Feline Night Vision
Cats have specialized eyes that allow them to see in very low light.
Key Adaptations
- Tapetum lucidum: A reflective layer behind the retina that sends light back through the eye, acting like a built-in mirror.
- Large pupils: Can dilate much wider than human pupils to let in more light.
- Rod-rich retina: A high concentration of rod cells for detecting dim light.
Together, these features let cats see in conditions roughly six to eight times darker than what humans can manage. However, they cannot see in total darkness—some light is still required.