Why can cats see in darkness at night?
Cats are known for their excellent night vision and can see in near-total darkness. This is due to a combination of several physical and physiological adaptations that have developed over millions of years of evolution.
Large pupils
Cats have large pupils that can open wider than those of humans, allowing more light to enter the eye. Their pupils can dilate to the size of a pinhead in bright light and expand to cover most of the eye in dim light, making the most of available light.
Tapetum lucidum
Cats also have a reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum. This layer reflects light back through the retina, increasing the amount of light available to the photoreceptor cells and improving night vision. This is why cats' eyes often appear to glow in the dark when light is shone on them.
Rods and cones
The retina of a cat's eye contains a high proportion of rod cells, which are more sensitive to low levels of light than the cone cells used for color vision. This allows cats to see in much lower light levels than humans can.
Adapted eye muscles
Cats also have specialized muscles in their eyes that allow them to quickly adjust to changes in light levels. These muscles allow the cat to rapidly adapt to sudden changes in light levels, such as when a car's headlights shine on them at night.
Nocturnal hunting
Cats are natural hunters and evolved to hunt at night when prey is more active. The adaptations that allow cats to see in low light are essential for their survival in the wild, allowing them to locate and catch prey even in near-total darkness.
Conclusion
The combination of large pupils, a reflective layer, a high proportion of rod cells, specialized eye muscles, and evolutionary adaptations for nocturnal hunting all contribute to cats' ability to see in darkness at night.