The lack of cone cells that have optimal receptivity in the low-frequency visual range means that cats are much better at discerning color gradients in the high-frequency end of the spectrum (blue, violet, yellow, green) than at the low-frequency end of the spectrum (orange, red). (Cats- Color Perception)
Cats have a unique way of seeing the world. While humans have three types of color receptors (cones) that allow us to perceive a wide spectrum of colors, cats have only two. This means their color vision is somewhat limited compared to ours.
What Colors Can Cats See?
Blue and Violet: Cats are particularly sensitive to blue and violet hues. Toys in these colors are more likely to attract their attention and stimulate their playful instincts.
Green: Cats can also see some shades of green, although not as vividly as humans. Bright green toys can still catch a cat’s eye, especially in natural settings like grass.
Yellow and Gray: Cats can see yellow and gray, but these colors might not stand out as much to them. While they can perceive them, they are not as engaging as blue or violet.
Colors Less Visible to Cats
Red: This color appears more like a dark gray to cats. Therefore, red toys are less likely to grab their attention.
Orange: Similar to red, orange hues may not be very distinct for cats, making them a less appealing choice for toys.
In short, when choosing cat toys, you can choose blue, green and other colors according to the colors that cats can see, and red and orange should be avoided due to the color weakness of cats. This way, they’ll love it as a toy!
