Can Cats Really See in the Dark?

Moving around in the dark is no easy feat. Have you ever had to dash to the bathroom in the middle of the night but then collided with a wall? Human eyes, whether you like it or not, have their limits.

As you grasped your elbow or nose in pain that night, you might have dimly seen an amazing sight: your cat nonchalantly passing by and expertly avoiding obstacles in its way. At that point, you may have asked yourself a question faced by cat parents for ages: Do cats see in the dark? 

This article will set the record straight on feline vision by looking at biological and evolutionary factors that come into play. A comparison between cat vision and human vision is also offered here, along with practical suggestions suited to your cat’s impressive set of eyes.

The facts of cat vision

Technically, cats can’t see in an environment that has no light source at all i.e. complete darkness. However, they can see effectively at different levels of light than humans can.

For us to properly appreciate cat vision, we need to put things in perspective. Dr. Caryn Plummer, a veterinary ophthalmologist at the University of Florida, helps cat owners reframe the matter: “The perception of vision — you might say the ‘quality’ — is more of a spectrum than a yes or no.”

If you think in terms of a range instead of an all-or-nothing capacity, you can better understand the power of your feline’s eyeballs. The fact is, in an environment with limited light, cats can see six times better than an average human, according to National Geographic.

Cats’ eyes are designed for semi-darkness, not total darkness

Human eyes struggle in complete darkness or semi-darkness, but cats are well adapted to very low-light settings. A closer look at cats’ anatomy explains why cats can see quite clearly in a dark setting. For one, a cat’s pupils are slit-shaped (also known as vertical pupils) which means it can open far more, so more light enters the eye even in low-light scenarios. In comparison, humans have circular pupils that aren’t made to pull this off. Cats also have large corneas — another trait that makes these creatures highly sensitive to light.

Ultraviolet vision

Here’s another cool detail: Cats can see ultraviolet light. Specifically, they can see light at wavelengths of well below 400 nm, whereas their human companions can only perceive light in the 400–750 nm range. “This is a huge part of what allows [cats] to see so well in low light levels,” says Sasha Brown-Worsham of PetMD.

Common issues that affect cats’ eyes

No discussion of cat vision, however, can be complete without a list of common eye problems among felines. According to relief veterinarian Sandra C. Mitchell, these problems include:

• Viral infections
• Conjunctivitis
• Retinal issues
• Squinting
• Swollen eyes or tear ducts

Cat parents, though, can breathe a sigh of relief as research on feline eye diseases has picked up significantly in recent years. The story of Gratitude — a 7-month-old kitten whose left-eye symblepharon was successfully treated — is a promising sign for future cases of feline eye treatment. (In the meantime, you can widen your knowledge of cat development and disease prevention by reading our detailed guides per cat breed.)

If you keep your cat’s eyes in tip-top shape, your cat can maximize their heightened sense of sight in dark settings. The glow in your cat’s eyes is certainly a beauty to behold. 

Speaking of which, did you know that the ancient Egyptians and Greeks were in awe of cats’ eyes glowing in the dark? While they came up with mystical explanations for this phenomenon, we now know that the tapetum lucidum—a reflective layer in cats’ eyes—is responsible for this glow.

Your cat’s vision is all by design

Right now, you’re probably thinking that cats are so lucky to have these features. To be clear, though, this is not a matter of good mojo or fortune. It’s actually evolution that comes into play.

Cats, you see, are carnivorous hunters by nature. Their evolution across the ages has equipped them with vision that allows them to stalk their prey in dark environments. Bear in mind that it’s all in the family; your little kitty is a cousin of fearsome predators like tigers and lions, sharing many of the same behaviors and instincts.

Even if you wanted to explore vegan diets for your cat, for a change, it’s not an option. According to Dr. Plummer: “Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to stay healthy. They are unable to produce certain required proteins and must ingest them from an external source.”

