Mary Allen
Introduction: The mystery of cat’s night vision
Cats are known for their excellent night vision, and their eyes are often compared to those of nocturnal animals. However, what makes cats able to see in the dark? The answer lies in their unique anatomy and physiology. In this article, we will explore the science behind cat’s night vision, from the structure of their eyes to the adaptation of their visual system to low light conditions.
Anatomy of a cat’s eye: A closer look
At first glance, a cat’s eye may appear similar to a human eye, but in reality, it has several distinct features that make it ideal for seeing in the dark. One of the most noticeable differences is the shape of the pupil, which can dilate to become much larger than a human’s pupil. This allows more light to enter the eye, which is essential for seeing in low light conditions.
Additionally, a cat’s eye has a tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer of tissue located at the back of the eye. The tapetum lucidum reflects light that has already entered the eye back onto the retina, increasing the sensitivity of the photoreceptor cells and allowing the cat to see even in near-total darkness. The tapetum lucidum is responsible for the glowing eyes of cats when light is shone on them in the dark.