Can Cats See Ghosts – The Science Behind the Sixth Sense

Whether or not spooks are real is debatable, but as your feline friend stares off fixated on something you can’t see it’s not uncommon to wonder… Can cats see ghosts? The science behind the sixth sense theory may surprise you.

Related: Cats Can’t Catch Pokemon GO Creatures Or Sense Them, But They Certainly Make Cute Pictures

Have you ever felt the hair on the back of your neck stand up? Or maybe felt a strong presence near you? Your pet may feel and even see the same thing. As we’ve discovered, cats have very powerful eyesight. They can see in low lighting thanks, feline’s possessing six to eight times as many light-sensing rods as humans.

Beyond their strong eyesight rods, cats can also see spectrums we humans can’t. In a study published by the Royal Society, it was discovered that cats are sensitive to and can perceive ultraviolet light. That means, if another presence is around, like a ghost, and shows up in the form of ultraviolet light, your cat can see it.

Affiliate links included below. Thanks for your support!

Katie Armour, project coordinator for the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center explained the thought process behind a cat’s possible sixth sense. “Not only are they capable of seeing and hearing things that I cannot, they have marvelous brains that work in ways that we don’t fully understand,” Armour said. “When a cat is watching something that doesn’t seem to be there, or if they call out to us about this perceived presence, we should respect that not only are they trying to figure this something out, but they’re wondering if the situation is safe.


Related: 5 Myths About Pet Cats

Cats tend to be more curious by nature, so comparatively to dogs, this might be why the ghost detecting behavior might be more prevalent. Animal Planet notes that beyond detecting ultraviolet light, there is little research and facts to support the theory. Pet psychologist Marti Miller explained that both dogs and their owners possess a sense for the great beyond. “But humans judge or deny what they are feeling,” says Miller. “Dogs don’t judge what is going on in the environment. While our own minds start to analyze what is happening, dogs don’t do that. They feel the barometric pressure change, and may react by shaking, panting, salivating and feeling anxious, or they may not react at all.

What do you think? If there are spirits or ghosts…can your cat sense or even see them? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our Facebook Page,  Follow Our Twitter Account or Head Over To Our Pinterest Page!

can cats see ghostscan cats see spiritsghostspets seeing dead peoplesixth sensespirits
Comments (16)
Add Comment
  • Virginia Deese

    I know for a Fact this is Truth…many kitties & lotts of energies

  • Guest

    I know for a Fact this is Truth…many kitties & lotts of energies

  • Anita Anderson

    I believe it is true as there are places that animals do not want to be. You could not force them as they leave automatically.

  • gingermommy

    This is really an interesting post! I have heard things about dogs having the same type of abilities.

  • Guest

    I believe it is true as there are places that animals do not want to be. You could not force them as they leave automatically.

  • Heather Johnson

    I keep telling my daughter that the only thing to be afraid of in the dark is our cats! I would rather encounter a ghost than my cat clawing at my feet in the middle of the night lol!

  • Guest

    This is really an interesting post! I have heard things about dogs having the same type of abilities.

  • Guest

    Oh wow! How neat. I wouldn’t have thought of this.

  • Guest

    I keep telling my daughter that the only thing to be afraid of in the dark is our cats! I would rather encounter a ghost than my cat clawing at my feet in the middle of the night lol!

  • Marcie W.

    I am definitely the type of person that believes pets can see, or at least sense, spirits. We had a dog pass away from cancer over the summer and our new rescue puppy sure enjoys randomly playing and barking at absolutely nothing.

  • Guest

    I am definitely the type of person that believes pets can see, or at least sense, spirits. We had a dog pass away from cancer over the summer and our new rescue puppy sure enjoys randomly playing and barking at absolutely nothing.

  • Tami Qualls

    I do agree that cats do pay attention to their surroundings. If ghosts were real, I’m sure they’d be the first to be aware of one’s presence.

  • Guest

    I do agree that cats do pay attention to their surroundings. If ghosts were real, I’m sure they’d be the first to be aware of one’s presence.

  • Marielle Altenor

    In my culture, I know some that believe that cats can see spirits. I’m not too sure how I feel about that lol

  • Guest

    In my culture, I know some that believe that cats can see spirits. I’m not too sure how I feel about that lol