Where do cats see better? - briefly
Cats have excellent night vision due to their high concentration of rods in the retina. They also possess a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which enhances low-light visibility by reflecting light back through the retina.
Where do cats see better? - in detail
Cats are known for their exceptional night vision, but where do they see best? To understand this, we need to delve into the specifics of feline vision and how it differs from human perception.
Firstly, cats have a higher concentration of rod cells in their retinas compared to humans. Rod cells are responsible for detecting light and are particularly sensitive in low-light conditions. This is why cats can see clearly even when there's barely any light, making them excellent nocturnal hunters. In contrast, human eyes have more cone cells, which are better suited for color vision and seeing details during the day.
Secondly, cats have a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum behind their retinas. This layer amplifies available light, allowing cats to make the most of even the smallest amounts of light. The tapetum lucidum is what causes the characteristic "eye shine" in cat eyes when light is shone on them.
Thirdly, cats' pupils can dilate much more than human pupils, further enhancing their ability to see in low-light conditions. In bright daylight, however, this advantage becomes less pronounced. Cats may not see as clearly during the day as they do at night due to the reduced efficiency of rod cells in bright light and the limited capacity of cone cells for detecting fine details.
In summary, cats see best in low-light conditions, thanks to their high concentration of rod cells, the reflective tapetum lucidum, and their ability to dilate their pupils significantly. While they can still see during the day, their vision is not as sharp or colorful as it is at night.