The Whiskers 🐱of a Cat
A cat’s whiskers may be hard for us to see, but they have many functions.
Relaxed Mouth Whiskers
For most cats, relaxed whiskers spread out to each side and are a bit droopy. The structure of these whiskers varies by the breed of the cat.
The follicles of a cat’s facial whiskers have blood vessels and sensitive nerve endings to help the cat:
Detect changes in air currents.
Measure narrow spaces to see if they can fit through.
Know to blink to protect their eyes if something is too close.
See close-up objects or prey.
Whiskers can also show how cats are feeling or what they are doing.
Whiskers Spread Forward
Visual Signs
Whiskers are spread out and away from the face (while your cat is focusing on something).
Mouth might appear puffed out.
What Your Cat May Be Feeling or Doing
Excited
Curious
Measuring the distance to nearby prey or an object. *Cats cannot see well up close.
Whiskers Pressed Backward
Visual Signs
Whiskers are pressed back flat against the face, and might appear bunched together.
What Your Cat May Be Feeling or Doing
Anxious
Overwhelmed
“Don’t touch my whiskers.”
*A cat may also pull back his or her whiskers for protection, when something is too close, and to avoid being touched.
*
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Reference
Chin, L. (2023). Kitty language: An illustrated guide to understanding your cat. Penguin Random House, LLC: New York. P.47-51.
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