Straight or curly, long or short, whiskers are an important part of the feline face, and they help understand the world around them. The main job of whiskers is to act like a sense of touch. Special cells at the base of each whisker can feel tiny movements. This helps cats move around safely, avoid threats to their eyes and face, hunt better at night, and be able to judge whether they can fit through small spaces. Whiskers also help with balance and communication. They can tell a cat how its body is positioned, which is important for staying balanced and landing on their feet. Their whiskers can also show how they are feeling at that moment. For example, a relaxed cat will have calm whiskers, while a scared or stressed cat may point them forward or pull them back against their face.
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Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
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Andrea Galvan, staff writer
Hi:) My name is Andrea! I really like animals, drawing, and staying organized. I’m a senior here at Elsinore high school.