If you’ve ever wondered how the world looks through the eyes of your beloved pet, you’re far from being the only one. Most of us are eager to understand our pet’s visual and sensory experience, and now, thanks to fresh data-driven research, we’re one step closer to seeing the world through our pet’s eyes. What’s more, pet owners are being urged to take these small but vital steps to enhance their pet’s quality of life at home.
New data-led insights by Petplan, a UK pet insurance provider, provide an insight into how our beloved companions experience the world around them, especially the homes they’re residing in. Working alongside their in-house specialists, Petplan has disclosed the minor adjustments that can significantly enhance your dog or cat’s wellbeing – all grounded in how they perceive, sniff and encounter their surroundings. Dr Brian Faulkner, vet and Associate Professor at Nottingham Veterinary School, 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.”
In contrast to humans, dogs possess just two varieties of colour-detecting receptors (we boast three), meaning whilst we can perceive a complete spectrum of colours, our four-legged friends can only distinguish a restricted range of yellows and blues. Canines are also thought to suffer from red-green colour blindness, with these hues merging into browns and greys.
Dr Brian Faulkner comments: “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.”
The same goes for cats. Contrary to popular belief, they can’t see in total darkness, but their larger corneas give them night vision that’s eight times better than humans, allowing them to detect objects in low light.
While cats struggle to distinguish greens and reds, fast-moving objects, like the bicycle below, appear more intense. Despite their impressive night vision, cats do have a blind spot right under their chin.
Nicky Trevorrow, Behaviour Manager at Cats Protection, comments: “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.”
It’s crucial that we consider our pets when decorating our homes, ensuring there’s plenty of stimulation around them that appeals not only to their sight, but their other senses as well.
Dr Brian Faulkner adds: “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.”
Choose toys in yellow and blue: These colours are more eye-catching for our pets, whether it’s a yellow mouse or a blue bone.
Introduce different textures: From soft blankets to scratching posts, new surfaces provide variety and comfort, appealing to their other senses. For instance, a textured rug can help our pets navigate a space.
Stimulate their heightened sense of smell: Dogs have an incredibly sensitive nose – they can pick up smells from around 12 miles away. They are said to enjoy the scents of lavender, mint and blackberries. On the other hand, cats are fans of herbal scents and, of course, catnip and valerian!
Bring the outdoors in: Both cats and dogs love the smells of the great outdoors. Leave your windows slightly open to let in those outdoor aromas.
Lower the lights: As dogs and cats see better in low-light conditions compared to humans, it’s worth dimming the lights when possible to create a calming environment.