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 their ability to easily navigate through the night.
This notion has been pondering the minds of pet owners and scientists alike. In this blog, we’ll talk about everything there is to know about the feline sight and find out if cats do have night vision.
Can Cats See in the Dark?
Technically, cats can see in the dark, but it’s not a perfect night vision. While they can’t see in total darkness, they only need about one-sixth the light we humans need to see well.
Cats can see very well in the dark because of how specialized their eye structure is. The additional structures within their eye help them see more clearly in low-light conditions compared to other animals.
Along with a cat’s sleep schedules, this contributes to their nocturnal personality.
However, this does not mean that they see better at night compared to when the sun is up. Cats can see better during the day. A cat’s “night vision” is just a bonus.
How Can Cats See in the Dark?
To understand how cats can see in the dark, we must first take a look at their eye structure. A cat’s eyes are specially designed to function well in low-light conditions. This is because they have a broad anatomical structure, which includes:
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. By doing so, the reflection provides light to the photoreceptors, which are the cells that detect light.
This greatly enhances a cat’s vision, allowing it to see relatively well in areas where light is limited. The tapetum lucidum is also the reason why a cat’s eyes seem to glow in the dark.
Large Cornea and Pupil
Cats have a relatively larger cornea and pupil compared to humans and other animals. The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye that covers the pupil, helping focus light. The pupil is the one responsible for letting light in. Since the cat’s corneas are larger, they allow more light to enter.
The slit-shaped pupils also have a purpose, which is to control the amount of light that enters their eyes. Their eyes can dilate, helping absorb as much light as possible. The wider the pupils, the more light they can harness, allowing them to see better in the dark.
Photoreceptors
Photoreceptors are the cells that detect light. These are located in the retina and are essential in coordinating with the brain to create a visual image through the use of light. They are mainly responsible for converting light into electrical signals, which the brain uses to create the images for the cat.
There are two types of photoreceptors: rods and cones.
Rods
Cats have a large number of rod cells. Rod cells are the photoreceptors that are highly sensitive to low levels of light. They are also responsible for sensing motion. Cats have a much higher concentration of rod cells, allowing them to sense light and motion more efficiently than humans.
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. However, cone cells have a different role, which is to detect and distinguish color.
Cats are dichromatic, meaning they only have two types of cone cells. Because they have fewer cone cells, cats can only see limited colors. 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.
Can Cats See in Complete Darkness?
No, not really. While cats can see in the dark, they still need a small amount of ambient light to do so. So, while they can see well in low-light areas, they cannot see anything in complete darkness because no light is reflected into the tapetum lucidum.
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 at night 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. 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.
Common Eye Issues in Cats
Eye issues are common in cats, especially since they love roaming and going outside to explore. Some, however, are caused by genetics. Here are the most common ones:
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers are open sores on the surface of your cat’s cornea. This happens when the protective layer gets damaged by infections, foreign objects, or trauma. It’s commonly caused by scratches from your cat or other animals.
Common signs of corneal ulcers in cats include:
Excessive squinting and blinking
Redness and inflammation
Pawing at the eyes
Sensitivity to light
Cloudy eye appearance
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 eye conditions can progressively lead to blindness in your cat.
Other related retinal problems can stem from old age, high blood pressure, physical injuries, and feline diabetes.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a condition that occurs when the conjunctiva, a thin lining of the eyelids, gets inflamed. It’s commonly caused by infections, allergies, and irritants. Common symptoms include:
Redness
Watery or thick discharge
Excessive squinting and blinking
Sensitivity to light
Pawing at the eyes
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Issues in Your Cat’s Eyes
While eye issues and accidents can happen, it’s still helpful to find ways to protect your cat’s eyes. Good practice ensures their continued happiness. Here are some ways you can prevent eye issues in your cat:
Schedule Regular Checkups
Taking your cat for regular eye exams is an integral part of its care. Our pet ophthalmologists can easily catch signs of early problems with your cat’s eyes, if there are any. Detecting any issues early is always beneficial and can help solve the issue before it gets worse.
Provide a 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. This includes meat, fish, and organ meats such as liver and kidneys.
If you prefer a much more convenient option, there are plenty of convenient commercial cat foods that are specially formulated for any part of your cat’s health, including eyesight. If you need help in choosing the best one for your cat, our pet nutritionists will be happy to assist.
Keep the Eyes Clean
Cleaning your cat’s eyes is a good practice to maintain its strong eyesight. Gather a clean, soft cloth with a vet-approved solution. Make sure your cat is comfortable, and gently wipe the corners of your cat’s eyes.
Always wipe outward to avoid hitting the eyes, and avoid using any harsh chemicals that might irritate them. Throughout the process, check for any signs of discomfort and always reward your cat with a treat for its patient behavior.
Monitor Behavior
Pay close attention to how your cat acts. Cats tend to play around the house and roam outside whenever they get bored. These activities can pose risks to their eyes, especially when they get into dangerous areas or pick fights with other animals.
Any specific changes in its behavior may indicate eye irritation. This can include squinting, pawing, or tearing at the eyes. It’s important to address these issues 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. If you’re having trouble keeping them inside due to their roaming behaviors, consider having your cat spayed.
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.
“A cat's eyes are windows into their health. Keep them clear and you'll keep your cat healthy.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Cats have remarkable vision. They can see more than we humans can in the dark, and this is all thanks to their spectacular eye structures. The combination of the tapetum lucidum, large corneas and pupils, and rod cells all make them exceptional pets in the night.
So while cats can’t see in complete darkness, they can see in the dark. This gives them the edge, whether they’re stalking their prey or hunting for food in your pantry at three in the morning.
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