Written By: Mobin
A reflective layer behind the retina causes cat eyes to glow at night. It amplifies dim light improving their vision in darkness.
The specific hue of eyeshine depends on a feline's eye anatomy and coloration. Red/orange results from blood vessels and pigments.
Glowing eyes helped wild cats effectively hunt nocturnal prey. This evolutionary advantage continues even in pets today.
Tapetums aren't exclusive to cats. Dogs, cattle, horses etc also have eye shine when light catches their retinal tissues.
The brightness, symmetry and consistency of a cat's eye shine can help vets assess ocular health at routine checkups.
Using a camera flash straight-on can create scary-looking red-eyed photos of kitty. Use bounce flash instead.
Glowing cat eyes inspired scary monster myths like vampires and werewolves. They remain a spooky symbol of Halloween.