Buzz
Cat whiskers are incredibly sensitive, capable of detecting even the smallest shifts in air currents. Explore more cat images.
George Doyle/Getty ImagesReferred to as "tactile hairs" or vibrissae, whiskers are the long, thick, and flexible hairs found on a cat's face. These hairs are arranged in horizontal rows on the whisker pad, the fleshy area between the upper corners of a cat's mouth and the outer edges of its nose. Similar to hair and nails, whiskers shed and regrow. However, whiskers differ from a cat's body hair in several ways:
- Whiskers should never be cut or trimmed (we'll explain why later).
- Whiskers are two to three times thicker than a cat's regular hair.
- Whiskers are deeply rooted in the cat's face, in an area abundant with nerves and blood vessels.
Besides the long tactile hairs on their cheeks, cats also have shorter whiskers above their eyebrows, on their chin, and on the backs of their front legs. Since facial whiskers are the most familiar, let's examine their functions:
- Navigation
- Mood indication
- Measuring an opening
Whiskers assist cats in navigating their surroundings. These highly sensitive hairs can detect even the smallest shifts in air currents. For instance, at night, this ability helps a cat move stealthily through a room without colliding with objects. How does this work? Airflow patterns change depending on the placement of furniture. As a cat walks and nears a couch, it can determine the correct direction to turn by sensing the altered air currents around the couch.
Beyond their sensory functions, a cat's whiskers also serve as a reliable indicator of its mood. When a cat is upset or feels threatened, its whiskers will retract. Conversely, when the cat is happy, curious, or relaxed, its whiskers will extend forward in a more natural position.
The primary function of whiskers is to help a cat determine if it can fit through a space. A cat's whiskers are approximately as wide as its body, acting as a natural measuring tool. The tips of the whiskers are highly sensitive to pressure. You might observe a cat testing an opening by moving its head in and out before committing its body. It’s assessing the width of the space to decide if it can squeeze through. Interestingly, cats lack a true collarbone, unlike humans, which allows them to twist and maneuver through very tight spaces.
