Unraveling the Mystery of Cats' Exceptional Night Vision

This helps them to detect movement more easily, even in the dark. Additionally, the eyes of cats are equipped with a high number of rod cells, which are specialized cells that are sensitive to light. Rod cells are much more sensitive to light than cone cells, which are responsible for detecting color. This makes cats' eyes particularly adept at detecting light in low light conditions.

The tapetum lucidum is a special reflective layer that is located at the back of the eye, behind the retina. It is made up of a layer of special cells that reflect light back through the retina, increasing the amount of light detected. This helps to improve night vision by increasing the sensitivity of the rod cells, which are responsible for detecting light in low light conditions.

Cats also have a large pupil, which can dilate (enlarge) in low light conditions. This allows more light to enter the eye, further increasing their sensitivity to light. Additionally, cats have a special membrane called the nictitating membrane, which acts as a protective shield for the eye. This membrane can be drawn across the eye to protect it from bright lights or to help clean the eye. In low light conditions, the nictitating membrane can be partially drawn across the eye, which helps to reduce the amount of light entering the eye, making it easier for the cat to see.

In conclusion, cats have exceptional night vision due to several factors, including the anatomy of their eyes, the presence of the tapetum lucidum, and their large pupil. This unique ability enables them to see in low light conditions much better than humans can and is a crucial adaptation that helps them to hunt and navigate at night.