Why do cats have slit pupils?: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 11, 2026

Photos

Long-haired house cat with a mix of cream, brown, and white fur stands alert on a fence, surrounded by green foliage.

See All Images →

Topics

cat pupil cats as pets 9 (Lives of) Famous Cat Lovers Who was the first cat in space?Why Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?Why do cats like catnip?Why do cats like boxes?Why do they say cats have nine lives?Why do cats like scratching posts?Why do Sphynx cats appear hairless?Why do cats rub against your legs?