Can Cats See Near Infrared Light?

Warm-blooded mammals have a more difficult time seeing infrared light than cold-blooded mammals. Despite this, cats, being highly sensitive, may perceive infrared as heat due to their advanced heat receptors. This article delves into the fascinating world of feline vision and explores whether cats can see near infrared light.

Feline Vision: How Cats See the World

Cats, like other mammals, have a limited ability to see infrared under artificial conditions. There is a common misconception that cats can see thermal infrared, akin to what a thermal imaging camera can detect. However, this is a myth.

In reality, cats have excellent night vision, which allows them to detect their surroundings in low-light conditions. The image below demonstrates a stark difference between human vision (top) and feline vision (bottom).

Seeing Near Infrared Light

Near infrared is a type of light that falls within the infrared spectrum, typically from 700 to 1,000 nanometers (nm). It is more visible to cats than to humans, who typically see visible light in the range of 400 to 700 nm. While cats may not see near infrared as a distinct color, they can perceive it as a light source under certain conditions.

To illustrate this, consider a 300 mW infrared laser pointer with a wavelength of 808 nm. When pointed at the ground at night, the cat's interest might be piqued, indicating their ability to detect the presence of near infrared light.

Scientific Insights into Cat Vision

There are several possibilities as to why cats might be able to see near infrared light:

1. Photoreceptor Sensitivity: Rod cells in the cat’s retina are highly sensitive to near infrared. While cone cells in humans typically do not respond to near infrared, the rods in cats have some sensitivity. This sensitivity is not as strong as the sensitivity to visible light, but it is still significant.

2. Cone Cell Composition: Cats have three types of cone cells, which could potentially allow them to see near infrared. However, the third cone cell has never been definitively identified as a near infrared receptor. This lack of definitive identification is due to the challenging nature of conducting color vision experiments on cats, which often involves their unwillingness to cooperate.

Examples of Cat Interaction with Near Infrared

Experiments have shown that when humans see near infrared light, it is not only detected by the red cones but also by the green cones, causing a shift towards orange hues at wavelengths above 704 nm. Similarly, cats may perceive near infrared light as a bright spot, often leading to their curiosity and attempts to investigate the source.

Practical Applications

Understanding how cats see near infrared light can have practical applications. For instance, it could help in designing better night vision devices for pets or in creating more engaging toys for cats that can be seen in low-light conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, while cats do not see near infrared light in the same way humans do, they have a heightened sensitivity to this light. Their advanced heat receptors and significant rods in the retina enable them to detect and respond to near infrared light, often as a source of heat or curiosity.

For enthusiasts and pet owners, understanding cat vision can enhance the interaction and enjoyment of night-time activities with their feline companions.