Have you ever looked at your cat's whiskers and thought that they looked a bit like hair? Maybe like a mustache? Well, they aren't! Whiskers are actually touch receptors, very sensitive ones, at that, and, in all honesty, whiskers aren't just on the "cheeks." There are eight to twelve on each side of the nose, some above the eyes, some on the chin, and even a few on the back of each foreleg. But what else is so cool about them?
For one, as stated before, whiskers are touch receptors. However, the extent of this reception is far greater than most realize. In fact, the whiskers are rooted much more deeply in the skin than a cat's fur, and the areas around them possess many nerves and a constantly generous amount of blood. This makes the whiskers very, very sensitive.
What does this help the cat do? Well, cats can sense the slightest change in wind direction, decide whether or not they will fit through an opening, and better locate prey.
Second, whiskers, along with the ears, tail, fur, and some other parts of a cat's body, can serve as a sign to see how your cat is feeling. For instance, if a cat's whiskers are pushed forward, he or she might be excited or alert. If they are relaxed, he or she is calm. If they're flattened against his or her cheeks, then he or she could be angry or even scared.
Finally, whiskers can change color with age. For example, a cat with black fur, even when young, can begin sprouting white whiskers instead of black. Odd, right?
See? Whiskers are so much cooler than we thought! Let's just remember NEVER to cut them or mess with them. It can hurt!
Anyways, have a nice day and be sure to compliment your cat's awesome abilities. :3
For one, as stated before, whiskers are touch receptors. However, the extent of this reception is far greater than most realize. In fact, the whiskers are rooted much more deeply in the skin than a cat's fur, and the areas around them possess many nerves and a constantly generous amount of blood. This makes the whiskers very, very sensitive.
What does this help the cat do? Well, cats can sense the slightest change in wind direction, decide whether or not they will fit through an opening, and better locate prey.
Second, whiskers, along with the ears, tail, fur, and some other parts of a cat's body, can serve as a sign to see how your cat is feeling. For instance, if a cat's whiskers are pushed forward, he or she might be excited or alert. If they are relaxed, he or she is calm. If they're flattened against his or her cheeks, then he or she could be angry or even scared.
Finally, whiskers can change color with age. For example, a cat with black fur, even when young, can begin sprouting white whiskers instead of black. Odd, right?
See? Whiskers are so much cooler than we thought! Let's just remember NEVER to cut them or mess with them. It can hurt!
Anyways, have a nice day and be sure to compliment your cat's awesome abilities. :3