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Cats have relatively long whiskers that are very sensitive to movement and touch. These specialized hairs are stiffer than body hairs and have an increased nerve supply. Vibrissae are found on the cat's muzzle, cheeks, and above its eyes. Extending beyond the cat's body, the whiskers can feel surrounding objects or walls, allowing the cat to move confidently in total darkness. |
| Domestic cats have four rows of whiskers on their muzzle. Slide the lever to the right to see how they can change the orientation of these "antennae," fanning them out and forward when walking, and pressing them back and flat against the cheeks when sniffing or biting. |
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Produced by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. © Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation This page was made possible by a grant from Friskies PetCare Company and the National Science Foundation. All photographic images contained within these Web pages ARE COPYRIGHTED and may not be reproduced or utilized in any manner without the express written consent of the owner. Sketches by Rick Roe, © Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation Page design by Jim Angus |