Unlock the Secret: Why Cats Have Vertical Pupils!

Cats' vertical pupils are a fascinating evolutionary adaptation that gives them a critical advantage in their environment. Unlike humans, who have round pupils, the vertical slit pupils of cats enhance their ability to see in dim light and accurately judge distance. This feature is particularly useful for their nocturnal activities, including hunting. The pupils can open very wide in low light to allow more illumination into their eyes but can close to a narrow slit in bright light to protect the sensitive retina. Moreover, the shape of their pupils enables cats to precisely control the amount of light entering their eyes, helping them to better detect the slightest movements of their prey. This not only improves their vision dramatically but also contributes to their success as predators.