Different species experience the world in very different ways. While some animals see only a limited range of colours, others, such as insects, can detect wavelengths of light that humans cannot even perceive.
When it comes to our pets, vision is more complex than simply asking, if they see in colour. Colour itself isn’t something that physically exists, it’s how the brain interprets light.
Colour is created when light enters the eye and is processed by the brain. Light travels in waves, and different wavelengths correspond to different colours.
Inside the eye are special cells called photoreceptors:
Humans have three types of cone cells (sensitive to blue, red, and green light) and over 100 million rod cells for night and motion vision. As animals have different numbers and types of these cells, their perception of colour and brightness varies from ours.
Cats have a similar number of cone cells to humans, but their colour perception is thought to be less vivid. They likely see blues and greens most clearly, while reds may appear duller.
Cats are not especially strong at seeing fine detail from a distance, but they excel at detecting movement, especially in low light.
Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Their eyes are adapted perfectly for these lighting conditions.
They have significantly more rod cells than humans, allowing them to see clearly in dim environments. Like dogs, cats also have a tapetum lucidum, which enhances available light and produces the glowing-eye effect at night.
Although their night vision is excellent, they still require some light to see.
An animal’s height and eye placement significantly influence how they see the world.
A small cat standing in grass may experience it as a visual barrier, while a taller cat in the same location may easily see beyond it.
Animals with eyes positioned more to the sides of their heads have a wider field of vision. This helps them detect movement from multiple angles.
For example:
This expanded peripheral vision comes from their ancestral need to detect prey or threats.
In some flat faced breeds, such as the Persian cat, the shape of the skull alters eye positioning slightly. This can affect visual range and depth perception compared to longer-faced breeds.
