spot.

Can cats see green?

It is believed by some scientists that cats are able to see some shades of green, though not the entire range of greens that we can see. On top of this, if they can see green, the tones would be much duller and muddier than they appear to us.

Can cats see pink?

Cats cannot see pink at all! Any pink objects will look like a muddy shade of gray to our feline friends. So if you’re wondering why your cat doesn’t like the pink collar you’ve picked out for them, it might be because it doesn’t look very impressive to them...

Can cats see red?

As with pink, cats cannot see red. Much like a color-blind person will experience, cats generally see red as a kind of gray tone. This can make it difficult when they need to distinguish between multiple different red items, because they all look too similar.

What colors do cats like? 

Now that we know the answer to ‘what colors do cats see best?’, the next question is what colors cats actually like.

While we’re left with a relatively small range of colors to choose from, the general consensus is that blue is a good choice for your cat, as it’s the color they will see the most vividly. On top of this, yellows and even greens can be a popular choice for our feline friends - which makes sense, since everything else will look gray. Of course, your cat might have a specific favorite color, and you can only work this out by seeing what they like.

What are some calming colors for cats?

Making a calming space for your cat is a multi-sensory matter, and you should consider noises, smells, and textures as well as colors. However, most research suggests that cats find pale blues, yellows, purples, and greens soothing.

What color should cat toys be?

Toys are designed for enrichment and entertainment, so the way they look is pretty important to your cat! Because of this, it’s a good idea to get toys in blue, yellow or green, as these are the colors that your cat sees most clearly. Picking the best colors for cats will help them see their toys and playthings much better, leading to a happier fluffball.

Related article: Discover how your pet sees the world with our interactive tool.

What color cat treats should I get?

Now that you're fully clued in on cat color perception, you might be wondering if this means you should splash out on some new, bright-colored cat treats for your feline friend. And while we’re sure your kitty would appreciate a haul of tasty blue cat treats and fun yellow feeding bowls, it’s not really necessary. For one thing, your cat will care much more about what their food tastes like, rather than what it looks like! 

That being said, if you want to give your cat a visual delight, try making these homemade cat treats, and add in a dash of natural coloring to make them extra exciting for your feline friend. Just make sure that the colorings you add are cat-safe, as some natural foods are unsafe for felines.

Do any colors make cats unhappy?

There are no specific types of color that are known to aggravate or upset cats. However, if they are in a place with no colors they can see, this could make them less happy. After all, who would enjoy living in a gray environment all the time? 

Consider whether or not your cat can see the various colors you’ve decorated your home with and focus on creating a visually stimulating environment. Of course, if you’re worried that your cat might be unhappy, rather than working out your cat’s favorite colour, consider checking in with your vet, or if you’re a TrustedHousesitters member, contact our 24/7 Vet Advice Line for advice.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

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