Because meat is essential to cats, Mother Nature has equipped them with anatomical tools that will help them stalk their prey efficiently in dark settings. Aside from a pair of eyes that might as well be night vision goggles, cats are endowed with the following predatory characteristics:

• Extremely sharp sense of hearing
• Vertebrae and cushioning disks that make them highly flexible
• Whiskers that help them sense movement and judge distance

Though natural selection has instilled a hunter within each feline, other factors can shape the extent to which a cat’s hunting behavior is manifested. For instance, a 2023 study published in Ecology and Evolution reported that cats who spend more time outdoors tend to hunt more often. In addition, a 2023 study conducted in Australia found that cats increase their predator activity immediately after a fire breaks out in a particular area.

Any time a cat goes on a hunt, you can be sure that its powerful set of eyes helps it get the job done. Feline vision becomes rather useful when a cat goes on the prowl right before sunrise and just before sunset — the hours of the day at which cats are most active. The correct term, then, to describe cats is crepuscular (and not nocturnal, like some other hunters in the animal world).

How does cat vision compare to human vision?

Aside from light sensitivity and pupil and cornea size, there are several other interesting comparisons between cat vision and human vision. Let’s take a look at some of these:

• Perception of color. Both human and cat eyes have color-sensitive cells (also known as “cones”) that make it possible to perceive color. Humans have the edge in this comparison — and it’s not even close. “Because humans have 10 times more cones than cats do, humans appreciate more color variations than cats,” said Dr. Ryan Llera of VCA Animal Hospitals. Notably, there appears to be no consensus as to which colors can be perceived by cats. Some experts say these colors are limited to blue and gray, while others think cats can see yellow as well.

• Wider field of vision. According to experts, cats have a visual field of 200 degrees — 20 degrees wider than that of humans. This means that cats can see more to the left and right, as well as straight ahead. The peripheral vision is yet another helpful feature in your cat’s hunting arsenal.

• Nearsightedness. As per a 2022 report from the World Economic Forum, soon, almost half of all humans will have myopia. But as far as cats go, myopic vision is an inherent trait. Generally, distant objects come across as blurry in cats’ eyes. (Still, take a cat’s-eye view and look for tiny items and cords in your home that your cats can see and would love to get in trouble with. Check out our kitten-proofing guide to learn more.)

What does this mean for me and my cat?

Now that you know all these details about feline vision — especially concerning dark environments — you can act accordingly. Here are some practical tips that will help you see eye-to-eye with your cat:

• When it’s time for your cat to sleep, don’t leave a bright light on. We’ve already established the capabilities of cat vision in dark environments, so we don’t need to worry about the darkness overwhelming our little fur ball. 

A bright light isn’t just unnecessary, though; it can go so far as to impact your cat’s sleep-wake cycle. Specifically, bright lights can mess up the secretion of the melatonin hormone, which essentially cues your cat’s shut eye. Bottom line: a dim light will do.

In case you’re leaving your cat alone for the night, make sure that you prepare the environment so your cat can stay safe and nourished. Check out our guide on leaving your cat alone to learn more.

• While you’re at it, establish a good sleep routine for your cat. To ensure your cat gets quality sleep, practice routines like playing games, providing a small bedtime meal, and setting up a distinct space for your cat to rest.

Don’t be surprised, though, if your cat goes “overboard” with the whole sleeping thing. According to Sarah Shoen of The Sleep Foundation, the majority of cats sleep between 12 and 18 hours daily. (And yes, that means some cats are capable of sleeping more than 18 hours a day!)

• Don’t let your cat associate darkness with feelings of anxiety. We know that cats were meant to survive and thrive in dark environments. It would be a terrible thing, then, if a cat somehow learned to feel nervous when darkness creeps in. Sadly, this does happen when a cat gets spooked by some loud noise (like, say, glass breaking or music with the volume turned way up) while immersed in darkness. 

Like humans, cats can associate sensations with situations. Cat owners should avoid doing anything that may cause their feline friends to grow anxious in a dark place.

Now you know everything you need to know about cat vision!

This much is clear: Cats are equipped with heightened vision in low-light environments. The unique set of eyes possessed by cats is a byproduct of their evolution as hunters and their biological needs as obligate carnivores.

Compared to humans, cats have a wider field of vision and the ability to see more in low-light conditions. On the other hand, cats have a more limited perception of colors. They are also near-sighted, even more often than humans are. Cat parents should do everything they can to make their cats as comfortable as possible in all light scenarios. In doing so, they can strengthen their relationship with their feline friends.

