Can cats see in color?

[I_love_cats]

I would love to know if cats can see in color, i think they can more than people say. I heard by people that cats can only see in black and white. I am pretty sure they can see some shade of colors and cats can see good in th dark. What do you guys think, please let me know. Thanks!!!

[stonewind]

Actually cats can only see in the colours blue and green. Hope that helps. Anyways I've got to go now.

[Kirsten]

They can see colors, but not as intense as humans, and according to a study I've read they can't see red, only shades of blue and green (the cones for red-vision are missing in a cat's eye), like stonewind said. I think red looks grey for a cat. The study also said their vision field is only sharp in the center, but a bit blurry on the edges .

Kirsten

[AmberLee]

I saw an interesting webpage ages ago that laid out side by side photos as humans saw things and as a cat would view them. The cats side was a little misty and 'gray-ed out' but did have some color. As the others said it seemed to mainly be blues and greens. If I find it again, I'll post a link here.

It vaguely seemed like it was part of the National Geographic magazine special on cats...

[Kirsten]

Hmmm, I once saw a report on tv (think it was from BBC) where a camera tried to imitate the viewing field of a cat. It was showing humans, they did not look green, but very pale - but who knows!

Kirsten

[I_love_cats]

I think cats can see in color because my Joey looks at very good like he can see my very clearly. I was just wondering how can they see are face, is blurry or clear.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I voted that they can see some colors. May be they can see more than just blue and green.

[AmberLee]

One more opinion on the subject: Cat Vision

[I_love_cats]

Thanks for the useful website, that helps a bit.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thanks AmberLee, I learned something tonight. I thought that cats could see more colors than just blue or green.

[AmberLee]

Well, it looks like they can see a little bit of yellow, and a little bit of purple... But our 'Mr. Red Fish' toy must be gray to the cats. Oh, well, they love him (to pieces) anyway.

[Chinadoll]

Interesting...I've always wondered that too. I know ferrets can only see red well. And now I know cats can see mostly blue green shades. I wonder what the significance is that some animals see a particular color as opposed to others.

[lynnestankard]

Great link AmberLee - I always knew cats could register purple - hence Whiskas choosing that as the main colour for the tins etc.
Crafty eh?


Lynne

[Vio&Juni]

I saw a documentary long ago (not sure on which channel, think on Discovery?) and I found out that they see red as grey, they can see clearly yellow and green (that's why my cats are fans of Brasil football team , they always play on the tv screen when there is some of green and yellow). I forgot about blue, but I think you're right, they can see blue too. Also, they see better in less light, so during the day they see blurry.

[Kirsten]

Yep, that link was helpful! Thanks for posting, AmberLee!