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 Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
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 Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
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 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Entrée Variety Pack
Feline Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
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 Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
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 Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Related articles
Cat Heart Health and Feline Heart Disease
Learn more about the causes of feline heart disease and the signs you can watch out for to promote heart health in your cat.
Cat Vision: How Do They See the World?
Discover some myths and truths about how your cat sees the world, including whether they have night vision and if they are actually colorblind.
Why Does My Cat Walk on Me?
Cats often like to treat us like their personal cat bed, but why do they love to stand & walk on us? Learn why & how you can nicely curb this behavior.
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
Cats & Slow Blinking: What Does it Mean?
Learn what your cat really means when she blinks slowly at you and why it's a gesture you can give her in return.
Mixing Cats and Holidays: Tips for a Safe Season
Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.
Why Is My Cat Limping?
Understand reasons why your cat might be limping, from joint problems to excessive jumping, as well as when you should be concerned and how you can help.
Cat Parents: Bringing Your New Cat Home
Discover ten ways to care for your new cat after adoption, from preparing your home before she arrives to making her feel comfortable once she's arrived.
Weight Gain in Your Cat & How You Can Help
Learn the different factors that might be contributing to your cat's weight gain, and how bigger doesn't always mean better.
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Warning Signs, Management & Treatment
Learn how to spot the warning signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in your cats. Read more to know what questions to ask your vet.
Making a DIY Cat-Proof Toilet Paper Holder
Here's a simple, cost-effective way to create a DIY cat-proof toilet paper holder cover that keeps your feline friend from destroying your TP.
Smart Litter Boxes: What You Need to Know
Learn helpful information about self-cleaning litter boxes, including how they actually work, overall benefits, typical costs and transitioning tips.
Cat Jumping? How to Keep Her Paws on the Ground
Learn why cats like to jump and be up high, as well as how to provide her with alternative options for jumping off your countertops and furniture.
Choosing A Healthy Cat Food: Things You Need to Know
Find out the essential ingredients in a healthy cat food, how to interpret a food label, and the importance of your cat's age when choosing a food.
Do Cats Like Music?
Have you ever wondered if cat's like music? And if so, what kind? Check out this article that digs into the science behind your cat's taste in music.
How to Identify & Remove a Tick From a Cat
Worried that your cat may have come in contact with ticks? Learn how to identify a tick bite and steps for safely removing a tick from your cat.
Helpful Tips for Traveling with Your Cat
Get helpful tips and advice for traveling with your cat including by car, train, or air. Learn the safest ways for your cat to travel.
What Is Cat Chirping and Why Do Cats Do It?
Discover what cat chirping sounds like, why cats make that sound and what their body language when they chirp might mean.
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.
Why Cats Groom Themselves
Cats are built to groom themselves from their tongue to their coat. Read more about their grooming habits so you can understand their needs.
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.