What Do Cats Really See?

Cats are among the most cunning animals that we humans take care of, and we love them for all the right reasons. We also fall under the charms of house cats, finding ourselves helpless once they start looking at us with their big, enchanting eyes.

Speaking of eyes and animals, have you ever wondered what cats see? According to studies, cats have way better vision than dogs, and they use their eyesight to guide them in various situations.

Sure, we’ve heard stories about animals seeing dead people and other supernatural beings, but aside from those, how do cats really use their vision? 

To answer this age-old question, here are some insights on how cats use their eyesight:

1. Field view of 200 degrees.

Cats see the world (literally) in a wider range. If we humans only have a field view of 180 degrees, we have a full 200-degree vision range. Yes, they can see everything around them on a wider scale. So yes, when cat eyes are facing forward, be amused, it’s because their eyes allow better depth perception than we normally do.

The eyes of a domestic cat are also extremely sensitive. They are more vulnerable to dust and residue. However, since they are protected by surrounding fur, they don’t need to blink to lubricate their eyes. Instead, they only blink to communicate moods and feelings.

2. Cats can see in the dark.

Since our feline friends are natural-born nocturnes, they can see in the dark. Their vision becomes more active at night whenever they get enough sleep, which they do during the day. Their vision also allows them to catch their prey when they are in the dark.

Cats can see in total darkness mainly because they have 6-8 times more rod cells in their retinas compared to humans. These rod cells are photoreceptor cells, which enable humans to find the light at really low levels. So yes, since our feline friends have significantly more photoreceptor cells than us, they are more sensitive to light and easily detect it in the middle of the dark. 

3. They also detect colours.

Contrary to popular belief, cats can see more than fifty or so shades of grey. We, humans also have cone cells, which may allow us to detect and distinguish colours. However, cats have limited cone cells, and during their early stages of growth, they are somewhat colour-blind. But still, cats can detect blues and violets, but not so much on the reds. They don’t need to see it as they can easily smell blood.

Another interesting fact about cat vision is that they are unable to process colours when in low light conditions. So, while cats are mostly uninterested and unfeeling toward red-coloured objects, there’s a big chance they’ll chase after them if the colour is super bright.

4. The use of vertical pupils.

Cats have vertical pupils, which may make them extra sensitive to light. At the same time, their slit-like pupils help a lot in controlling the amount of light passing through their retinas. And just like cameras, the vertical pupils become more useful during the night.

But hey, not all cats have vertical pupils. While these are common on domesticated cats and feral felines, big cats such as tigers and lions only have round pupils, thus their night vision tends to be limited.

5. High motion sensitivity.

Aside from being able to see in the dark, another advantage of having more rod cells is that cats are highly sensitive to motion. This means they can easily detect even the slightest movement happening around them. 

Cats are natural hunters, and as such, they can detect the slightest motions. This high motion sensitivity is crucial for tracking prey or navigating their surroundings efficiently. A cat’s vision is finely tuned to pick up on quick movements, even those that might elude a human observer. This ability contributes to their reputation as skilled and almost flawless hunters.

6. Limited peripheral vision.

Although cats have a wider field of view compared to humans, their peripheral vision is limited. This means that they can only see what’s directly in front of them and not much on the sides.

Their focus is more towards the centre of their field of view, which is beneficial for zoning in on prey directly in front of them. This central focus aligns with their need to judge distance and timing when pouncing on their target with precision.

7. Depth perception-related binocular vision.

Unlike humans, cats have a binocular vision that allows them to perceive depth. This means they can see in three dimensions and understand the distance between objects. While humans rely on their two eyes working together to achieve this, feline eyes are set further apart, which gives them an extra edge when it comes to depth perception.

This evolutionary advantage is critical for assessing distances when jumping or pouncing. The enhanced depth perception also helps cats in thriving and adapting at complex environments and avoid potential hazards.

8. Adaptability in various light conditions.

A cat’s eyes can adjust to different levels of light, thanks to their pupils that can expand and contract significantly. During the day, their pupils shrink to tiny slits to reduce light intake, which protects sensitive retinas and helps to sharpen images. 

In contrast, their pupils can expand to a full circle in low light to allow as much light as possible, making their night vision extraordinarily effective.

9. Sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Another fascinating aspect of a cat’s vision is their sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Cats can detect this spectrum naturally unlike humans, who cannot see UV light without special equipment. This ability allows them to perceive certain patterns or markings on animals and objects that are invisible to the human eye, giving them an edge in the wild.

It’s also believed that cats use this sensitivity to UV light to enhance their hunting skills.

10. Visualisation of flickering light.

Cats are also able to see flickering or fast-moving light better than humans. They have a higher flicker fusion rate, which is the frequency at which a flickering light appears as a steady one. This means that cats can detect and process faster movements in their environment, making them efficient hunters and excellent playmates.

Cats also have a keen sense of hearing and smell, which they often use in conjunction with their vision to hunt or navigate. These combined senses give cats a unique perspective of the world around them and contribute to their fascinating abilities. From seeing in total darkness to detecting hidden patterns, it’s no wonder why cats are such intriguing creatures!

11. Close-up focus limitations.

While cats have excellent vision when it comes to detecting motion and seeing in low-light conditions, their close-up focus is not as sharp. Their eyes are designed to be most effective at a distance, making them less efficient at viewing objects up close. This is why cats may seem disinterested or uninterested in things that are right under their noses.

Additionally, cats have a small area of central vision to their overall field of view. This means they have to rely on quick eye movements and precise head tilts to focus on objects up close, which may explain why they seem uninterested at times.

12. Influence of ancestral traits on vision.

A cat’s vision is a product of their evolution as a predators. Their ancestors needed to be effective hunters to survive, and many of the visual traits seen in domestic cats today have been passed down from these early felines.

From sharp night vision to impressive motion detection, these visual characteristics have remained because they were advantageous for survival. So, the next time your cat catches a fly that you never saw coming, remember that they are just living up to their ancestral traits as skilled hunters with exceptional eyesight. 

It’s safe to say that cats see the world in a whole different dimension compared to humans. Their superior vision abilities contribute greatly to their survival and hunting prowess, making them truly fascinating creatures to behold. 

As cat owners, it’s always good to have a deeper understanding of our feline companions, including their unique vision capabilities that make them stand out among other animals in the animal kingdom. 

Next time you catch your cat gazing off into the distance or chasing after an insect with lightning-fast reflexes, remember how incredible their eyesight truly is.

Don’t worry, though: when it comes to cat love, your furry kitties see more than what meets their eyes. Yes, regardless of what they see, when they love you, they love you. No question about that!