Can Cats See in the Dark?

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Some creatures can see forms of light that are invisible to us; others have built-in binoculars. The rattlesnake has two sets of eyes, one set for light that is visible to us, and another set for infrared radiation. But one thing that creatures with vision all have in common is that sight requires some form of light.

While some creatures, like cats, are supposed to be able to see in the dark, they cannot, in fact, see any better than we can in a room that is too dark. However, cats, and many other animals, are able to see more clearly than we can at light levels where our eyes become useless. One of the main reasons for this is that their eyes have a reflective layer of cells below the light receptors. So, if a particle of light - called a photon - misses a light receptor on its way into the eye, it is reflected back through the light receptor cells and gets a second chance to register. It is this reflective layer of cells which makes it look like your cat's eyes are glowing in the dark.

The great variety and abilities of sight that we find in different creatures perfectly fits each of their life styles and needs. Truly, the Lord has provided perfectly for each one of them.