Cats have always been associated with a dark and intriguing aura of mystery. This particularly comes from their gazes and nocturnal habits. One of the most fascinating things about them is how they can easily navigate through the night with no difficulty. 

This notion has been pondering the minds of pet owners and scientists alike. But what is the reason for this? Can cats see in the dark?

Can Cats See in the Dark?

Technically, cats can see in the dark. But this vision is not a perfect night vision. Cats can see very well in the dark because of how specialized their eye structure is. They have more specialized parts that help them see more clearly in lower light conditions, thus attributing to their nocturnal and night-time personalities. 

However, this does not mean that they see better in the night compared to when the sun is up. Cats can see better during the day. The nighttime visual aid is just a bonus.

How Can Cats See in the Dark?

Cats can see in the dark because their eyes have been purposely designed to be able to see in low-light areas. Their eyes possess a broad anatomical structure, which is the sole reason for this ability. Human eyes can’t even come close to this kind of eyesight. A cat’s eyes have a unique structure that showcases several adaptations that allow them to see during the night.

Tapetum Lucidum

The tapetum lucidum is the part of the cat’s eye that helps enhance their visual prowess. This layer of tissue works by reflecting the light coming through the retina back to the eye. By doing so, the reflection provides light to the photoreceptors, which are the cells that detect light. 

This enhances a cat’s vision, which allows it to see quite well in areas where light is limited. The tapetum lucidum is also the one responsible for the bright glow you see in a cat’s eyes during the night.

Large Cornea and Pupil

Cats have a relatively larger cornea and pupil compared to other animals, including us humans. The cornea refers to the crystal clear layer of the eye. This covers the pupil, which is the opening responsible for letting light into the eye. With the increased size of these components of the eye, cats’ eyes allow more light to enter their eyes, furthering their vision in low-light scenarios.

Photoreceptors

Photoreceptors are the cells that detect light. These are located in the retina and are important in coordinating with the brain to create a visual image with the help of light. Photoreceptors are mainly responsible for the conversion of light into electrical signals that are transported to the brain to create visual images for the cat.

There are two types of photoreceptors included in the eyes of animals. The difference they have in cats is the number of these cells. 

• Rods

Cats have a large number of rod cells. Rod cells are the photoreceptors that are highly sensitive to low levels of light. This means that cats have a significant advantage over many animals during the night. The high concentration of rod cells also gives them the ability to easily track motion and objects, whether during the day or night.

• Cones

Cones are the second type of photoreceptors present in a cat’s eyes. In contrast with their rod cells, a cat’s cone cell count is relatively low. Cone cells tackle a different role, with it being the one responsible for detecting color. 

Cats have fewer cone cells, and as expected from this, they can only distinguish a limited range of color combinations. Even with vibrant colors, they can only confidently see muted yellow-to-blue colors and are unable to determine those for the red-to-orange color spectrum.

The Wonders of a Cat’s Eyes

Cats can manage well in the night due to the structure of their eyes. With that said, they can easily choose to be awake during the day or the night, depending on how they please. A cat’s eye structure benefits them in more ways than one. Here are some of the few:

Improved Night Vision

Cats have improved vision during nighttime because of the specialized structure of their eye. This helps them see better and track any object that would exhibit some form of motion. They would have an easier time finding their way around your house and would have a smaller chance of getting lost.

Nictitating Membrane

Cats have an inner eyelid that makes their eyes unique compared to other animals. This third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, has a variety of benefits for cats. These eyelids protect the eyes from debris, spread moisture across the eyes, and help cats see better. It’s a one-for-all all for cats’ eyes.

Common Issues with a Cat’s Eyes

Eye issues are common in cats. This is because they love exploring and roaming around the great outdoors. Some common of the common issues with a cat’s eyes are listed below:

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are the ulcers associated with the eyes of the cat. These are the open sores around the surface of the cornea, which is the membrane that protects the eyes. Cats get cornea ulcers when their corneas get injured by scratching or infection. The most common symptoms of corneal ulcers in cats include redness, irritation, and consistent squinting of the eyes. 

Retinal Issues

Retinal issues constitute a broad spectrum of possible problems with your cat’s retina. The most prevalent retinal issues in cats are retinal detachment and progressive retinal atrophy. These diseases have symptoms that all lead to blindness in your cat. 

Other related retinal problems can stem from old age, high blood pressure, physical injuries, and diseases such as diabetes. 

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a condition that occurs when the tissues around the surface of a cat’s eye get inflamed. Several factors can cause this eye issue, but the most common ones include infection, irritation, and allergies. If conjunctivitis gets severe, the increased swelling can barely let the cat see. 

How to Prevent Issues in Cat’s Eyes

It’s fairly impossible to avoid any issue with your cat’s eyes. But you can take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of complications arising. A good practice of taking care of your cat and its eyes is crucial for your best friend’s well-being. Here are some ways to prevent issues in cat’s eyes:

Regular Checkups

Taking your cat to your local veterinarian is an important part of its care. Our vets can easily catch signs of early problems with your cat’s eyes. This is important as catching these early avoids damaging your cat’s eyes. Aside from this, regular checkups can also help you know how to care for your cat’s eyes. Expert advice is always a good thing.

Healthy Diet

Giving your cat a good and nutritious diet will help it maintain its eyesight. Taurine-rich foods help keep your cat’s eyesight in good condition without breaking the bank. These foods are meat and fish. These can also be in meat, liver, eggs, and formulated cat food. Visit our clinic, and we’ll help you create a detailed diet plan for your cat.

Keep Eyes Clean

Cleaning your cat’s eyes is a good practice to maintain its strong eyesight. Gather a clean, soft cloth with a veterinarian-approved solution. Make sure your cat is comfortable, and gently wipe the corners of the eye with your cloth damped with the solution. 

Always wipe outward to avoid hitting the eyes, and avoid using any harsh chemicals that may irritate your cat’s eyes. Throughout the process, check for any signs of discomfort and be sure to tend to your cat’s needs. A good reward right after will be appreciated.

Monitor Behavior

Pay close attention to how your cat acts. Cats tend to play around the house and roam outside to get rid of their boredom. If it starts colliding with things and picking fights with other animals, it’s best to check if anything comes into contact with its eyes. 

Any specific changes in its behavior may indicate irritation around its eyes. This can include squinting and pawing at its eyes. It is important to catch these actions before things get worse. If they do, bring your cat in for emergency care.

Stay Indoors

One of the best ways to avoid any eye injuries is to keep your cat indoors and create a safe space for it to stay in. While it is a given that cats love to roam, keeping them inside is a surefire way to keep them safe. But also be sure to remove any hazards in your house, such as sharp objects and small debris. Any form of hazard can be a danger to a cat who loves to explore.

Conclusion

Cats have remarkable vision. They can see more than we humans can in the dark, and this is all attributed to their spectacular eye structures. The combination of the tapetum lucidum, large corneas and pupils, and rod cells all make them exceptional nocturnal pets. 

This gives them the edge whether they’re stalking their prey or hunting for food in your pantry at one in the morning.