How felines see the world: Can Cats See in the Dark?

It is not a surprise if you think of all the superpowers your cat has. Just another one on the list, the cat's sight is truly amazing.

Can cats see in the dark? Are cats color blind? Why do their eyes glow in the night?

By the end of this article, you will find all the answers.

Difference between human and cat vision

We need to mention the retina to understand how cats see the world compared to humans. The retina is a sensitive membrane in a cat's eye that receives light impulses.The retina contains cells called photoreceptors that convert light rays into electrical signals.

There are two types of photoreceptor cells - rods and cones. Unlike humans, cats have a low concentration of cone receptors and a high concentration of rod receptors. 

This is why we can't see clearly at night but see colors better. Also, felines have a wider visual field of 200 degrees, while ours reaches 180 degrees.

Are cats color blind?

Do cats see colors, or do they seeonly shades of gray? People have three kinds of cones; we can see red, green, and blue. Cats are trichromats too, but differently. 

A cat's vision is similar to a person that is color blind. Cats see shades of green and blue, but reds and pinks confuse them.

Cats are nearsighted

The cat's eyes are proportionally enormous as they evolved to be prepared for low-light hunting. Outdoor cats are farsighted, while indoor cats are nearsighted. 

As their eyes are so big, cats can't focus on anything not in front of them. On the other hand, they got whiskers that feel objects and everything they can't see clearly. 

Can cats see in the dark?

You must have wondered if it is true or not. Can cats see in the dark is one of the biggest mysteries and questions cat owners have.

Here is the complete answer -cats can't see fine details, but they have a superior ability to see in the dark. Your favorite pet can see using around 1/6 the number of light people needs.

Cats' eyes glow in the dark

It is again a matter of light reflection. We already know that a cat's eyes reflect light, just like the eyes of other nocturnal animals. Some animals' eyes have a unique reflective structure that creates the appearance of glowing at night.

Is it ok to look into a cat's eyes?

Staring at your cat is not a good idea. Be careful; if you know how to read its body language, look at it, but give it a slow blink.  

Slow-blinking is a way for your cat to say it trusts you and shows love.

Moody Eyes

Like other fantastic physical characteristics, the different moods of a cat are reflected by its eyes. Pupil size changes will show you - an angry cat has narrowed pupils, and an excited or frightened one will have eyes wide open.

Knowing that cats are color blind, they can't focus on objects near them might leave you speechless, but at the same time, cats' eyes glow in the dark, and there is no doubt thatcats can see in the dark.

Give your furry pet a slow blink and check if it loves you as much as you love it.