why do cats have slit pupils

Cats have slit pupils because this pupil shape provides several visual advantages crucial for their survival as ambush predators, especially those active both day and night. Slit pupils allow cats to finely control the amount of light entering their eyes, making them highly effective in low-light conditions while preventing excess light during the day. This large range of pupil adjustment helps cats see well in dim environments without being blinded by bright light. Additionally, vertical slit pupils improve depth perception and distance judgment when stalking prey. The shape creates a more precise way for the cat’s brain to process visual information about how far away their prey is, enabling better accuracy for a stealthy pounce. This trait is particularly advantageous for smaller cats hunting from close to the ground, unlike larger big cats such as lions and tigers, which have round pupils and rely on different hunting strategies. In summary, slit pupils are an evolutionary adaptation that enhances cats' ability to hunt stealthily across varying light conditions and improve their focus on prey distance with precision.