We've all heard the myth: cats have incredible night vision! But do they *really* see perfectly in the dark? The truth is a bit more nuanced. While they can't see in *complete* darkness, cats possess exceptional low-light vision, far superior to ours.
This superpower comes down to a few key features. First, their eyes have a higher concentration of rods (light-sensitive cells) than cones (color-sensitive cells), allowing them to capture even the faintest glimmer of light. Second, they have a *tapetum lucidum*, a reflective layer behind the retina that acts like a mirror, bouncing light back through the photoreceptor cells for a second chance to be absorbed. This is what causes the eerie glow you see when light shines in a cat's eyes at night.
So, while your feline friend can't navigate pitch-black spaces, they are masters of seeing in dim conditions, making them excellent hunters in the twilight hours. Next time you see your cat prowling around at night, remember the amazing adaptations that give them their remarkable 'night vision!'
