How do you see the cat? See all colors?

The eyes of the cats have a rather distinct structure, significantly different from the anatomy of the human body. This gives cats the ability to perfectly observe the environment. This ability is a prerequisite for survival in nature.

The eyes of the felines differ from human eyes mainly through the specific structure of the retina. Cats perceive the fine details and even the smaller movements with a high resolution in minimal light conditions. Their world has blue-green colors. However, this small range of colors perceived does not prevent cats from engaging in vital activities, of which the most important is hunting.

How is the cat’s eye built?

As in humans, the components of the eyeball, such as cornea, Iris, crystalline and retina, are present in cats. The eyes of the eye are full of watery liquid and vitreous body. The protection of the body is in responsibility of the eyelids. Already in this case, there are prominent differences between the structure of the human eyes and that of the cat’s eyes – in the cat there is the presence of a third eyelid, usually invisible, the flicker thus called, which has an important function in the wetting and cleaning of the cornea. As for the pupil, this cat is not as round as in humans – when restricted, it takes the form of a slot.

The most important differences refer to the element located in the rear segment of the eye – retina. This is a complex structure, with different layers, which is responsible for the transformation of light impulses into electrical impulses. Therefore, he plays the same role as the high resolution matrix in a digital room. There are two types of light receptors in the retina – Coni and sticks. The former are less in cats than in humans, while the latter – responsible for seeing in precarious conditions, although only in the shades of gray – are often more numerous. In addition, the sensitivity of the cat’s retina is increased by the reflective membrane under it. This has the effect of amplifying visual stimuli – the rays that enter the eyes, that the receiver «is missing» or that have already passed through it, are reflected and can stimulate the retina again.

How do cats see the world?

Due to the differences described, cats see the world differently from people. The large number of sticks allows them to perceive very fine details of the images and even minimal movements. The sensitivity of the retina and the action of the reflective membrane allow them to see well in too weak lighting conditions. Therefore, cats can move freely at night and hunt. They are believed that they cannot see anything in complete darkness, although, according to some relationships, they can perceive some impulses from the ultraviolet.

It is worth knowing that vision is not the only sense that makes cats some hunters excellent and allow them to move effectively in almost total darkness. In addition to the excellent sense of smell and hearing, the vibrations (mustache) are also extremely important receptors that allow the quadrupeds to actively explore the space.

How does the cat see the colors?

The eyes of a cat contain Coni – the receptors responsible for the colors view – which recognize two of the main shades. People, on the other hand, have three types of cones, each sensitive to a different color. That’s why cats can’t see red. The colors containing this component are seen differently by cats than humans.

The world of felines is blue-violet-green, obviously only when the light is good. After leaving the darkness, cats, like people, see the image only in shades of gray.

How do people see?

Cats are excellent in recognizing the silhouettes and movements of people characteristic of different people. They can also perceive the slightest idiot of a eyelid or finger. On the other hand, they are not good in detail, especially when they are close. The optimal observation distance for a cat is a few meters, which can explain the fact that they prefer to look at their custodians.

However, the distinctive details are not essential for cats to recognize people. In this sense, cats are helped by their excellent sense of smell and hearing.

Szymon Wiszcz