The cat's eye is a part that arouses a lot of curiosity. You may have already wondered why the cat's eye glows in the dark, whether it can see all colors and whether it is able to see in the dark. But one detail that draws a lot of attention is the cat's pupil: if you look closely, it dilates or retracts according to the time of day and even in various everyday situations. At some times, theAt other times, the cat's eye retracts so much that it just looks like a beam. But why does the cat's pupil dilate and retract? Is this a sign that there is a problem with its vision or is it something normal? The truth is that it can be both. The Paws of the House explains what a cat with a dilated or retracted pupil can mean. check it out!

What does it mean when a cat's pupil dilates in the dark?

The main reason for the cat's pupil changing shape is the amount of light in the environment. The cat can see in the dark, and even has excellent night vision. When the cat is in a low-light environment, it has to make an extra effort to capture light. This explains why the cat's pupil dilates in the dark: the expansion helps it perceive light and, consequently, see better.The phenomenon of a dilated cat pupil is called mydriasis.

In very bright environments, it is not necessary to dilate the pupil. The cat's eye is then retracted. If the brightness is very intense, we can see that the cat's pupil becomes very narrow, looking like just a beam. The phenomenon of the retracted cat pupil is called miosis.

The cat's eye can dilate or retract according to its emotions

The feline eye says more than we think. In addition to changing according to the light, the cat's pupil also changes according to different situations, being a great way to recognize some behaviors. You can notice: when your cat is excited, you can see the pupil dilated. Cat having fun and wanting to play gets very big and expressive eyes. However, the pupil of theA dilated cat is not just a sign of excitement; a scared or anxious cat also has a dilated pupil.

On the other hand, a cat's pupil is retracted in times of stress, and it also takes on this shape if the cat is alert to a situation or stalking prey. When the cat's pupil constricts a lot, it may be ready to attack.

Cat with dilated pupil is a symptom of glaucoma

Although a dilated pupil in cats is a natural reaction to light and emotions, in certain cases it can be a symptom of a disease. This is the case with glaucoma in cats, a disease that affects the cat's eye and causes increased intraocular pressure. Over time, the cat's eye degenerates, and the animal may even lose its sight. One of the most specific symptoms of glaucoma is dilated pupils. Catalso shows other signs, such as redness of the eye and corneal opacity, so if you notice that your cat's eye is dilated and has these characteristics, take it in for examination as soon as possible.

Pupils of elderly cats often become more dilated

If you have an aging kitten, you will probably notice some changes in the pupil. Older cats tend to have more difficulty in capturing light. That is why, with age, it is normal to have a dilation of the pupil. The cat's eye becomes expanded even during the day, as it is a way to improve the vision that decreases over time. It is important to do check-ups on the cat withto monitor their eye health, so you can find out early if your senior pet starts to have more serious eye problems.

Anisocoria in the pupil: cat with one pupil larger than the other may be a sign of lesions

We've already explained why a cat's pupil dilates and retracts, but what about when this happens at the same time? There is a condition called anisocoria, a phenomenon that happens when a cat has one pupil larger than the other. Although it is not a disease in itself, it is a warning sign of other ailments. Anisocoria can be a symptom of glaucoma, damage to the eye, changes in the retina, lesions in theSo if you notice that each of your cat's pupils are different sizes, it's a good idea to take them to the vet for tests.