Do cats see better than humans? - briefly
Cats have superior night vision and can detect motion better than humans, but their visual acuity and color perception are less developed compared to ours.
Do cats see better than humans? - in detail
Cats possess unique visual capabilities that differ significantly from those of humans, making it difficult to definitively state whether they see "better" overall. Cats excel in certain aspects of vision, particularly in low-light conditions, due to their evolutionary adaptations as nocturnal hunters. Their eyes contain a high number of rod cells, which are highly sensitive to dim light, allowing them to detect movement and navigate effectively in near darkness. Additionally, cats have a reflective layer behind their retinas called the tapetum lucidum, which enhances their ability to see in low light by reflecting available light back through the retina. However, their vision in bright light is less sharp compared to humans. Cats have fewer cone cells, which are responsible for color perception and detail, resulting in a more limited color spectrum and lower visual acuity. While humans can see a wide range of colors and finer details, cats perceive the world in shades of blue and green, with less clarity for stationary objects. Furthermore, cats have a wider field of view, approximately 200 degrees compared to humans' 180 degrees, giving them better peripheral vision. This broader perspective aids in detecting potential threats or prey in their environment. Despite these advantages, cats rely more on their other senses, such as hearing and smell, to complement their vision. In summary, cats see differently than humans, with strengths in low-light environments and motion detection but limitations in color perception and detail clarity.