Cats do not have true night vision in the sense of seeing in complete darkness, but they have excellent vision in very low-light conditions. Their eyes are specially adapted for this with several key features:
- Cats have more rod cells in their retinas than humans, which are responsible for detecting light in dim environments.
- They possess a reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum that bounces light back to the retina, enhancing their ability to see in low light.
- Their pupils can dilate much wider than human pupils, allowing more light to enter the eye.
- Cats also have larger corneas and vertically slit pupils that help maximize light intake.
Because of these adaptations, cats need only about one-sixth the light humans require to see and can navigate well in dim light such as at dawn, dusk, or during nighttime with some ambient light. However, cats cannot see in total darkness since some light is still necessary for their eyes to function. Their nocturnal-like active behavior complements this visual ability, as domestic cats are most active during low light periods called crepuscular times. In summary, cats have superior night vision compared to humans but cannot see in complete darkness. Their vision is optimized for dim light rather than total darkness, making them exceptional low-light hunters and navigators.
