Mike Clinton
Introduction: Diamond-Shaped Pupils in Cats
Cats are known for their striking eyes, which are often described as "mysterious" or "mesmerizing." One distinctive feature of a cat’s eyes is their diamond-shaped pupils. Unlike humans and many other animals, whose pupils are round or oval, cats have pupils that are shaped like diamonds when fully dilated. This unique eye shape has captured the interest of scientists and cat lovers alike, leading many to wonder what purpose it serves.
Anatomy of a Cat’s Eye
Before delving into the purpose of cat pupils, it is helpful to understand the basic anatomy of a cat’s eye. Like humans, cats have two eyes, each located in an orbital socket in the skull. The eye itself is made up of several parts, including the cornea (the clear outer layer), the iris (the colored part that surrounds the pupil), and the lens (which focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye). The pupil is simply an opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye. When the pupil contracts or dilates, it controls the amount of light that enters the eye.