Can Cats Really See in the Dark?

Paw parents may often find themselves with more questions than answers about the at-times strange behaviour of their kitties. Our furry friends don’t just fascinate us by day, but also at night with their mysterious (and sometimes ghostly) abilities. You’ve probably wondered before if your cat can see in the dark. After all, that would explain the nighttime zoomies or the unsettling feeling of your fur friend’s eyes glowing at you from a shadowy corner! 

Can cats really see in the dark? Or is this feline stereotype more fiction than fact? Below, Cat in a Flat unravels the secret behind your feline’s nocturnal abilities and whether or not they can really see in the dark.

Why is my cat active at night?

Why is my cat active at night? Felines are crepuscular. This means they are most active early in the morning and at dusk because this is when their potential prey is out and about too. Cats can see well in low light, which makes it easy for them to manoeuvre around obstacles, even when it’s dark. Your fur friend also has excellent hearing and sensitive whiskers, both of which contribute to their ability to move around easily at night. 

However, it’s not common for most cats to be active throughout the entire night—even if they can see well in the dark! So, if your cat is keeping you up at night you should first consider whether they are getting enough social interaction and playtime throughout the day. This can be difficult when you have only one kitty in the home and spend all day away at work. If this is the case, you might consider getting your cat a friend or hiring a cat sitter to drop in during the day to provide at-home pet care. 

Fact or fiction: Can cats really see in the dark? 

It’s a common belief that cats can see in the dark, but is it fact or fiction? The truth is, our furry friends have good night vision but can’t see in total darkness. This is because their retinas have more rods than cones, which reflect light. This both gives them a wide field of vision and allows them to adapt well to low light. So, while it does help them to see in the dark, cats still need a little light to orientate themselves.

Even so, felines only need a tiny bit of light to adjust to the dark. They have six to eight times better vision in low light than humans! So, while you may find yourself tripping over Mr Whiskers’ scratch pad on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night, your furry friend can agilely avoid obstacles with just a sliver of moonlight! 

What’s unique about a cat’s eyes?

What’s unique about a cat’s eyes? Felines have a unique eye structure compared to many other animals. For example, a kitty’s cornea and pupil are larger than the average dog’s eye, which allows more light to enter. This makes it easier for cats to see in the dark. Mr Whiskers also has a tapetum lucidum—a layer of tissue in the eye—that reflects light back through the retina and increases the light available to the eye. This is also why your fur friend’s eyes seem to ‘glow’ in the dark. That’s light reflecting off the tapetum lucidum! And finally, your kitty has more rod cells in their eyes, which allows more light in too, providing them with stellar vision at night. 

Tips for keeping your cat safe in the dark

Just because your kitty can see well at night doesn’t mean it’s safe for them to wander about in the dark. ALWAYS ensure your fur friend has a safe place at night where they feel comfortable. This might be their favourite cat tree, cat bed, or even a spot in your bed next to you. Also make sure to keep their litter trays clean and provide food and plenty of water so your furry friend feels content when at home. 

If your cat spends time outdoors, make sure to train them to come home at dusk and don’t allow them out after dark. Stick to a routine and, if possible, install a cat flap so your kitty can come in and out when they need to. However, always lock the cat flap at dusk so your furry friend stays inside where it’s safe. There are many safety hazards for cats outside the home, and the danger increases exponentially when there is low light or visibility. By keeping your cat at home when it’s dark, you’ll help prevent potential accidents and injuries. 

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Other basic cat safety tips

As a pawsome cat parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your kitty happy and healthy. Here are a few other basic cat safety tips: 

• Neuter your cat. Un-neutered felines wander more widely, which puts them at higher risk of getting in an accident or injured. Neutering or spaying your kitty also protects them from certain diseases and make them calmer and happier.
• Stay up-to-date with vaccines. Vaccinations help protect your fur friend from serious illnesses. Your feline is more likely to have a longer, healthier life if you vaccinate them. 
• Cat-proof your home. Read up on plants that are toxic for cats and make sure to remove these from your home. Also keep toxic foods and materials out of paw’s reach! 
• Easy access to food and water. Keep Mr Whiskers hydrated by placing several easily accessible water bowls around the home. Feeding your kitty a healthy diet on a schedule can also help prevent feline obesity and diabetes.
• Provide stimulation. Felines can become destructive when bored with their environments. To prevent this, make sure you have plenty of cat trees for scratching and climbing. Also provide accessible window views where your fur friend can people and bird watch. 
• Safe play with your cat. Make time multiple times a day to play with your cat. Playtime helps trigger their hunting instincts and makes them less likely to wander away from home. But be careful about leaving strings and other dangerous toys out when you’re not around, as your kitty can get tangled up or choke. Instead, provide cat-safe toys for self-play. 

Looking for more great tips and fun facts about felines? You might enjoy our blog post with safety tips for first time cat owners. Or, have fun reading up on the mystery of why your kitty loves to lie on their back!