Why do dog’s or cat’s eyes flash blue when a photo is taken?
In: Biology
Cats and dogs and other members of Order Carnivora have an extra reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum which allows them to see better in low light levels. All it really does is reflect light that wasn’t absorbed by the rods and cones back into them so that they capture more of it. That blue flash is the reflection of your camera’s flash on the tapetum lucidum being sent back in your direction.
That reflective layer is also why cats’ and dogs’ eyes sometimes look like they’re glowing in the dark, as some light source in their field of view gets shone back your way.
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