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Why do cats' eyes glow in the dark? |
| Because they posses an
image-interesting device at the rear of their eyes. This is alight
reflecting layer called tapetum lucidum, which acts rather like a mirror
behind the retina, reflecting light back to the retina cells. With this,
the cat can utilize every scrap of light that enters its eyes. With our
eyes we absorb far less of the light that enters them. Because of this difference
cats can make out movements and objects in the semi-darkness which would
be quite invisible for us.
Despite the official nocturnal ability it is not true that cats can see in complete darkness, as some people seem to believe. On a pitch black night they must navigate by sound, smell and the sensitivity of their amazing whiskers. |