CATS! WILD TO MILD | THE SENSES

SEE IN THE DARK

Because the cat's eye maximizes its use of available light, the cat can see in much less light than we can. Slide the lever to the right and see how this night scene might appear to a cat.



Night Shine

You may have seen cats' eyes glow in the dark when a light shines on them. This is because of a mirror-like tissue (tapetum lucidum ) that is located behind the retina. When light passes through the retina, it is reflected back through it by this tissue. This provides additional stimulation to the retina's light receptors and improves the cat's night vision.

Lion

A tapetum lucidum is common to many mammals, especially nocturnal carnivores.


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This page was made possible by a grant from Friskies PetCare Company and the National Science Foundation.

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Quicktime movie by Jim Angus © Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation

Original photograph of lion from SunSITE Japan Multimedia Collection. Modified by Jim Angus.

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