Cat laser pointer colours: which dot does a cat see best?
Cats see mostly blues and yellows, so the classic red laser dot turns a dull khaki for them. They still chase it: it moves, and it is bright. Below, three dot colours sit on three carpets, as you see them and as your cat does.
Three dots, three carpets
On oatmeal carpet
| Dot | Your cat sees | On oatmeal |
|---|---|---|
| Red | khaki | Easy to spot |
| Green | yellow | Easy to spot |
| Blue | blue | Stands out most |
On grey carpet
| Dot | Your cat sees | On grey |
|---|---|---|
| Red | khaki | Easy to spot |
| Green | yellow | Easy to spot |
| Blue | blue | Stands out most |
On dark brown carpet
| Dot | Your cat sees | On dark brown |
|---|---|---|
| Red | khaki | Easy to spot |
| Green | yellow | Easy to spot |
| Blue | blue | Stands out most |
Screen colours stand in for laser colours: a real laser dot is purer and far brighter than any screen can show. "Stands out most" compares colour only; a cat also follows movement and brightness.
A simulation made from published eye studies. Not what the animal feels.
Can cats see a red laser dot?
Yes, but not as red. To a cat the red dot looks khaki. On oatmeal, grey and dark brown carpet it still stands apart from the floor. Movement and brightness do most of the work.
Which laser colour is easiest for a cat to see?
Blue, on every carpet here. Cats see blues well, so a blue dot stands out most from the floor through their eyes.
Is a laser pointer safe for my cat?
Never shine it into eyes, yours or your cat's. Many owners end the game on a toy the cat can catch, so the chase has a finish.