2006-06-28 05:25:41 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Cat whiskers are very specialized hairs called tactile hairs. Their roots are about three times longer and deeper than normal hairs, and are surrounded by many blood vessels and nerves, which make them extremely sensitive -- able to detect subtle motions like a gentle breeze or vibration. Cats use this sensitive form of touch to navigate with agility in dark and narrow spaces.
2006-06-28 05:29:17 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Cats have whiskers for many reasons. Whiskers help a cat's equilibrium, making them balanced. If one side is shorter than the other cats will not be able to walk straight and will fall over constantly. They also help for detecting stuff, such as wind changes and whatnot. They help the cat navigate more or less.
Second, the width from one whisker to the other is the width of a cat's body. Whiskers help a cat sense if he will be able to fit through a space.
2006-06-28 05:32:02 · answer #2 · answered by smsherrick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Navigation : to help them to get where they want to go.
Mood indication : When the cat is angry, or scared the whiskers will be back, other times they will just be there.
Measuring an opening : to see if they can in fact make in through a whole, or other obstacle.
This is what the whiskers do.
2006-06-28 06:56:49 · answer #3 · answered by Ruby 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the wild, a cat's whiskers help him to know the direction of the wind when he is hunting. He can scout prey from down wind because the whiskers tell him what direction the wind is coming from in relation to the prey.
2006-06-28 05:29:07 · answer #4 · answered by Molly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whiskers actually provide them with a sense of balance and also let them know how if they can fit through a tight space. They are kind of like the curb feelers that used to be on cars.
2006-06-28 05:31:17 · answer #5 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The whiskers on cats help them sensor their environment such as openings they wish to investigate...
2006-06-28 05:38:00 · answer #6 · answered by KAREN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it helps them to know if they can fit threw an opening or not, the whiskers grow longer as there body gets wider. they also help them hunt in the dark, helps them sense how close something is and where their prey is.
2006-06-28 05:42:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's like a blocker they use it as a guide when they go through small spaces there whiskers stick out far enough and it help them determine if they can fit through the spot.!!!
2006-06-28 05:29:07 · answer #8 · answered by crazy clown 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i saw in this newspaper that they use their whiskers because at night that is one of the ways they sences things
2006-06-28 05:31:01 · answer #9 · answered by bellangel12345 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I helps cats feel and sense their surroundings!
2006-06-28 07:00:42 · answer #10 · answered by Laz♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