Moving around in the dark is no easy feat. Have you ever had to dash to the bathroom in the middle of the night but then collided with a wall? Human eyes, whether you like it or not, have their limits.

As you grasped your elbow or nose in pain that night, you might have dimly seen an amazing sight: your cat nonchalantly passing by and expertly avoiding obstacles in its way. At that point, you may have asked yourself a question faced by cat parents for ages: Do cats see in the dark? 

This article will set the record straight on feline vision by looking at biological and evolutionary factors that come into play. A comparison between cat vision and human vision is also offered here, along with practical suggestions suited to your cat’s impressive set of eyes.

The facts of cat vision

Technically, cats can’t see in an environment that has no light source at all i.e. complete darkness. However, they can see effectively at different levels of light than humans can.

For us to properly appreciate cat vision, we need to put things in perspective. Dr. Caryn Plummer, a veterinary ophthalmologist at the University of Florida, helps cat owners reframe the matter: “The perception of vision — you might say the ‘quality’ — is more of a spectrum than a yes or no.”

If you think in terms of a range instead of an all-or-nothing capacity, you can better understand the power of your feline’s eyeballs. The fact is, in an environment with limited light, cats can see six times better than an average human, according to National Geographic.

Cats’ eyes are designed for semi-darkness, not total darkness

Human eyes struggle in complete darkness or semi-darkness, but cats are well adapted to very low-light settings. A closer look at cats’ anatomy explains why cats can see quite clearly in a dark setting. For one, a cat’s pupils are slit-shaped (also known as vertical pupils) which means it can open far more, so more light enters the eye even in low-light scenarios. In comparison, humans have circular pupils that aren’t made to pull this off. Cats also have large corneas — another trait that makes these creatures highly sensitive to light.

Ultraviolet vision

Here’s another cool detail: Cats can see ultraviolet light. Specifically, they can see light at wavelengths of well below 400 nm, whereas their human companions can only perceive light in the 400–750 nm range. “This is a huge part of what allows [cats] to see so well in low light levels,” says Sasha Brown-Worsham of PetMD.

Common issues that affect cats’ eyes

No discussion of cat vision, however, can be complete without a list of common eye problems among felines. According to relief veterinarian Sandra C. Mitchell, these problems include:

• Viral infections
• Conjunctivitis
• Retinal issues
• Squinting
• Swollen eyes or tear ducts

Cat parents, though, can breathe a sigh of relief as research on feline eye diseases has picked up significantly in recent years. The story of Gratitude — a 7-month-old kitten whose left-eye symblepharon was successfully treated — is a promising sign for future cases of feline eye treatment. (In the meantime, you can widen your knowledge of cat development and disease prevention by reading our detailed guides per cat breed.)

If you keep your cat’s eyes in tip-top shape, your cat can maximize their heightened sense of sight in dark settings. The glow in your cat’s eyes is certainly a beauty to behold. 

Speaking of which, did you know that the ancient Egyptians and Greeks were in awe of cats’ eyes glowing in the dark? While they came up with mystical explanations for this phenomenon, we now know that the tapetum lucidum—a reflective layer in cats’ eyes—is responsible for this glow.

Your cat’s vision is all by design

Right now, you’re probably thinking that cats are so lucky to have these features. To be clear, though, this is not a matter of good mojo or fortune. It’s actually evolution that comes into play.

Cats, you see, are carnivorous hunters by nature. Their evolution across the ages has equipped them with vision that allows them to stalk their prey in dark environments. Bear in mind that it’s all in the family; your little kitty is a cousin of fearsome predators like tigers and lions, sharing many of the same behaviors and instincts.

Even if you wanted to explore vegan diets for your cat, for a change, it’s not an option. According to Dr. Plummer: “Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to stay healthy. They are unable to produce certain required proteins and must ingest them from an external source.”

