Skip to main content

Why do cats have whiskers? The answer is more in-depth than you think

If you already love cats, then you’ll be one of the first to tell everyone you know how cute they are. From their bright eyes and adorable ears to their whiskers and expressive tails, cats are undoubtedly one of the most precious creatures to walk the planet. But did you know there’s actually a scientific reason we think cats are cute?

In fact, science can explain just about everything these days, including one of life’s greatest cat-related mysteries. A cat’s whiskers are one of its defining characteristics, but have you ever wondered, “Why do cats have whiskers?” We’re here to give you the full scoop. 

Related Videos
A closeup of a gray cat's whiskers.

What are whiskers?

Just like most mammals, cats are covered from head to toe in hair. While their whiskers grow from hair follicles just like the rest of their coat, whiskers are thicker and rougher in texture than the hair that covers the rest of their body. The whiskers’ roots are also around three times deeper than the roots of normal hairs. Some variation can occur in different cat breeds, but for the most part, all cats have 12 whiskers on each side of their face, which grow in rows of four on each cheek. Whiskers can also be found above your cat’s eyes, on her forelimbs, and located close to her ears.

Unlike the rest of your cat’s coat, her whiskers are incredibly sensitive because the follicles they erupt from are full of nerves and blood vessels. In fact, the nerve clusters surrounding a cat’s whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect even the slightest air current, which causes vibrations in the whiskers. According to Dr. Bruce Kornreich, the director of Cornell University’s Cornell Feline Health Center, “Whiskers are special. In the follicles, there are sensory neurons that go to the brain to give information about tactile interactions with the environment.” 

Why do cats have whiskers?

Not only are cats’ whiskers adorable, but they’re also extremely functional. Cats use their whiskers in a variety of ways, including:

Fitting into tight spaces

If you’ve ever watched your cat investigate a box or another small space by poking her head inside, you’ve witnessed one of the most interesting ways cats use their whiskers. Because cats can’t measure spaces with a ruler, they use their whiskers to assess how large nooks and crannies are, allowing them to fit into tight spaces. 

Protecting their eyes

The whiskers located above a cat’s eyes and above their top lip help capture airborne dust and debris, preventing them from scratching their delicate eyes. When a cat’s whiskers detect a foreign object, it causes them to blink to shield their eyes from harm. A cat’s whiskers also help them detect the presence of sharp objects, such as the corners of furniture.  

A person petting a long-haired cat.

Built-in radar detection

A cat’s whiskers can sense even minute changes in air currents, allowing them to find their way through their home in the dark. For outdoor cats, this intense awareness of vibrations allows them to sense the presence of approaching vehicles, predators, or prey animals. 

Making up for poor vision

Interestingly, cats are actually nearsighted but not close-sighted, meaning that their large eyes are incapable of focusing on objects less than a foot away. Fortunately, their whiskers come in handy, allowing them to sense where objects are located by touch – or by relying on the way air currents move around objects in space. In fact, a cat’s whiskers are so sensitive that they can even sense the texture of an object. 

Telling their mood

Lastly, a cat’s whiskers are a solid indicator of its mood. If they hold their whiskers flat against their face, they’re most likely scared. Relaxed whiskers projecting toward the sides of their face mean they’re feeling calm and comfortable in their surroundings.  

Do whiskers ever grow back?

Some cats like to play rougher than others, and sometimes whiskers need to be trimmed by the vet during certain procedures. Whether your feline friend has damaged her whiskers while roughhousing with a playmate or had them trimmed by a vet, you might be wondering how it will affect her sense of navigation. But we have good news: As long as the hair follicle remains intact, your cat’s broken or damaged whiskers will grow back just fine. While cats typically don’t lose more than a couple of whiskers at a time, losing a whisker or two during the shedding process is perfectly normal.

A closeup of an orange tabby nestled in a gray blanket.

In conclusion

Who knew whiskers were so complex? Now that you know more about the science behind your fur baby’s whiskers, you’ll be able to make sense of why your cat twitches them so frequently as she stalks through the house. If only our GPS apps worked as reliably as a cat’s whiskers. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
The most common annoying cat behaviors, explained
Common cat behavior or bad cat behavior? Here's what to know and how to deal
A gray cat in foliage

Cats are a bit of a mystery. Unlike dogs, which have the reputation of being human’s best friend, our feline friends seem to view us as a necessary evil. We clean their boxes, fill their water dishes, and buy them trees to climb on so they can get away from us.

And also unlike dogs, cats are natural-born predators — known for being so bad for the ecosystem that it’s best to keep them inside. The arrangement can cause some friction, but we love our cats anyway. When a pet starts doing something out of the blue, we may worry it's not common cat behavior. Is a cat peeing outside of a litter box cause for concern? What about when your kitty starts scratching everything? Consider this cat behavior guide a decoder to your cat’s antics and what — if anything — you can do about them.

Read more
What you can do to help your cat after surgery and show your pet how much you love them
Here's how to keep your kitty feeling safe, comfy, and calm post-op
A cat at the vet

You love your kitty. Sometimes, that means agreeing to send them in for cat surgery. Whether it’s a standard spay or neuter procedure, necessary dental work, or something more worrisome like removing a cancerous tumor, you’ll want to ensure you give your furry friend some extra TLC post-operation.

Your feline friend may also need you to be patient with them. Cat behavior after surgery can vary from pet to pet, but they may be slightly shyer, lethargic, or easily irritated for a while. The good news is that your cat should go back to normal — and hopefully wind up as an even healthier version of themselves soon. Knowing what to prepare for can ensure your cat feels safe, loved, and comfortable after surgery.

Read more
Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more