The choice of color in a cat’s environment is an important consideration for their health and wellbeing. Green is often touted as a calming color for humans, but does this hold true for our feline friends as well? In this article, we’ll explore the evidence around how green impacts cats, looking at factors like their vision, natural behaviors, and color psychology. Getting the color scheme right in a cat’s home can help reduce anxiety and stress, leading to a happier, healthier pet.
How cats see color
To understand how color affects cats, we first need to consider how they see the world. Cats have very different vision compared to humans. Here are some key differences:
| Cats | Humans |
| See in low light conditions | Poor night vision |
| Field of vision around 200 degrees | Field of vision around 180 degrees |
| Mainly see blues and greens | See full color spectrum |
Cats have a high concentration of rod receptors in their eyes, which allows them to see well in dim light. They have fewer cone receptors responsible for color vision. As a result, cats see a more limited color range than humans, made up predominantly of blues and greens. Reds and pinks appear as shades of gray to cats.
So how does green look to cats? Green hues appear bright to cats due to the high number of rod receptors. Shades of green stand out in their vision. This is one reason why cat toys and accessories often come in green. To cats, it is a distinct and noticeable color in their feline world.
Natural cat behaviors related to vision
Understanding natural cat behaviors gives more insight into how they use vision and process visual stimuli. Feral and wild cats rely heavily on their senses for hunting and survival. Here are some behaviors connected to their vision:
– Cats are crepuscular – more active and alert at dawn and dusk when light levels change. Their vision adapts well to these conditions.
– Movement and contrast in vision helps cats detect prey. Green grass or foliage provides camouflage when hunting.
– Cats use visual cues and signals to convey mood and avoid confrontation. For example, long blinking and half-closed eyes show contentment.
– When anxious, cats survey their surroundings visually and seek out hidden spaces or high vantage points. Their territory and environment impacts this behavior.
– Cats watch human faces closely for visual emotional cues. We communicate a lot through our eyes and expression.
Understanding these innate feline behaviors gives us insight into how to create environments that align with their visual capabilities and preferences. Using certain colors, contrasts, hiding spots, perches, and visually open spaces can help satisfy a cat’s needs.
Green’s calming effect
So how does the color green specifically impact cats? There are a few reasons why green is considered a serene color for cats:
Prey drive
Since cats see greens and blues more vividly, green reminds them of nature and foliage. The color appears soothing and calm rather than triggering their prey drive. Red, on the other hand, reminds them of blood and prey which causes a more excited reaction.
Camouflage
As green mimics grass and leaves, it also taps into a cat’s natural camouflage instincts. Blending into foliage helps cats feel concealed from threats. So surrounded by green, they feel hidden and relaxed.
Positive associations
Green is now associated with many positive things for domestic cats – their food bowls, toys, scratching posts and more. Seeing green signals something good for cats. Forming these associations can help make green an innate calming cue.
Reduce overstimulation
Bright whites, reds and contrasting patterns can overstimulate cats visually. Green is easier on their vision. Too much visual stimuli stresses cats out, so green’s softness has a soothing effect.
So in summary, green seems to strike the perfect balance for cat vision and psychology. It engages them enough to be interesting, but not too stimulating to cause distress. No wonder it’s a go-to color for calming cat products and environments.
Using green in cat spaces
Now we understand why green is soothing for cats, how do we apply this in designing their living spaces? Here are some tips for using green effectively:
– Incorporate natural greens – Safe houseplants and greenery help give a calming, outdoor feel. Spider plants and pothos vines are cat-friendly options. Position them where cats can hide amongst and survey the foliage.
– Go for soft greens – Think light sage or seafoam rather than harsh neons. Soft greens are easiest on cat eyes. Try using green color palettes throughout soft furnishings, bedding and window dressings.
– Paint problem areas – Use green tones on walls in high-stress spots or on frequently scratched furniture. This can deter scratching or damage from anxious cats.
– Offer green hideaways – Use beds, cat condos, tunnels or cubbies in greens and grassy hues. These become soothing sanctuaries for cats when they feel overwhelmed.
– Try calming green collars – Some cats benefit from wearing a green breakaway collar. The color can have an anxiety-relieving effect.
Always monitor your cat’s reactions to any color changes in their environment. But applying greens thoughtfully should help make their surroundings more inviting and less stressful.
Science-backed benefits
Beyond just observational evidence, scientific studies also suggest green has tangible calming effects on cats:
– A 2019 study had cat owners place green, pink or orange sheets over cats’ carriers during vet visits. Cats with green covers showed significantly lower stress signals like dilated pupils and vocalizations.
– Research at Texas A&M University found cats recovered normal pulse rates faster when placed in green recovery cages after anesthesia, versus gray, blue or yellow cages.
– A study by ICAN Animal Behavior found cats waiting for adoption had lower resting respiratory rates when housed in rooms painted green. This suggested more relaxed emotional states.
So empirical research echoes the anecdotal evidence. Opting for greens seems to help minimize anxiety and stress responses in cats across various scenarios.
Caveats and considerations
While the consensus is that green has calming qualities for cats, there are a few considerations:
– Individual preferences – As with humans, every cat has unique color preferences and sensitivities. Monitor your pet’s reactions.
– Shade variations – Dark or neon greens may be overstimulating. Softer shades like sage are safest.
– Too much green? – Control the balance so areas don’t become visually overwhelming. Accent with creams, grays and blues.
– Additional solutions – Color alone won’t solve severe anxiety or stress. Seek vet advice if problems persist.
– Kidney disease – Those caring for cats in kidney failure should opt for calming colors other than green.
So green should be used thoughtfully, not as a sole quick fix. Combine it with other enrichment and training techniques for a happy, healthy cat.
Conclusion
When designed well, our home environments can have a big impact on cats’ mental states. The evidence points to green being among the most serene, soothing colors for felines. By mimicking nature and reducing overstimulation, different shades of green can decrease cats’ anxiety and stress. Living spaces incorporating pleasing greens, balanced with other calming hues, look to support the health and happiness of our purr-fect furry companions. Paying attention to color selection can be one more way we attune our homes to our cats’ sensory capabilities and needs. For bringing out a cat’s inner tranquility, it seems you can’t go wrong by going green.