Veterinarians and scientists still don’t fully understand everything about cats, and their visual ability remains one of those mysteries. Cats have been domestic pets for almost 12,000 years, and we are still actively learning about them.
There are many myths about cats’ visual ability, including that they can see in the dark and that their vision is better than ours. These commonly repeated ideas can make it seem like cats are supernatural beings.
In reality, cats cannot see in total darkness, but they do have better vision in dimmer environments due to the anatomy of their eyes.
Do Cats See in the Dark?
You may have heard that they do, but this is only partially true. Cats don’t have true “night vision,” and like us, they cannot see in complete absence of light.
However, cats are definitely capable of seeing better in low-light environments than humans. This can be useful when they are hunting prey in the early morning or late afternoon.
These are important times of the day for outdoor cats. They are looking for food when many small animals are most active.
Many cat owners are confident that their cat can indeed see in the dark. They have this impression because cats see well in low light. However, modern homes are rarely completely dark, and light from streetlamps, clocks, and other devices provides just enough for a cat to see.
How Does Cat Vision Work in Low-Light Environments?
Cat vision involves their unique anatomy. Their eyes are large in proportion to their body size. Additionally, their vertical pupils can dilate much more than a human pupil. These features allow for maximum light entry.
Going down to the cellular level, a cat’s eye contains a much higher percentage of rods compared to a human eye. Rods are one of the two types of light-sensitive cells in the retina at the back of the eye, and they convert incoming light into electrical signals that are then transmitted to the brain.
Rods primarily detect light and shadows, making them especially important in low light. Cones, the other type of light-sensitive cell, are mainly involved in color vision and spatial acuity.
Finally, cats have a reflective layer at the back of their eyes. This area, known as the tapetum lucidum, is responsible for the greenish-yellowish glow of cats’ eyes when caught in light. This eye layer reflects light back into the retina and allows more light to hit more rods.
How Does My Cat's Vision Compare to Mine?
Pet owners often wonder how cats’ vision compares to ours. Cats can see much better in low light than we do due to the anatomy of their eyes, but what about clarity and color?
In terms of visual acuity, we outperform our cats. They don’t see the world as sharply as we do. Typically, humans have more cones in their retinas than cats, which allows us to see clearer images and have better spatial visualization.
We also have better color vision than our cats. Based on the types of cones in their eyes, we believe that cats don’t see colors exactly like humans do. While we don’t know everything about how cats perceive colors, they likely see a more muted spectrum.
If you suspect your pet is ill, immediately call your veterinarian. For health-related inquiries, always consult your veterinarian as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.