Whiskers detect very faint vibrations caused by these changes in air currents and act like radar detectors. More giant cats naturally have longer whiskers, as the size corresponds roughly to their ideal body width. Cats can also have whiskers above their eyes (superciliary), on their chin (mandibular), and even on the backs of their lower front legs (carpal whiskers).
The Whiskers On A Cat Aren’t Just Cute, They Serve A Very Important Function In Assisting Cats With Getting Around, Especially At Night.
The slightest movement in the air will be sensed by your cat’s whiskers, which helps the cat perceive any danger. The whiskers located above a cat’s eyes and above their top lip help capture airborne dust and debris, preventing them from scratching their delicate eyes. They help with navigation the fact that cats’ whiskers sense vibrations means that they can also help your cat navigate his surroundings.
Whiskers Help Cats To “Sense”.
Whisker length and density varies from cat to cat, but generally speaking, they are an indicator of the animal’s health. Whiskers have more sensitivity than regular hairs because their follicles contain lots of blood vessels and tiny nerve endings. The whiskers on your cat’s face may make your feline friend look cute, but they’re also very useful features the animal needs.
As A Cat Approaches Something In His Path, He Stirs Up Air Currents That Bounce Back When They Hit Solid Objects.
Cat whiskers can even sense if a surface is hard or soft. These unique hairs improve a cat’s eyesight and help him navigate his surroundings by delivering extra sensory information, similar to insect antennae. This is how a cat gauges his ability to fit into a tight space and climb safely into that space.
The Exact Pattern And Location Of Whiskers Varies With Breed But Most Cats Have 12 Whiskers That Are Arranged In 4 Rows On Each Cheek.
Cats whiskers allow them to judge whether a space is large enough for them to navigate. They're intimately connected to sensory 'hubs', similar to the tips of our fingers. They help them figure out whether a space is wide enough to squeeze through.