Quick answer: Look for a camera with infrared night vision that activates automatically in low light — it produces a clear black-and-white image without disturbing your pet with visible light.
Most pet cameras use infrared LEDs invisible to pets and humans. When light drops below a threshold, the camera switches to IR mode automatically, producing a clear black-and-white image. Color night vision (available on premium models) uses ambient light amplification and produces color images in very low light.
Indoor night vision range is typically 15-30 feet. Check reviews for clarity at range — budget cameras produce grainy images beyond 10 feet. For large rooms, longer IR range matters more than resolution at close range.
Infrared LEDs emit a faint red glow visible at close range. Most pets ignore it, but some curious cats are attracted to and will bat at the camera at night. If this is a concern, look for cameras with built-in IR glow shields or recessed LED placement.
Night vision is now standard on most mid-range cameras. Prioritize IR range and low-light clarity when reading reviews — these specs are rarely highlighted but matter most in practice.