We can’t talk about eye colour without mentioning the tapetum lucidum—the reflective layer behind the retina. This is what makes cats’ eyes seem to glow in the dark, and it can affect how colour appears in low light.
When a cat stares at you from a dark corner, its eyes might seem yellow, green, or even blue-white. That’s not the iris colour; it’s the tapetum reflecting back the tiniest sliver of light. In daylight, that same eye might be a calm amber. Think of it as your cat’s very own natural night-vision filter.
Interestingly, the colour of this glow varies by breed. Siamese cats often flash a faint blue tapetum, while many mixed breeds show a rich gold. It’s like a secret signature only visible at dusk.