Pet perceptions

We all see the world differently, and when it comes to our animal buddies, it’s literally true!

🐶Dogs can see blue and yellow far better than green and red. That’s because dogs have only two types of colour sensing receptors called cones, whereas we have three.

🐶That green ball on the grass? Or that red squidgy toy? Sadly, your pooch can’t make out the colour . So if you’ve placed down a treat and they’re sitting there expectantly – don’t worry, they probably can’t see it!

🐶 Most dogs have 20/75 vision, which means they must be 20 feet away from an object to see it as well as a human with clear vision who is standing 75 feet away. Whilst most dogs can’t focus on objects that are far away, Labrador Retrievers have eyesight that is almost as good as humans, which is why they’re often used as guide dogs.

🐈 Similarly to dogs, cats have two types of cones, which means that blue and yellow – plus shades of grey – are the colours they find easiest to distinguish.

🐈 Cats have 20/30 vision. That means they can clearly see from 20 feet away what a typical human can see from 30 feet away.

🐈 Cats have 200 degree vision (20 degrees wider than a human’s), allowing them to spot what’s approaching from the side. However they have a blind spot right under their chin, which means they often don’t detect something directly in front of them. Good news for mice!

In some ways, cats and dogs see the world similarly. But colour isn’t everything; for example, cats are excited by motion, while dogs have a sense of smell that is up to 100,000 times more powerful than the average human.

Petplan veterinary expert, Dr Brian Faulkner says “When we understand how our pets see the world, we can adapt how we interact with them – whether that’s choosing the right coloured toys, designing play spaces that stimulate their senses, or understanding why they may not spot a treat right in front of them. It’s all about seeing the world from their point of view.”

It’s a big, bright beautiful world out there, but for cats and dogs, it’s often a stark contrast to what we see.

We’ve spun the colour wheel to give you a sense of how cats and dogs experience daily life differently.

For our doggy friends, the world is a more muted affair (but available in widescreen). But while a bright summer’s day looks somewhat damper to a dog, their senses are excited in all sorts of other ways.

• While a dog would struggle to see reds and greens in the playground scene (above ) their eyes would be alive to movements and shapes, and the way that light is reflected.
• Humans have about 5 million smell receptors, whereas dogs have up to a billion! That means they can pick up smells around 12 miles away.
• Dogs can even communicate through chemical signals, known as pheromones, when they sniff other dogs, which helps them find a mating partner.

Dr Brian Faulkner comments: “Dogs have incredible night vision and are especially tuned in to movement, thanks to a reflective layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum – it’s also why their eyes seem to glow in photos.

“But when it comes to colour, dogs see a limited palette of yellows and blues. Knowing this can really help owners make smarter choices – from picking out toys that stand out to wearing bright yellow or blue when out on walks or practising recall. It all helps your dog spot you quickly and easily.”

If you want to know what a cat sees at nighttime, turn on the bright lights! Cats’ reputation for crystal-clear night vision is well-deserved.

• Cats have awesome night goggles. A cat’s night time vision is eight times better than humans, which allows their eyes to detect things in low-light.
• While greens and reds take a backseat, the fast moving bicycle (above) would appear even more intense to a cat’s eyes.
• Contrary to popular myth, cats can’t see when it’s completely dark . But due to their larger corneas, cats can see very well on a dimly lit street, for example.

Nicky Trevorrow, Behaviour Manager at Cats Protection, comments “While cats are often thought to see in total darkness, that’s a common myth! Their eyes are brilliantly adapted for low-light conditions, thanks to their large corneas and slit-shaped pupils, which adjust easily between dim light and bright daylight.

"Knowing how your cat sees the world – including their need to be close to objects to see them clearly – helps us better understand their behaviours, from those intense stares to their sudden pounces.”

So, empowered with the knowledge that cats and dogs see, smell and feel the world differently, should this inspire the decisions we make around our living space? Here are some ways you can create a cat and canine-friendly sensory experience at home.

1. Choose yellow and blue toys. Whether it’s a yellow mouse or a blue bone, these toys will be even more eye-catching for your furry companion.
2. Try new textures. For cats and dogs, what matters is what they feel – not just what they see. Textured rugs can help our pets navigate a space, while blankets, cushions and dog or cat beds make for a warm and cosy environment.
3. Introduce aromas. Dogs are said to enjoy the smell of lavender, mint and blackberries. Meanwhile, cats reportedly like herbal scents, fireplace logs and of course, catnip!
4. Get them moving. Cats can’t get enough of movement, so introduce toys that encourage plenty of pouncing – from feather teasers to wind-up mice.
5. Bring the outdoors in. Cats and dogs love the natural world, so perhaps keep your window ajar to bring in the great outdoors.
6. Paint ‘pet-friendly’ walls. Steer clear of red – and embrace blue and yellow – if you’re looking to create a pet-friendly colour scheme. Plus, eggshell paints are often recommended if your pets have that charming habit of getting the walls dirty!

Dr Brian Faulkner comments “When designing a pet-friendly home, it’s not just about what looks good to us, but what feels right for them. Colours, scents and textures all help stimulate and soothe your pet’s senses. Whether it’s choosing the right coloured toys, adding comforting fabrics, or bringing natural scents and sounds indoors – these small details can make a big difference to your pet’s wellbeing.”

They say eyes are the window to the soul, or should that be the food bowl? The way our pets experience the world – and their remarkable vision – is key to understanding how we can fuss up our furry friends with the environment they deserve. A little insight goes a long way - whether it’s picking the right playthings or having pet insurance in place to support their wellbeing.

And while we’re separating feline facts from fiction – and dismissing the odd puppy porky – check out our pet myth busting guide.