Can Cats See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Cats are known for being mysterious, and their ability to see in the dark adds to their mysteriousness. Although they don’t have night vision like some animals, they have special abilities that help them see and move around in low light.
Understanding How Cats See
Big Eyes: Cats‘ eyes are made to let in a lot of light. Their corneas and pupils are around 50% bigger than ours, so more light can get into their eyes. This helps them see well when it’s not very bright, like at sunrise or sunset.
Slit-Shaped Pupils
- Cats have pupils shaped like vertical slits, which is great for hunting.
- These pupils help them control how much light gets into their eyes. When it’s bright, the pupils get smaller; when it’s dark, they get bigger.
Crepuscular Behavior
Cats aren’t night owls. They’re crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk.
During these times, their prey, like mice and birds, are also more active.
Evolutionary Advantage
Ancestors as Hunters
Cats’ ancestors hunted alone and used their sharp senses to catch prey. Their good night vision helped them when other animals were out at dawn and dusk.
Vertical Slit Pupils
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley discovered that animals with pupils shaped like vertical slits, such as cats, usually hunt by ambushing their prey. Ambush predators hunt both during the day and at night, which makes them flexible hunters.
Estimating Distance
Smaller animals, like cats, find vertical pupils helpful for figuring out how far away their prey is. But bigger cats, such as tigers and lions, don’t need this because they’re already big.
Estimating Distance: How Good Are Cats at Seeing in the Dark?
Better Than Us:
- Cats can see better than humans when it’s dark.
- They’re good at adjusting how much light they see. Their slit-shaped pupils help them handle different levels of light.
Seeing in Shades of Gray
- Cats mostly see the world in gray tones, which helps them in the dark.
This kind of vision helps them see moving things and find prey. - So even though cats don’t have night vision like some animals, they’re good at seeing in low light. So next time you see your cat wandering around in the dark, remember how amazing their eyes are.
Living with a Nighttime Explorer
Even though your cat might seem like a superhero in the dark, it’s still important to remember that sudden noises or things they’re not used to can scare them. Here are some tips for living with a cat that loves exploring at night:
Use a Nightlight: A gentle light can help your cat see and feel more secure when it’s dark.
Stick to a Routine: Cats like having a schedule. Feeding them and playing with them at the same times every day can help them adjust to when it’s day and when it’s night.
Give Them Things to Do: Things like climbing toys, puzzle toys for food, and hiding treats around the house can keep your cat busy and happy, even at night.
Knowing what your cat can and can’t see in the dark helps you make your home safe and comfy for them, even when it’s nighttime. Because a happy cat makes a great friend, no matter what time it is.
What Age Can Cats See in the Dark?
Kittens have fully developed eyesight by the time they’re about five weeks old, which includes their amazing ability to see in the dark. After that, they can see pretty well even in dim light, but they might still get scared by darkness because they’re not used to it yet.
Can Cats See in Color?
Cats can see colors, but not as vividly as we do. They have fewer cells for seeing colors than humans, so they probably see mainly blues and yellows. Greens and reds might look dull or even grayish to them. So, while your cat might not get excited about a bright red laser dot like you do, they’ll see it moving around.
FAQs | Can Cats See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Q1: Can cats see in complete darkness?
A: While cats have excellent night vision, they cannot see in complete darkness. Their eyes have a higher concentration of rod cells, which are sensitive to low-light conditions. This allows them to see in much dimmer light than humans.
Q2: How do cats’ eyes help them see in the dark?
A: Cats’ eyes have a unique structure that enhances their night vision. The reflective layer, called the tapetum lucidum, amplifies the amount of light that reaches the retina. This allows them to gather more light and see better in low-light conditions.