What Can Cats See in the Dark?

Can cats see in the dark?

Do cats have better night vision than humans?

Yes, cats can see in the dark.

Cats have a special layer of cells in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light and helps them see in low-light conditions.

Cats have a reputation for being able to see in the dark, but what makes their night vision so special? Unlike humans, who have only one layer of cells in their eyes (the retina) to detect light, cats have an additional layer called the tapetum lucidum. This layer reflects any light that passes through the retina back into the eye, giving the cells a second chance to see it. This is why cat's eyes appear to glow in the dark.

The tapetum lucidum is what allows cats to have superior night vision compared to humans. This adaptation helps them hunt and navigate in low-light conditions when their prey may be most active. So next time you see your cat effortlessly maneuvering around in the dark, you'll know it's all thanks to their incredible vision!

← Fun facts about animals The exciting history of the virginia plan →