Cats can experience stress and anxiety just like humans do. In fact, there are many things in a cat’s environment that can cause nervousness, fear, or overstimulation. That’s why it’s important for cat owners to understand how to create a calming environment for their feline friends. One simple way to help relax cats is through color. The use of certain colors has been shown to have a soothing, calming effect on cats. In this article, we’ll explore what color is most relaxing for cats and why it has this impact.
Understanding Cat Vision
To understand what colors cats see best, it helps to first look at how feline vision differs from human vision. Cats have a wider field of vision than humans do. Their area of best vision is about 200 degrees compared to our 180 degrees. Cats also have better night vision and motion detection than people. When it comes to color, though, cats do not see the full spectrum of hues that humans do.
Cats are dichromats, meaning they have only two types of color receptors (cones) in their eyes. Humans, by comparison, have three types of cones, making us trichromats. With fewer cones, cats see a more limited range of colors. Scientists believe cats see mainly in blues, grays, and yellows. Their color discrimination is estimated to be similar to a person with red-green color blindness. So cats have a muted sense of color compared to how humans see the world.
Green Spectrum Hues
Given the structure of feline vision, cats are best able to distinguish colors in the green to blue-green spectrum. These colors appear vibrant and stimulating to cats. Green wavelengths also align well with the peak sensitivity of cats’ visual receptors. For these reasons, scientists believe that various shades of green are the colors cats see most brightly and clearly.
Looking at the anatomy of cats’ eyes provides clues as to why the green spectrum stands out. The tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina, allows cats to see better in low light. This structure amplifies incoming light before it hits the rods and cones. Its reflection boosts wavelengths in the yellow-green range. So this adaptation for night hunting enhances the visibility of greenish shades.
How Green is Calming for Cats
While cats see green tones most vividly, that doesn’t necessarily mean green is a relaxing color for them. In fact, research into cat color preferences shows that certain shades of green can have a calming, soothing effect on cats.
One study from researchers at the University of Basel explored how environmental colors influence cat stress levels. The researchers measured signs of stress, like fluctuations in respiratory rate and movement, in cats exposed to different colored rooms. Pale green environments were shown to have a particularly calming effect, more so than brighter or more saturated greens. Medium green also induced relaxation, while dark and yellow-tinged greens caused anxiety.
So why does pale or muted green have this mellowing impact? One possibility is that these softer greens are less overstimulating for cats’ visual systems. Bright and saturated colors tend to be more visually intense. Soft greens, on the other hand, engage cats’ color perception while still feeling gentle on their eyes. There may also be an instinctive association between certain greens and natural outdoor environments that cats find comforting.
Using Green to Soothe Cats
Knowing that green tones can calm cats gives pet owners insights into creating a stress-free environment. Here are some tips for incorporating relaxing greens:
– Paint walls in pale sage, seafoam, or lime green. Avoid neon or electric greens.
– Use pale green blankets or pet beds.
– Choose toys or scratching posts in earthy greens.
– Place green plants, like philodendrons or spider plants, around the home.
– Consider diffusing feline-safe essential oils like lemongrass or catnip.
– Put your cat in a green collar, vest, or other small accessory.
– Offer green cat treats as positive reinforcement during stressful events like vet visits.
It’s best to introduce greens gradually so cats have time to adjust. Notice what shade and intensity your cat responds to best.
Other Soothing Colors for Cats
While green is often considered the most stress-relieving hue, other colors can also have calming qualities:
– Blue – Like green, blue is easy for cats to see and is linked to relaxation. Pale to medium blues are likely the most peaceful. Navy may be overstimulating.
– Violet/Lavender – Light purples and lavenders give off gentle, soothing vibes like soft greens and blues. Avoid brighter purples.
– Brown/Tan – Earthy neutrals like light brown and tan remind cats of natural scenery and dirt. Nature-inspired colors can be grounding.
– Grey – Low-saturation neutrals like pale grey won’t overstimulate cats’ senses. Dark greys may be too harsh.
So when selecting bedding, toys, blankets, accessories, or decor, opt for muted, dusty shades of green, blue, purple, brown, tan, and grey. Steer clear of loud, bright, flashy colors.
