Cat whiskers are long primarily because their length is proportional to the cat's body size and width. Larger cat breeds like Maine Coons naturally develop longer whiskers that can measure up to 6 to 7.5 inches. Whisker length helps cats with spatial awareness, allowing them to judge if they can fit through narrow spaces by sensing the environment around them. Additionally, whiskers are important sensory tools that assist cats in detecting nearby objects and prey, helping with hunting, balance, and navigation. Genetics, breed, and environmental factors also influence whisker length, but trimming whiskers is not recommended because it can disorient cats and affect their sensory perception.