Judy Taylor
Introduction: The Mysterious Twitching of Cats’ Eyes
Cats are known for their beautiful and intriguing eyes, but sometimes those eyes can twitch unexpectedly. This twitching can be minor or severe and can occur in one or both eyes. As a pet owner, it is important to understand the reasons behind this behavior so that you can determine if your cat needs medical attention. Eye twitching in cats can be a sign of a variety of issues, ranging from minor irritants to serious neurological disorders.
Physiology of the Feline Eye: Understanding the Basics
Understanding the basic structure of a cat’s eye is important in determining the reasons behind eye twitching. The feline eye is composed of a cornea, lens, retina, and other essential structures. The iris, which is the colored part of the eye, controls the amount of light that enters the eye. The pupils, which are the black centers of the eyes, dilate or constrict in response to light levels. Additionally, cats have a reflective layer behind their retina, known as the tapetum lucidum, that helps them to see in low light conditions. This unique feature is what gives cats their famous “glowing” eyes in the dark.
