Cats can seemingly navigate the nighttime with no problem at all, but does this mean they can see in the darkness? Their eyes are uniquely different from humans, allowing them to make the most of their natural instincts.
Here we’ll look at if cats can see in darkness as well as diving deeper into exactly how their eyes work. Finally, we’ll look at what this means for cat owners when looking after their feline friend.
How Do Cats’ Eyes Work?
A cat’s eyes work in a similar way to humans, and we can both see roughly the same wavelengths of light. However, there are a few key differences that enhance low-light vision in cats.
The retina at the back of the eye is what works to convert light into signals that our brains can then interpret. The retina of a cat contains a higher concentration of these cells, which are responsible for detecting light.
For humans, we have a higher concentration of cone cells than cats which allows us to see in more color and detail. Cats retinas prioritize sensitivity over sharpness and when this is combined with their other senses, it makes them excellent hunters.
The Role of the Tapetum Lucidum
You may not have heard of the term tapetum lucidum, but you’re almost certainly aware of what it does if you’ve ever been around a cat. This is a reflective layer that sits behind their retina and helps with their vision in the dark. It’s one of many fascinating facts about a cat’s eyes.
The structure acts as a mirror and bounces light back onto its photoreceptor cells. This effectively gives their eyes a second chance to process light. And yes, this is the glow you see when a cat’s eyes are illuminated in the dark.
Pupils That Adjust to Light Levels
Another feature you may have noticed about a cat is their pupils. In bright light, cats have vertically slit pupils, but in the dark, they can dramatically change appearance and extend to nearly the full diameter of the eye.
This allows even more light to flood in, maximizing any light the cat can use. The human eye can also do this, but nowhere near as dramatically. A human eye can expand to around 15 times its minimum size. In contrast, a cat can expand its minimum pupil size by an incredible 135 times.
Can Cats See in Darkness?
Despite all these adaptations, cats cannot see in total darkness. Just like humans, they need at least some level of light to be able to see. However, the world of a cat will look differently to us at night.
Even starlight or a distant streetlight can provide enough illumination for them to navigate around. They don’t see the world like we would through night vision goggles, instead everything just seems a little brighter to them.
A good way to picture this is to imagine it outside when there is heavy cloud cover vs when there is a clear sky and a full moon. Even though there is no sunlight, the moon can illuminate the ground. However, cats only need a faint light source to have the same effect.
Why Do Cats Have Such Good Low Light Vision?
Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk. This is because most of their prey is also most active around these times, such as rabbits, rodents, and some birds.
Due to this, cats need to be able to hunt without sunlight, and their vision plays a key role in this. With these advantages comes some disadvantages. Their vision is less detailed and colorful than humans. Cats can see colors, but they are more muted than what we see, the same with dogs.
Cats are mid-sighted. They struggle to see things sharply right in front of their face and struggle to see things over 20 feet away. They excel in ranges of six to 20 feet, which is perfect for their hunting tasks and being able to stalk and ambush prey.
Cats Are Expert Motion Detectors
Any deficiency in their eyesight is made up by the fact they have incredible motion detection. This is helped by those rod cells. They respond faster to changes in light and movement, allowing a cat to instantly process changes in their environment.
They also have a slightly wider field of view than we do. For humans, it’s 180 degrees, but for cats, that goes up to 200. Detail is less important to a cat, as they know exactly where prey is due to their movement, use of their other senses, and their whiskers.
Cats also have a higher temporal resolution than us as well, effectively meaning they can capture more frames of motion per second. Movement that may be seen as too quick for us to process can often be seen by a cat.
Practical Implications for Cat Owners
By understanding how cats see in the dark it can make owners feel more comfortable with the environment they are providing for their cats. Cats are often active throughout the night, and you want them to be able to navigate around.
Many cat owners will leave a lamp on or some other bright light source for their cat, but this is unlikely to be needed. As long as there is some light source, even if it’s from outside, such as a streetlight, your cat will have no issue with getting around.
Cats are comfortable in dark spaces so don’t worry if you find them in unlit areas, as they are just being curious or looking for some comfort. There’s no need to worry about a lack of light affecting their well-being.
If you have an outdoor cat, you also don’t need to worry about them being outside after dark if it’s a part of their normal behavior. There will always be some light source available, and they’ll always be able to find their way back home.
