Can Cats See Us in Color?

Technically, cats can see in color, but they probably see us — and everything else — in a very different light than we do. Cats have very few of the cones that respond to red light, so their world appears blue, gray, and yellow. Reds and greens are impossible for cats to tell apart, so if you have bright red hair, it probably doesn't stand out to your cat.

Do Cats See Us as Another Species?

Cats treat us as though they think we are giant, clumsy fellow cats. When a cat rubs up against you and lifts its tail, she is greeting you in the same way that she would greet another cat. Compare this to dogs, which play and communicate differently with other dogs than with humans, suggesting they recognize the difference.

Can Cats See Human Uniqueness?

Cats either can't tell human faces apart or just don't care what we look like. In 2005, researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas and Pennsylvania State University set up a test in which cats and dogs were trained in object and pattern discrimination. They were taught to choose between two images in order to receive a treat. When shown pictures of their own handler's face and a stranger's face, the cats only recognized the handler's face about half of the time.

Who's in Charge Here?

On the other hand, in these studies cats didn't actually move from their napping spots for anyone — familiar or not. The researchers concluded that cats simply are not inclined to respond to calls from their owners when their owners are out of sight. Many cat owners, however, report that their own cats are much more inclined to respond when they expect to be fed or let into the house.

Can Cats See Us Like We See Ourselves? How Cats See Human Faces

Can Cats See Us Like We See Ourselves? How Cats See Human Faces

Finding pets for you...