One of the most distinct features of a cat is the thin, wispy hairs coming from their cheeks called whiskers. Other than just being ticklish when they rub their head against you whiskers serve key purposes for our feline friends.  

Sensor tools

Cats use their whiskers to guide them through daily functions. The whiskers help them navigate their environment by stimulating nerves in the hair follicle when a whisker brushes against an item. The subtle feeling informs the feline about the size, shape and speed of nearby objects. Cats see better at a distance and have difficulty focusing on objects up close. Whiskers help cats “see” objects right under their noses, by sending air currents and vibrations through the whiskers to inform them of the distance and location of their food bowls, toys, and more.  

Balancing buddies

Special sensory glans at the base of a cat’s whisker called proprioceptors send messages to the cat’s brain about the position of their body and limbs, keeping the cat aware of each body part.  

Emotion communicators

Cats have many obvious ways of communicating their emotions including noises, but their whiskers are also another clue as to how they are feeling! When a cat is resting and content, their whiskers are also relaxed and resting by their face. When a cat is active or feeling threatened, their whiskers can communicate these emotions by either being elevated or pulled taut to their skin and then directed outwards, toward a threat.  

How to care for your cat’s whiskers

Your cat’s whickers aren’t just an adorable accessory, they also serve various important roles. Cats use their whiskers to navigate, sense nearby objects, and maintain balance. Whiskers also help cats express emotions and gauge their surroundings.  

Each whisker on a cat can be traced back to a specific spot in their brain that is responsible for communication. Because whiskers are so important to a cat’s ability to function, it is imperative that you do not cut, pluck or pull on their whiskers. By doing so, it could decrease their awareness and cause confusion and disruption for your feline friend. Cats “shed” a whisker on occasion, but they do grow back! 

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