Why do cats' eyes shine in the dark?

1. 1

   Fuzz says

   At the back of a cat's eye there's a shiny layer, a bit like a mirror. When a little light gets in, from a torch or the moon, the mirror bounces it back out. So when light reaches a cat in the dark, its eyes seem to glow.

   For ages 4–7
   Hear Fuzz

   Checked against Why do some animals' eyes glow in the dark? (The Nature Conservancy)

2. 2

   Why does a cat have a mirror in its eye?

   Light that comes into an eye usually gets just one chance to be seen. In a cat's eye, the mirror bounces the light back through, so it gets a second chance. That helps cats, dogs and lots of night animals see when it's very dim.

   For ages 6–9
   Hear Fuzz

   Checked against Why do some animals' eyes glow in the dark? (The Nature Conservancy)

In Lil' Phil, reaching the bottom of this wonder earns a sticker for Fuzz's collection.

• 

  Why do some animals come out at night?

  Ages 4–9Fuzz
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  Why can't I see when the light goes off?

  Ages 4–11Fuzz