Have you ever sat next to your kitty and wondered why they have so many whiskers or what their purpose is? Cat’s whiskers provide many benefits beyond being a cute accessory. Here are five fun facts about your feline’s whiskers that you may not know.
Sensitivity
Cat’s whiskers are super sensitive, connecting to their nervous system. According to Treehugger, the base of their whiskers contains sensors called proprioceptors. Proprioceptors send information to the brain about body position and limb movements. These sensors aid your cat in navigating their environment and determining distance.
Age Changes Whiskers
Just like we have grey hair later in life, cat’s whiskers can vary in color as they age. These whiskers can become grey, lighter, or darker. However, not all cat’s whiskers change with age. It all depends on your cat’s genetics. If you notice a difference in your cat’s whiskers, there’s no need to worry. This change is rarely a cause for concern.
Leg Whiskers
Surprisingly, your cat has whiskers on their legs too—not just on their face! Smaller than the facial whiskers, these are called carpal whiskers. Carpal whiskers help your kitty balance in small spaces, help determine if prey is still alive, and prevent injury, an essential tool when hunting!
Two to Three Times Thicker Than Hair
Whiskers are made up of keratin, the same protein that is in our nails and hair. A cat’s whiskers are typically 2-3 times thicker than their fur. Firmly rooted in the skin, these whiskers are made to last! A cat’s whiskers will roughly grow about the width of their body. Due to genetics, the length and width of a cat’s whiskers will vary depending on the breed.
Navigate in the Dark
Night vision isn’t the only tool cats use when roaming at night. Being able to sense air currents and nearby objects helps your cat see their way through the dark and navigate difficult spaces. This ability is vital at night, with the whiskers acting as sensors allowing your cat to hunt or run around the house.
Whiskers are an important tool for navigation, survival, and balance. Next time you see your cat perfectly perched up high or zooming around in the dark, you’ll know their whiskers are helping them do it! If you enjoyed this article, check out our Instagram, Peak City Puppy, for trivia, service updates, customer reviews, and more!
