Cats use their whiskers for a variety of functions, including sensing vibrations in the air, measuring distances, and navigating their environment. Here are some of the ways cats use their whiskers:

• Sense of Touch: Whiskers are more sensitive than regular hairs because the follicles from which they originate are jam-packed with blood vessels and nerves. They transmit tactile information that’s similar to the signals our fingertips send to our brains. The sensory cells are stimulated by the smallest vibrations in the hair, allowing cats to feel not only solid objects that they brush against but even to notice air currents from movement nearby.

• Measuring Distances: Whiskers are built-in measuring tapes that help cats determine whether they can fit through a given space, such as a crevice or cat door. If their whiskers get through, they know their body will fit through too.

• Navigating the Environment: Whiskers help cats "see" things that lie right under their noses, by constantly sending information to the brain. As a cat approaches something in its path, it stirs up air currents that bounce back when they hit solid objects. The whiskers can detect these changes in air pressure and help the cat navigate around obstacles.

• Night Vision: Whiskers are night vision aids that help cats navigate in low light conditions.

• Emotional Indicators: Whiskers can also indicate a cats emotional state. When a cat is relaxed, its whiskers will be in a neutral position. When it is scared or angry, its whiskers will be pulled back against its face.

It is important to note that cutting a cats whiskers is not painful in and of itself, but it can cause the cat to become disoriented and have difficulty navigating its environment. Therefore, it is not recommended to trim a cats whiskers.