Because meat is essential to cats, Mother Nature has equipped them with anatomical tools that will help them stalk their prey efficiently in dark settings. Aside from a pair of eyes that might as well be night vision goggles, cats are endowed with the following predatory characteristics:

• Extremely sharp sense of hearing
• Vertebrae and cushioning disks that make them highly flexible
• Whiskers that help them sense movement and judge distance

Though natural selection has instilled a hunter within each feline, other factors can shape the extent to which a cat’s hunting behavior is manifested. For instance, a 2023 study published in Ecology and Evolution reported that cats who spend more time outdoors tend to hunt more often. In addition, a 2023 study conducted in Australia found that cats increase their predator activity immediately after a fire breaks out in a particular area.

Any time a cat goes on a hunt, you can be sure that its powerful set of eyes helps it get the job done. Feline vision becomes rather useful when a cat goes on the prowl right before sunrise and just before sunset — the hours of the day at which cats are most active. The correct term, then, to describe cats is crepuscular (and not nocturnal, like some other hunters in the animal world).

How does cat vision compare to human vision?

Aside from light sensitivity and pupil and cornea size, there are several other interesting comparisons between cat vision and human vision. Let’s take a look at some of these:

• Perception of color. Both human and cat eyes have color-sensitive cells (also known as “cones”) that make it possible to perceive color. Humans have the edge in this comparison — and it’s not even close. “Because humans have 10 times more cones than cats do, humans appreciate more color variations than cats,” said Dr. Ryan Llera of VCA Animal Hospitals. Notably, there appears to be no consensus as to which colors can be perceived by cats. Some experts say these colors are limited to blue and gray, while others think cats can see yellow as well.

• Wider field of vision. According to experts, cats have a visual field of 200 degrees — 20 degrees wider than that of humans. This means that cats can see more to the left and right, as well as straight ahead. The peripheral vision is yet another helpful feature in your cat’s hunting arsenal.

• Nearsightedness. As per a 2022 report from the World Economic Forum, soon, almost half of all humans will have myopia. But as far as cats go, myopic vision is an inherent trait. Generally, distant objects come across as blurry in cats’ eyes. (Still, take a cat’s-eye view and look for tiny items and cords in your home that your cats can see and would love to get in trouble with. Check out our kitten-proofing guide to learn more.)

What does this mean for me and my cat?

Now that you know all these details about feline vision — especially concerning dark environments — you can act accordingly. Here are some practical tips that will help you see eye-to-eye with your cat:

• When it’s time for your cat to sleep, don’t leave a bright light on. We’ve already established the capabilities of cat vision in dark environments, so we don’t need to worry about the darkness overwhelming our little fur ball. 

A bright light isn’t just unnecessary, though; it can go so far as to impact your cat’s sleep-wake cycle. Specifically, bright lights can mess up the secretion of the melatonin hormone, which essentially cues your cat’s shut eye. Bottom line: a dim light will do.

In case you’re leaving your cat alone for the night, make sure that you prepare the environment so your cat can stay safe and nourished. Check out our guide on leaving your cat alone to learn more.

• While you’re at it, establish a good sleep routine for your cat. To ensure your cat gets quality sleep, practice routines like playing games, providing a small bedtime meal, and setting up a distinct space for your cat to rest.

Don’t be surprised, though, if your cat goes “overboard” with the whole sleeping thing. According to Sarah Shoen of The Sleep Foundation, the majority of cats sleep between 12 and 18 hours daily. (And yes, that means some cats are capable of sleeping more than 18 hours a day!)

• Don’t let your cat associate darkness with feelings of anxiety. We know that cats were meant to survive and thrive in dark environments. It would be a terrible thing, then, if a cat somehow learned to feel nervous when darkness creeps in. Sadly, this does happen when a cat gets spooked by some loud noise (like, say, glass breaking or music with the volume turned way up) while immersed in darkness. 

Like humans, cats can associate sensations with situations. Cat owners should avoid doing anything that may cause their feline friends to grow anxious in a dark place.

Now you know everything you need to know about cat vision!

This much is clear: Cats are equipped with heightened vision in low-light environments. The unique set of eyes possessed by cats is a byproduct of their evolution as hunters and their biological needs as obligate carnivores.

Compared to humans, cats have a wider field of vision and the ability to see more in low-light conditions. On the other hand, cats have a more limited perception of colors. They are also near-sighted, even more often than humans are. Cat parents should do everything they can to make their cats as comfortable as possible in all light scenarios. In doing so, they can strengthen their relationship with their feline friends.