Colors to Avoid for Cat Calmness
On the other hand, certain colors should be avoided if you want to create a soothing space for a cat. Hues on the opposite end of the spectrum from soft greens tend to be the most overstimulating:
– Red – Bright reds are extremely stimulating and can increase nervousness and aggression in cats. Even muted reds are intense for cats.
– Orange – Saturated oranges and coughlin are similarly overarousing for felines. If using orange, go for soft peach or coral tones.
– Yellow – Bright yellows are extremely attention-grabbing and not relaxing. Stick to pale creamy yellows or golds.
– Pink – Hot pinks are too loud for cats. But pale pink can have a soothing effect.
– Black – Although cats can see well in the dark, black is linked to higher stress. It lacks the visual softness that gray provides.
In general, colors on the warm end of the color wheel tend to be more overstimulating compared to cool, muted shades. So limit reds, oranges, bright yellows, and hot pinks.
Using Gray to Soothe Cat Anxiety
In additional to soft greens, grays are also an excellent color choice for creating a calming environment. Gray lacks visual intensity, so it has a muting effect. It also reminds cats of natural shadows and rocks. Combining pale green and gray is ideal for cats prone to stress or anxiety.
Here are some tips for using gray to relax your cat:
– Choose pale gray cat beds, blankets, pillows, and other fabric items. Charcoal may be too harsh.
– Opt for gray ceramic food bowls, water dishes, and litter boxes.
– Pick toys and scratching posts in lighter grays.
– Use light gray paint on your walls or consider gray window treatments.
– Allow access to cardboard boxes, which are a stress-relieving gray hideaway.
– Try synthetic feline pheromones available as sprays, diffusers, or collars. These mimic cats’ natural calming chemicals.
– Offer reassuring pets along your cat’s back and under their chin using calm, gentle strokes.
By incorporating more muted gray along with pale green, you can create an environment that helps anxious cats relax. Monitoring their response to colors allows you to fine-tune your home for their comfort.
Color Preferences Vary by Cat
Although research points to soft greens and grays as generally soothing, it’s important to note that color preferences can vary from cat to cat. For example, a cat that has always lived in a warm-colored room may find cool greens overstimulating at first. Older cats with blurred vision may also be more sensitive to bright shades.
Some cats may respond better to different colors than greens and grays. Observe what color toys, beds, or blankets your cat is naturally drawn to. This can provide insight into their personal preferences. Also notice what rooms or settings your cat seems most comfortable in. Then look for ways to incorporate those hues and color schemes into their main living environment.
With a little experimentation, you’ll discover how to craft a personalized relaxing color palette for your unique cat. Pay attention to their reactions as you adjust colors in your home. Ultimately a calming environment will support your cat’s well-being.
Using Color at the Vet
Vet visits are often very stressful for cats. But making a few adjustments can help vet clinics feel more soothing. The use of cat-calming colors is one simple strategy. Here are some ways vets can employ relaxing hues for low-stress appointments:
| Color | Example Uses |
|---|---|
| Pale green | – Exam room walls |
| Light blue | – Towels, blankets |
| Lavender | – Cat beds during exams |
| Soft gray | – Tables, counters, flooring |
| Tan | – Cat carriers, boxes |
Having calming colors in the waiting and exam rooms can reduce cats’ anxiety during visits. This contributes to a lower stress veterinary environment.
Conclusion
Cats experience various types of stress in our homes. As high-stimulus environments, our homes can be overarousing for cats’ sensitive senses. However, making some simple adjustments using color psychology can help create a more soothing, relaxing space.
Research shows that soft shades of green and gray have a particularly calming effect on cats. These muted, cool tones are less visually intense for cats to process. Nature-inspired colors like pale greens, blues, browns, and grays remind cats of comforting outdoor environments. On the other hand, bright, warm colors tend to be overstimulating and should be avoided in areas where cats spend most of their time.
Observing your own cat’s reactions can help you fine-tune the shade and saturation of colors to customize their calming environment. With some small tweaks to incorporate cat-pleasing hues, you can support your feline friend’s contentment at home and beyond.
