Cats have whiskers, also called vibrissae, which are finely tuned sensory equipment that guide a cat through daily functions. Whiskers are more sensitive than regular hairs because the follicles from which they originate are jam-packed with blood vessels and nerves, making them as sensitive as a human’s fingertips. The main function of cat whiskers is the sense of touch, and they transmit tactile information that’s similar to the signals our fingertips send to our brains. Here are some of the functions of cat whiskers:

• Sensory tool: Whiskers are used by cats to feel their way around and to sense their environment. They help cats “see” things that lie right under their noses, by constantly sending information to the brain.

• Night vision aids: Cats cant see well within about one foot of their faces. The movement of prey against their whiskers helps them determine how to grab onto the prey and where to land an effective kill bite.

• Orientation: Cats can determine which way is up by the way gravity pulls on certain whiskers.

• Navigation: Whiskers help cats navigate their environment, providing additional sensory input, much like antennae on insects.

• Protection: Because the whiskers are so sensitive, they act as an alarm if anything is approaching your cats face.

• Measuring tool: Whiskers are used by cats to measure the width of openings to determine if they can fit through them.

• Emotional indicator: Whiskers can also indicate a cats mood. When a cat is relaxed, its whiskers will be in a neutral position, but when it is scared or angry, its whiskers will be pulled back.

It is important to note that cutting a cats whiskers is not painful in and of itself, but it can cause discomfort and disorientation for the cat. Therefore, it is not recommended to trim a cats whiskers.