What do cats' whiskers do?

Why are cats' whiskers important?

Cats' whiskers (scientifically known as vibrissae) are highly sensitive perception organs and have a number of important functions. At the root of each whisker is a nerve network that transmits the information it receives to the brain, and it extends much deeper under the cat's skin. With these neural networks, cats can perceive their environment, hunt, and even express their emotional states. Cutting or damaging cats' whiskers causes them to be deprived of this important sensory organ, causing them to experience imbalance, disorientation and fear.

What do cats' whiskers do?

It helps them perceive their environment and find their way

Cats' whiskers are extremely sensitive organs and help them understand their environment even in the dark or when their vision is limited. Nerve endings in the whiskers can detect even subtle changes in airflow. By shaking its head, the cat senses the air flow with its whiskers and can thus determine the speed and direction of an object or being approaching it.

Whiskers also help the cat determine whether it can pass through a narrow space. A cat's whiskers are usually the same width as its body. If its whiskers curl while trying to enter a gap, it thinks that its body may not fit in.

Also, when cats lightly touch an object with their sensitive whiskers, they perceive the texture and shape of the object. This ability is especially useful when hunting or communicating with objects in the environment.

It makes it easier for them to hunt

Whiskers are a critical part of cats' hunting skills. It allows them to catch their prey effectively and not miss their targets. It helps them determine the size, shape, and even direction and speed of their prey, especially when hunting in the dark. With this information, the cat decides how to catch its prey.

In addition, whiskers also play an important role in detecting the movements of prey. If the prey is moving fast or suddenly changes direction, the whiskers detect this movement and give signals to the cat where the prey is and in which direction it is going.

It is one of the means of expressing their emotional states.

Cats can express various emotional states by using their whiskers. For example:

• Comfort or contentment:Cats usually grow their whiskers straight and to the side when they feel comfortable or happy.
• Fear or anxiety:Cats pull their whiskers back when they are faced with a frightening situation or feel a threat.
• Curiosity: When examining things, exploring a new object or environment, or tracking prey, their whiskers often extend forward and expand outwards.
• Aggression: When cats are in an aggressive or defensive situation, they usually pull their whiskers downwards. This indicates that a cat is ready to attack or defend itself.

In addition to whisker movements, the movements of cats' ears, eyes, and tails also provide important information about their emotional state. So, to fully understand a cat's emotional state, one usually needs to look at all of these signs.

Can cats' whiskers be cut?

Cats' whiskers should never be cut. Whiskers are sensitive sensory organs that are vital for cats, and cutting or damaging them can impair the cat's ability to understand its environment and therefore interact with the world. It leaves him vulnerable to dangerous situations and makes him feel anxious, afraid and uneasy. Additionally, since whiskers contain many nerve endings, cutting them off causes pain and suffering.

Do cats' whiskers fall out? Why?

Yes, cats' whiskers fall out and grow back, just like people's hair. However, cats' whiskers usually fall out one by one, and losing all or most of the whiskers at the same time is usually a sign that there is a problem.

For example, cats may lose their whiskers more than once or completely while playing, fighting, or as a result of an accident. In addition, health problems such as skin diseases, allergies, parasites or hormonal imbalances, excessive stress or anxiety, or malnutrition can also cause excessive whisker loss in cats.

If you notice unusual whisker loss in your cat, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Do cats' whiskers grow?

Yes, cats' whiskers grow just like hair. However, the size of a cat's whiskers often depends on genetic and individual factors. Therefore, after reaching a certain length, it usually stops growing.