Why do cat eyes look the way they do? Can cats really see in the dark? And what are they trying to tell us with that purr (you know the one)?

We’ve got the answers — cat behavior expert Mikel Delgado help us decode cat quirks and producer Sanden Totten teaches us what’s behind cats’ glowing eyes. Plus: We learn about other cool powers that animal eyes have, that ours don’t.

Sound effects in this episode from FreeSFX and Freesound.

Update (Nov. 18, 2015):

Bonus cat debate! In this clip, we transport you to the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul for a segment from a live show that we were a part of: Cats vs. Dogs. In this very important debate, producers Marc Sanchez and Sanden Totten try to get the bottom of our feline friends’ mysterious behavior. Featuring music by The Dino Birds!

Brains On! is an award-winning audio show for kids and families from American Public Media.