Moving around in the dark is no easy feat. Have you ever had to dash to the bathroom in the middle of the night but then collided with a wall? Human eyes, whether you like it or not, have their limits.

As you grasped your elbow or nose in pain that night, you might have dimly seen an amazing sight: your cat nonchalantly passing by and expertly avoiding obstacles in its way. At that point, you may have asked yourself a question faced by cat parents for ages: Do cats see in the dark? 

This article will set the record straight on feline vision by looking at biological and evolutionary factors that come into play. A comparison between cat vision and human vision is also offered here, along with practical suggestions suited to your cat’s impressive set of eyes.

The facts of cat vision

Technically, cats can’t see in an environment that has no light source at all i.e. complete darkness. However, they can see effectively at different levels of light than humans can.

For us to properly appreciate cat vision, we need to put things in perspective. Dr. Caryn Plummer, a veterinary ophthalmologist at the University of Florida, helps cat owners reframe the matter: “The perception of vision — you might say the ‘quality’ — is more of a spectrum than a yes or no.”

If you think in terms of a range instead of an all-or-nothing capacity, you can better understand the power of your feline’s eyeballs. The fact is, in an environment with limited light, cats can see six times better than an average human, according to National Geographic.

Cats’ eyes are designed for semi-darkness, not total darkness

Human eyes struggle in complete darkness or semi-darkness, but cats are well adapted to very low-light settings. A closer look at cats’ anatomy explains why cats can see quite clearly in a dark setting. For one, a cat’s pupils are slit-shaped (also known as vertical pupils) which means it can open far more, so more light enters the eye even in low-light scenarios. In comparison, humans have circular pupils that aren’t made to pull this off. Cats also have large corneas — another trait that makes these creatures highly sensitive to light.

Ultraviolet vision

Here’s another cool detail: Cats can see ultraviolet light. Specifically, they can see light at wavelengths of well below 400 nm, whereas their human companions can only perceive light in the 400–750 nm range. “This is a huge part of what allows [cats] to see so well in low light levels,” says Sasha Brown-Worsham of PetMD.

Common issues that affect cats’ eyes

No discussion of cat vision, however, can be complete without a list of common eye problems among felines. According to relief veterinarian Sandra C. Mitchell, these problems include:

• Viral infections
• Conjunctivitis
• Retinal issues
• Squinting
• Swollen eyes or tear ducts

Cat parents, though, can breathe a sigh of relief as research on feline eye diseases has picked up significantly in recent years. The story of Gratitude — a 7-month-old kitten whose left-eye symblepharon was successfully treated — is a promising sign for future cases of feline eye treatment. (In the meantime, you can widen your knowledge of cat development and disease prevention by reading our detailed guides per cat breed.)

If you keep your cat’s eyes in tip-top shape, your cat can maximize their heightened sense of sight in dark settings. The glow in your cat’s eyes is certainly a beauty to behold. 

Speaking of which, did you know that the ancient Egyptians and Greeks were in awe of cats’ eyes glowing in the dark? While they came up with mystical explanations for this phenomenon, we now know that the tapetum lucidum—a reflective layer in cats’ eyes—is responsible for this glow.

Your cat’s vision is all by design

Right now, you’re probably thinking that cats are so lucky to have these features. To be clear, though, this is not a matter of good mojo or fortune. It’s actually evolution that comes into play.

Cats, you see, are carnivorous hunters by nature. Their evolution across the ages has equipped them with vision that allows them to stalk their prey in dark environments. Bear in mind that it’s all in the family; your little kitty is a cousin of fearsome predators like tigers and lions, sharing many of the same behaviors and instincts.

Even if you wanted to explore vegan diets for your cat, for a change, it’s not an option. According to Dr. Plummer: “Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to stay healthy. They are unable to produce certain required proteins and must ingest them from an external source.”

