Your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, and tongue tell her a lot about the world and her environment, but not enough. Her whiskers are little sensors that give her even more detail about her surroundings. Did you know, though, that cats’ whiskers exist in places other than their muzzles?
Whiskers as eye protection
You’ve most likely noticed that your cat has whisker-like hairs above her eyes. These whiskers are for protection when she’s out hunting in brush or tall grass. According to Cat Behavior Associates, when something touches these whiskers, it triggers a blink, which helps protect her eyes.
Cats’ whiskers exist on their paws, too
Your cat has whiskers on her wrists, which help her out when she’s hunting. Cats can’t see very well up close, according to Cat Behavior Associates, and these whiskers tell her whether her prey is still alive and moving. They also help her figure out the exact position of her prey, so she can accurately deliver a killing bite.
Sensitivity of cats’ whiskers
Cats’ whiskers are so sensitive, and cats are so dependent on them, that if they lose their whiskers (or if you cut them), it disorients them, and even scares them. According to Iheartcats.com, cats’ whiskers are rooted far more deeply than their fur, which means they’re surrounded by nerves. That’s how they use their whiskers to understand their environment.
Cats also use their whiskers to feel changes in airflow and current. This helps them with direction, with obstacles, and in short, helps them get around, even when they can’t see well.
Cats’ whiskers also indicate mood
According to an article on Catster, your cat’s whiskers can tell you a lot about her mood. If they’re relaxed and sticking out to either side, it means she’s feeling nice and calm. When she holds them forward, it means she’s alert and excited. If she’s flattened them against her face, it means she’s either angry, or frightened.
You’ll need to read the rest of her body language, such as the position of her ears and tail, to get a complete idea of how she feels. But knowing everything from how she’s holding herself, to her ears and tail, to her whisker position, will tell you an awful lot.
Cats’ whiskers are fascinating things that give the world a level detail that your cat wouldn’t otherwise have.
