Why Cats Have Whiskers

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Whiskers Are Like Antennae

Whiskers are highly sensitive, filled with sensory nerves that detect not only surfaces, but vibrations (the scientific name for whiskers is vibrassae) and subtle wind currents. Whiskers are like sentries sending back a steady stream of data to the cat's brain (Central Command).

Since cats' facial whiskers, on average, extend out to about the width of their bodies, cats use them to gauge whether they can fit through a narrow passage.

Cats also consider the feedback from their whiskers in addition to what they see, smell, hear, and touch with their skin when exploring unfamiliar terrain.

The eyebrow whiskers protect cats' eyes by triggering a blinking response when debris gets too close to the eyes. They serve the same function when cats walk through thick brush.

Whiskers Provide Advantages When Hunting

Cats' whiskers allow them to silently move about and stalk prey in the dark without bumping into obstacles, which would slow their pursuit and/or give away their position. When walking in dim light, cats typically point their muzzle whiskers forward to serve as an early warning system that helps them avoid obstructions. Not only do cats’ whiskers feel objects, they also report on tiny changes in air flow and pressure that occur near structures such as trees and buildings. Cats process these signals to estimate the distance, size, shape, and movement of nearby objects even when it's difficult or impossible to see them.

When cats catch mice at night, their whiskers help guide them as the cats subdue their prey and move in to deliver the killing neck bite. Among other things, the whiskers' contact with the prey helps cats determine whether the prey is struggling to get away or poses a threat.