Cats cannot see in total darkness, but they have excellent night vision that allows them to see very well in low-light conditions. Their eyes have a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light through the retina a second time, enhancing their ability to make the most of dim light. Additionally, cats have a higher concentration of rod cells in their retinas, which are more sensitive to light than cone cells, and their vertically slit pupils can dilate wider than human pupils to let in more light. As a result, cats can see about six to eight times better than humans in low light and near darkness, enabling them to navigate and hunt during dawn, dusk, and nighttime. However, like all animals, they still require some minimal light to see and cannot see in complete darkness. Their eye structure, including a wider field of vision and the ability to detect ultraviolet light, further supports their superior night vision.
