Cat Vision: What Do Cats See?

How Cats See the World: Understanding Feline Vision

Have you ever looked into your cat’s eyes and wondered what they see? From their ability to navigate in near-total darkness to their unique perception of colour, feline vision is a fascinating topic that continues to intrigue pet lovers and scientists alike. While myths about cats seeing only in black and white persist, research has revealed much more about how cats interpret the world around them.

The Anatomy of a Cat’s Eye

A cat’s eye may look similar to a human’s at first glance, but it includes several specialized features that enhance their ability to see in low light and detect motion.

Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Cornea: The transparent outer layer that protects the eye and helps focus incoming light onto the retina.
• Iris: The coloured part of the eye that adjusts the size of the pupil to control how much light enters.
• Pupil: Cats have vertical slit-shaped pupils that expand widely in dim light and contract to narrow slits in bright conditions.
• Lens: Located behind the iris, the lens adjusts to focus light onto the retina.
• Retina: This light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye contains rods and cones. Cats have significantly more rod cells than humans, giving them superior night vision and motion detection.
• Tapetum Lucidum: A reflective layer behind the retina that enhances low-light vision by bouncing light back through the retina. It’s also what causes a cat’s eyes to glow in the dark.
• Nictitating Membrane: Also known as the third eyelid, this translucent layer helps protect the eye from debris and injury.

These features work together to give cats their signature night vision and heightened sensitivity to movement.

Cat Vision vs. Human Vision

While cats and humans share some visual traits, there are several key differences in how we see the world:

• Light Sensitivity: Cats can see in light levels six to eight times lower than humans can, thanks to their abundance of rod cells and the tapetum lucidum.
• Field of View: Cats enjoy a wider field of vision—about 200 degrees compared to our 180 degrees—giving them better peripheral awareness.
• Motion Detection: Although humans are better at detecting fine detail in bright light, cats excel at spotting movement, especially in dim conditions.
• Pupil Shape: A cat’s vertical pupils allow for rapid changes in light exposure and help with depth perception during hunting.
• Colour Perception: Cats are not completely colour-blind, but they see a limited range of colours. They perceive blues and greens more clearly than reds and pinks, which may appear greyish or muted.

What Colours Can Cats See?

Cats see the world in a more muted palette than humans. Their vision is similar to that of a person with red-green colour blindness. While they can distinguish between some shades of blue and green, reds and pinks are harder for them to detect.

For example:

• Blue: Appears vivid and distinguishable.
• Green: Recognizable, though less vibrant than to humans.
• Red/Pink: Likely perceived as grey or brownish.

How Sharp Is a Cat’s Vision?

Cats are considered nearsighted. While humans typically have 20/20 vision, a cat’s visual acuity ranges from 20/100 to 20/200. This means that what a human can see clearly at 100 feet, a cat would need to be 20 feet away to see with similar clarity.

Despite this, cats are excellent at detecting even the slightest movement, which is crucial for hunting.

Do Cats See Better at Night?

Absolutely. Cats are crepuscular animals, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. Their eyes are built to thrive in low-light conditions. Thanks to their rod-dominant retinas and reflective tapetum lucidum, cats can see up to seven times better than humans in the dark.

Are Cats Nearsighted or Farsighted?

There’s ongoing debate among experts. Some believe cats are slightly nearsighted due to their limited ability to adjust the shape of their lenses. Others argue they’re emmetropic—meaning they have normal vision for their needs. Most agree that cats are well-adapted to their environment, with vision optimized for detecting motion and navigating in low light.

How to Tell If Your Cat Has Vision Problems

As a pet parent, it’s important to monitor your cat’s eye health. Signs of potential vision issues include:

• Cloudiness or discolouration in the eyes
• Excessive tearing or discharge
• Squinting or sensitivity to light
• Swollen or red eyelids
• Bumping into furniture or walls
• Visible third eyelid (nictitating membrane)
• Uneven pupil size

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly. Early detection can help prevent more serious conditions.

How Vets Test Cat Vision

Veterinarians may use several methods to assess your cat’s eyesight:

• Observing how your cat navigates a room
• Checking for blink reflexes
• Using light to test pupil response
• Measuring eye pressure with a tonometer

These tests help determine whether your cat’s vision is within a healthy range or if further treatment is needed.

Final Thoughts from Purina Canada

While cats may not see the world in the same vibrant colours we do, their vision is perfectly suited to their needs as agile, twilight-loving hunters. Understanding how your cat sees can help you better care for their health and enrich their environment.

For more expert advice on feline behaviour and wellness, explore our Understanding Cats articles.