Ask a Vet with Dr. Sam: Why does a cat have whiskers?

‘Tis the season to paint whiskers on your face! Though we humans are mammals covered in hair (and may in fact already have whiskers on our faces), our hair is much different from a cat’s whiskers.

Whiskers erupt from hair follicles just like other hairs. They are coarser and thicker than regular hair and have roots that are three times deeper. They are strategically located above the eyes, on the chin, on the forelegs, near the ears and above the upper lip. The hair follicles whiskers emerge from are packed with blood vessels and nerves so they are much more sensitive than regular hairs – they are about as sensitive as a human’s fingertip! Their sensitivity protects the eye – when a whisker is touched by a tiny particle, a cat will respond by blinking or shaking its head.

Cats are known for their great senses of smell and hearing, but feline vision is not so great. A cat uses its whiskers to sense the world. Their whiskers aid vision, help them navigate their environment and provide additional sensory input (like antennae on insects). As sensitive as whiskers are, they don’t actually feel anything. They transmit information to sensory cells when they detect objects or movement. When airflow or an object brushes up against a whisker, the sensitive hair vibrates and stimulates the nerves in the hair follicle. Detecting subtle changes in air currents, cat whiskers transmit information about the size, shape, and speed of nearby objects. Whiskers help cats determine if they can fit through a narrow passage without getting stuck and can help a cat find their favorite toy at night. Amazing, right?

Whiskers also help cats balance. Cats have proprioceptors located at the ends of their whiskers. The proprioceptors send messages to their brain regarding the position of their body. This is part of the reason why cats always land on their feet.

Whiskers are an important part of a cat’s ability to safely function. Be sure to be gentle to your cat’s whiskers – and enjoy how darn cute they are!

Do you have a question for Dr. Sam? Email yours to steph@mrfrs.org.