Although humans domesticated cats nearly 12,000 years ago, your feline friend is still somewhat of a mystery. The idea that cats have night vision contributes to their elusive aura. But can cats see in the dark? And if they can, how well do cats see in the dark?
Can Cats See in the Dark?
Do cats have night vision? Not exactly. They can see very well in low light, however — a skill that gave domestic cats' ancestors an advantage over their prey. As American Veterinarian explains, cats' large corneas and pupils, which are about 50% larger than humans', allow more light into their eyes. This extra light helps them to see in the dark.
People's homes are rarely in complete darkness — there's always a little light coming in from somewhere — which is why humans think their cats have night vision goggles. They don't, but it can seem that way when your cat wakes you up for a midnight meal. Cats actually aren't nocturnal; they are crepuscular creatures that hunt at dusk and dawn, the time of day when many other animals (i.e., prey) become more active. Talk about perfect timing.
Evolution of Cat Night Vision
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that animals that have vertically slit pupils, including cats, are more likely to be ambush predators. In contrast to animals whom the researchers refer to as "active foragers," ambush predators are active during both day and night.
Your cat's ancestors were solitary hunters. Not much has changed, except that house cats don't have to work as hard to get a meal. The scientists at UC Berkeley also found that animals with slit pupils tend to be lower to the ground than animals with round pupils. They concluded that vertical pupils help shorter animals estimate how far away their prey is — an advantage that much larger cats, like tigers and lions, don't need.
Tasty Tips
Cats vs. Humans
How well do cats see in the dark? Much better than their pet parents. A human's round pupils are no match for vertically slit pupils. Observe your kitty: Their pupils will constrict in the bright sunlight and then dilate in the dark. A cat's vision is very powerful because of the strategic shape and movement of their eyes. They also see the world mostly in shades of gray, which is perfect for low light.
"A cat has the capacity to alter the intensity of light falling on its retina 135-fold, compared to tenfold in a human, with a circular pupil," Dr. Richard E. Goldstein, chief medical officer at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, tells the New York Times. In other words, slit pupils give cats a big advantage over their humans when it comes to seeing in the dark because they're much more effective at responding to how light enters their eyes.
But you still have one visual advantage over your furry friend: Humans have better visual acuity, or clearness of vision, than cats, reports Business Insider. You can see more clearly than your feline friend, but cats win when it comes to night vision. With your combined visual abilities, you and your cat make the perfect team.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Related articles
Why Is My Cat Shaking and Shivering?
Why Is My Cat Shaking and Shivering?
Allergic Dermatitis & Skin Conditions in Cats: Causes & Treatments
Discover some of the signs of feline skin conditions, how to help improve them, and when to consult your veterinarian about your cat's skin health.
Are Cats Good With Kids?
Are cats good with kids? Happily, the answer is yes! Use these tips to find the best cat for your family.
Is Chocolate Bad for Cats?
Chocolate is known to be poisonous for dogs, but it can also be toxic for cats. Learn why chocolate is bad for cats & what to do if she's eaten it.
What You Should Know About Cat Sneezing
Like human sneezing, cat sneezing is normal to a certain extent, but it can signal an underlying health concern that requires support or treatment.
Steps to Successfully Introduce a New Kitten to Your Cat
If you're a current cat owner that is thinking about getting a new kitten, you should read our helpful tips for getting cat and kittens acquainted.
Cat Language: How Cats Communicate
Learn how your cat communicates with you as well as other cats in the house, and what their cat language might be telling you about them.
4 Ways to Help Your Cat Maintain an Ideal Weight
Follow these 4 easy steps to help your cat attain its ideal weight and maintain a healthy weight for life.
Top 5 Tips For You After Adopting a New Cat
Adopting a cat feels like an easy choice, but ensuring their comfort takes preparation. Follow these tips for a lifetime of love with your new cat.
Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
Cat Food Ingredients: What Should Go Into Your Cat's Food?
Unsure which ingredients are important to your cat's diet? Learn which types of cat food ingredients are necessary and how they benefit your cat's health.
Cat Aggression: How to Calm Them Down
Learn how to identify causes of aggression in your cat, how you can help calm them down or diffuse an aggressive situation, and when a vet visit is needed.
Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Exist? (& Which Breeds Shed the Least?)
Even though all cat breeds still produce allergens, those that shed less can be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Learn which breeds might work for you.
Cats & Tuna: Is it Safe for Them?
While cats can have a strong attraction to tuna, learn details on whether tuna offers proper nutrition and is safe for them to eat.
How Cats Show Affection to Their Humans
Discover some common ways that cats show love for their owners. Learn to recognize these signs of affection, even though they might seem a little bizarre.
Cat Tooth Extractions: What to Expect
Learn when a cat tooth extraction might be necessary, what the recovery process can entail for cat teeth removal and how to prevent the need for an extraction in the future
Stomatitis in Cats: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about stomatitis in cats, an inflammation of the mouth, including the two types, symptoms of the condition, and treatments your vet might recommend.
Ways to Maintain Your Cat's Healthy Coat
Learn the visual signs that your cat is healthy including what to look for in her skin, ears, and eyes, as well as as signs you should call your vet about.
Home Dental Care Methods for Your Cat
Use these 4 steps on how to properly brush and provide the right dental care for your cat's teeth.
Stage 1 Kidney Disease in Cats Often Goes Unnoticed
Learn more about stage 1 kidney disease in cats, such as the cause, symptoms, treatment and how the proper food can help manage her condition.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.