Because meat is essential to cats, Mother Nature has equipped them with anatomical tools that will help them stalk their prey efficiently in dark settings. Aside from a pair of eyes that might as well be night vision goggles, cats are endowed with the following predatory characteristics:

• Extremely sharp sense of hearing
• Vertebrae and cushioning disks that make them highly flexible
• Whiskers that help them sense movement and judge distance

Though natural selection has instilled a hunter within each feline, other factors can shape the extent to which a cat’s hunting behavior is manifested. For instance, a 2023 study published in Ecology and Evolution reported that cats who spend more time outdoors tend to hunt more often. In addition, a 2023 study conducted in Australia found that cats increase their predator activity immediately after a fire breaks out in a particular area.

Any time a cat goes on a hunt, you can be sure that its powerful set of eyes helps it get the job done. Feline vision becomes rather useful when a cat goes on the prowl right before sunrise and just before sunset — the hours of the day at which cats are most active. The correct term, then, to describe cats is crepuscular (and not nocturnal, like some other hunters in the animal world).

How does cat vision compare to human vision?

Aside from light sensitivity and pupil and cornea size, there are several other interesting comparisons between cat vision and human vision. Let’s take a look at some of these:

• Perception of color. Both human and cat eyes have color-sensitive cells (also known as “cones”) that make it possible to perceive color. Humans have the edge in this comparison — and it’s not even close. “Because humans have 10 times more cones than cats do, humans appreciate more color variations than cats,” said Dr. Ryan Llera of VCA Animal Hospitals. Notably, there appears to be no consensus as to which colors can be perceived by cats. Some experts say these colors are limited to blue and gray, while others think cats can see yellow as well.

• Wider field of vision. According to experts, cats have a visual field of 200 degrees — 20 degrees wider than that of humans. This means that cats can see more to the left and right, as well as straight ahead. The peripheral vision is yet another helpful feature in your cat’s hunting arsenal.

• Nearsightedness. As per a 2022 report from the World Economic Forum, soon, almost half of all humans will have myopia. But as far as cats go, myopic vision is an inherent trait. Generally, distant objects come across as blurry in cats’ eyes. (Still, take a cat’s-eye view and look for tiny items and cords in your home that your cats can see and would love to get in trouble with. Check out our kitten-proofing guide to learn more.)

What does this mean for me and my cat?

Now that you know all these details about feline vision — especially concerning dark environments — you can act accordingly. Here are some practical tips that will help you see eye-to-eye with your cat:

• When it’s time for your cat to sleep, don’t leave a bright light on. We’ve already established the capabilities of cat vision in dark environments, so we don’t need to worry about the darkness overwhelming our little fur ball. 

A bright light isn’t just unnecessary, though; it can go so far as to impact your cat’s sleep-wake cycle. Specifically, bright lights can mess up the secretion of the melatonin hormone, which essentially cues your cat’s shut eye. Bottom line: a dim light will do.

In case you’re leaving your cat alone for the night, make sure that you prepare the environment so your cat can stay safe and nourished. Check out our guide on leaving your cat alone to learn more.

• While you’re at it, establish a good sleep routine for your cat. To ensure your cat gets quality sleep, practice routines like playing games, providing a small bedtime meal, and setting up a distinct space for your cat to rest.

Don’t be surprised, though, if your cat goes “overboard” with the whole sleeping thing. According to Sarah Shoen of The Sleep Foundation, the majority of cats sleep between 12 and 18 hours daily. (And yes, that means some cats are capable of sleeping more than 18 hours a day!)

• Don’t let your cat associate darkness with feelings of anxiety. We know that cats were meant to survive and thrive in dark environments. It would be a terrible thing, then, if a cat somehow learned to feel nervous when darkness creeps in. Sadly, this does happen when a cat gets spooked by some loud noise (like, say, glass breaking or music with the volume turned way up) while immersed in darkness. 

Like humans, cats can associate sensations with situations. Cat owners should avoid doing anything that may cause their feline friends to grow anxious in a dark place.

Now you know everything you need to know about cat vision!

This much is clear: Cats are equipped with heightened vision in low-light environments. The unique set of eyes possessed by cats is a byproduct of their evolution as hunters and their biological needs as obligate carnivores.

Compared to humans, cats have a wider field of vision and the ability to see more in low-light conditions. On the other hand, cats have a more limited perception of colors. They are also near-sighted, even more often than humans are. Cat parents should do everything they can to make their cats as comfortable as possible in all light scenarios. In doing so, they can strengthen their relationship with their feline friends.