How do cats see at night with their eyes? - briefly
Cats can see in low light due to their highly sensitive retinas and a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which amplifies available light. This adaptation allows them to navigate effectively in near-darkness.
How do cats see at night with their eyes? - in detail
Cats possess a remarkable ability to see in low-light conditions, a trait that has evolved to aid their nocturnal hunting behavior. Their eyes are uniquely adapted to maximize light capture and enhance vision in darkness. At the core of this adaptation is the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer located behind the retina. This layer acts like a mirror, bouncing light back through the retina a second time, effectively doubling the chance for photoreceptor cells to detect it. This is why cats' eyes often appear to glow in the dark when light shines on them. Additionally, cats have a higher concentration of rod cells in their retinas compared to humans. Rod cells are specialized for detecting motion and functioning in dim light, allowing cats to discern shapes and movements even in near-total darkness. Their pupils are another critical feature; they can dilate to a much larger extent than human pupils, enabling more light to enter the eye. This combination of anatomical and physiological adaptations ensures that cats can navigate and hunt effectively during nighttime, giving them a significant advantage in low-light environments. However, it’s important to note that cats cannot see in complete darkness; they still require some minimal ambient light to utilize these adaptations fully.