Animals That Can't See Red Light: A Quick Guide to Understanding Animal Vision

Many animals perceive the world very differently than humans, especially when it comes to color vision. While humans are trichromatic and can easily distinguish red thanks to dedicated cone cells in our eyes, many animals lack this ability. Animals that can't see red light include most mammals (such as dogs, cats, and horses), many species of birds, reptiles, and even some insects. For example, dogs and cats are typically dichromatic, meaning they only have two types of color receptors and are unable to perceive red—what we see as red may appear as muted brown or gray to them. Similarly, rodents like mice and rats, and farm animals such as cows and sheep, have a limited color spectrum that does not include the red wavelength.

Tips 1:

As a designer, understanding animal vision can be surprisingly useful—especially if you're creating spaces or products meant for pets or researching bio-inspired color schemes. For instance, knowing that dogs don't distinguish red furniture or toys vividly, you might focus on contrasting blues or yellows to create pet-friendly features that stand out more effectively for your animal companions. When designing a dedicated space at home for your pet, using color palettes aligned with their visual perception can enrich their environment. If you’re curious about optimizing both human and animal spaces, experimenting with color selection in a home designer tool can help you visualize the impact of different hues based on species-specific sight.

FAQ

Q: Which animals cannot see red light?

A: Most mammals, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep, rodents, and some birds and reptiles, cannot perceive red light due to their dichromatic vision.

Q: Why can't these animals see red light?

A: Their eyes lack red-sensitive cone cells, so the red parts of the spectrum aren't processed and often appear as shades of gray, brown, or yellow.

Q: Can any animals see better colors than humans?

A: Yes! Many birds and some insects, like bees, have more types of cone cells and can see ultraviolet light, offering a richer color spectrum than humans, though not always including red as vividly as we see it.

Q: How does animal color vision affect their behavior?

A: It influences foraging, mating, and avoiding predators. For example, the inability to see red may make certain ripe fruits less visible to some mammals but highly conspicuous to birds.

Q: Should you consider pet vision in home design?

A: Definitely. Selecting color schemes, furniture, and accessories that align with your pet's visual perception can enhance their comfort and engagement within your home environment.