Cats are crepuscular hunters, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. But does that mean they can see in pitch blackness?
Not Total Darkness
Contrary to popular belief, cats cannot see in total darkness. Like us, they need some light to see. However, they can see in light levels that are six times lower than what a human needs.
The Tapetum Lucidum
The secret weapon is the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer of tissue behind the retina. It acts like a mirror, reflecting light back through the retina to give the eye a second chance to absorb it. This is why cat eyes glow green or yellow in photos!
Rod Cells
Cats also have a much higher concentration of rod cells in their eyes compared to humans. Rods are responsible for vision in low light and for detecting motion, making cats expert hunters in dim conditions.
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Conclusion
While they don't have built-in night vision goggles, their eyes are perfectly adapted for low-light prowling.