There are many myths and rumors about how cats' eyes work, including the belief that felines can "see" in the dark. But how exactly do cats' eyes function so well and what gives felines such excellent vision?
If you want to know how a cat's eye works, it might be helpful to begin by looking at your own cat - or that of a friend, relative or neighbor.
How a Cat's Eye Works - Start by Looking at the Feline's Pupil
If you look at a cat's eyes in bright light, you should see a slit or an elliptical pupil. In darker light, the entire eye may appear larger, including the pupil.
Having a pupil that can narrow down to a slit helps protect the cat's vision in bright light. Sharper, clearer details are seen by the feline, leading to better vision in cats (far superior to human vision). Also, an interesting bit of trivia, shared by Indianapolis veterinarian Carl Budelski: the typical domestic cat has an elliptical pupil but lions and other Big Cats have rounder pupils.
Cats have Large, Mysterious Eyes - the Better to See You - and Prey
Those large, mesmerizing eyes of the cat? They are more than beautiful but also one of the reasons that a cat's eyes work so well. Those relatively large eyes allow extra light to enter the cat's eyes. More light helps cats see better in low light situations. The result? Better overall vision in cats.
How a Cat's Eyes Work - Move on to the Tapetum Lucidum
Don't worry if you're thinking "Huh?" at this point. You've probably never heard of this part of a cat's eyes or how they help a cat's vision. The tapetum lucidum works much like a mirror and is located at the back of a cat's eye. When reflected light hits special sensors a cat sees more details.
Also, did you ever notice how a cat's eyes glow, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish tint, when light shines in them? You can credit that to the tapetum lucidum. It gives cats a clear advantage when it comes to seeing small objects in even very dark rooms. The tapetum lucidum is a major reason why cat have such wonderful vision.
A Cat's Eye Works Well Because of the Number of Rods and Cones in the Eye
If you want to know how a cat's eye works, it might be helpful to begin by looking at your own cat - or that of a friend, relative or neighbor.
How a Cat's Eye Works - Start by Looking at the Feline's Pupil
If you look at a cat's eyes in bright light, you should see a slit or an elliptical pupil. In darker light, the entire eye may appear larger, including the pupil.
Having a pupil that can narrow down to a slit helps protect the cat's vision in bright light. Sharper, clearer details are seen by the feline, leading to better vision in cats (far superior to human vision). Also, an interesting bit of trivia, shared by Indianapolis veterinarian Carl Budelski: the typical domestic cat has an elliptical pupil but lions and other Big Cats have rounder pupils.
Cats have Large, Mysterious Eyes - the Better to See You - and Prey
Those large, mesmerizing eyes of the cat? They are more than beautiful but also one of the reasons that a cat's eyes work so well. Those relatively large eyes allow extra light to enter the cat's eyes. More light helps cats see better in low light situations. The result? Better overall vision in cats.
How a Cat's Eyes Work - Move on to the Tapetum Lucidum
Don't worry if you're thinking "Huh?" at this point. You've probably never heard of this part of a cat's eyes or how they help a cat's vision. The tapetum lucidum works much like a mirror and is located at the back of a cat's eye. When reflected light hits special sensors a cat sees more details.
Also, did you ever notice how a cat's eyes glow, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish tint, when light shines in them? You can credit that to the tapetum lucidum. It gives cats a clear advantage when it comes to seeing small objects in even very dark rooms. The tapetum lucidum is a major reason why cat have such wonderful vision.
A Cat's Eye Works Well Because of the Number of Rods and Cones in the Eye
- Can cats really see in the dark?
- How cat eyes work and what aids feline vision
- Third eyelids, elliptical pupils and more
Comments
Really cool info on cat's eyes.
This is fabulous to know about felines! Thank you for such insight, LOL!
This is an interesting and educational article. Now you need to write one that explains that since my cat can see the mouse in my house at night why doesn't he catch it? He owes me a lot in back rent payments, ha ha
Excellent information on cats and their amazing eyes!
Very informative article about cats. Thanks for sharing such detailed and interesting information.
Cats' eyes are mesmerizing and intense. Very informative piece.
Very informative.
I already commented but I came back to re-read after hearing how you use sub-headers well! You do! Thanks, I think I am gonna take some tips from your great work!
This is such an interesting piece! Thanks for sharing. :)
This is a great article. We have a lot of cats and have dealt with eye issues, but I learned somehting new here! Thanks for stoppong by my "Socks for Christmas" poem!
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