https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/general/can-cats-see-in-the-dark
Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours, which raises questions about their ability to see in the dark.
While cats cannot see in complete darkness, their eyes are highly adapted for low light conditions.
Features like an increased number of rod photoreceptors, a reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum and slit shaped pupils all work together to allow cats to detect movement and see more clearly in dim light, giving them an advantage over humans - and even most dogs - when navigating nighttime environments.
Cat vision differs from human vision in several other ways as well. They are effectively nearsighted, seeing objects clearly up close but more blurry at a distance, and their perception of color is more limited, often confusing reds and pinks or purples with blues.
Cats also have a faster flicker fusion frequency, meaning they perceive rapid movements better than humans, which helps them detect prey or movement in low light conditions.
Additionally, a cat’s skull shape can influence peripheral vision, and some breeds are genetically predisposed to eye conditions that may affect their vision.
Although cats excel at seeing in dim light, they still require at least a small amount of illumination to navigate safely.
Providing subtle light sources, like glow in the dark collars or small night lights, can help indoor cats move around without risk of injury and make outdoor cats easier to locate.
Understanding how a cat’s eyes work at night allows pet parents to create a safer environment and ensure their feline friends can explore comfortably during their most active hours.
Understanding how cats see in low light helps you appreciate just how uniquely equipped they are to explore the world around them, even after the sun sets.
By making small adjustments to your home or your cat’s nighttime environment, you can ensure they move safely and confidently while satisfying their natural instincts.
Chewy editorial team hopes this insight encourages you to connect even more deeply with your nighttime adventurer and care for their eyes with love and attention.
