Cats & Dogs

Can cats and dogs see in complete darkness?

Verdict: Myth
Can cats and dogs see in complete darkness?

Cats and dogs have excellent night vision due to a reflective layer behind their retinas (tapetum lucidum) and more rod cells, but they can't see in total darkness. They need about one-sixth the light humans need to see clearly.

Sources & Further Reading

  • Journal of Comparative Physiology

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