A cat's eyes appear to glow in the dark due to a unique anatomical feature called the "tapetum lucidum."
The tapetum lucidum is a layer of cells located behind the retina in the back of the eye. This layer reflects and amplifies light that passes through the retina, increasing a cat's ability to see in low-light conditions. It acts like a natural "night vision" device.
When light enters a cat's eye, it first passes through the retina, where photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) capture the incoming light and send signals to the brain for processing. However, not all of the light is absorbed by the photoreceptor cells. Some of it continues through to the tapetum lucidum, where it is reflected back through the retina. This reflection gives the light a second chance to be captured by the photoreceptor cells, enhancing the cat's ability to detect even the smallest amounts of light, such as the faintest moonlight or dim starlight.
The tapetum lucidum also gives the cat's eyes their characteristic shine or glow when exposed to light in the dark. This phenomenon is known as "eyeshine." The color of the eyeshine can vary between cats, with colors like green, yellow, or orange being common. The specific color of the eyeshine depends on the pigments and proteins present in the tapetum lucidum.
Many other animals besides cats have a tapetum lucidum, and it serves a similar purpose in enhancing their night vision. The presence of a tapetum lucidum is common in a variety of nocturnal and crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk) animals.
Some examples of animals that have a tapetum lucidum include:
- Dogs: Like cats, dogs also have a tapetum lucidum in their eyes, which helps improve their night vision.
- Canids: This group includes animals like foxes, wolves, and coyotes, all of which typically have a tapetum lucidum as well.
- Raccoons: Raccoons have a tapetum lucidum in their eyes, which contributes to their ability to see in low-light conditions.
- Deer: Many species of deer, such as white-tailed deer, have a tapetum lucidum to aid in their nighttime foraging.
- Cows: Even large herbivores like cows possess a tapetum lucidum to help them see in dim light.
- Horses: Horses have a tapetum lucidum, which can help them navigate in low-light environments.
- Nocturnal Predators: Various nocturnal predators, such as owls and some species of snakes and crocodilians, have a tapetum lucidum that aids them in hunting and capturing prey in the dark.
- Aquatic Animals: Some aquatic animals, like certain species of fish and alligators, also possess a tapetum lucidum to improve their vision in low-light underwater conditions.
Having a tapetum lucidum is an adaptation that allows these animals to make the most of available light in dim or dark environments, improving their ability to hunt, avoid predators, and navigate in low-light conditions.