Cat Whiskers – What Are They Good For?

Have you wondered why cats have whiskers? And what purpose are they for? All of a cat’s fur grows from hair follicles in the epidermal layer of skin. Whiskers are specially modified hair that grow from very large follicles in specific locations. The most conspicuous whiskers are those on the muzzle above the upper lip. These are called the mystacial whiskers. There are usually about 24 in this area and they are arranged in neat, horizontal rows on either side of the nose. The whiskers that grow on the cheeks are called genal and these are solitary.  Whiskers that are above the eyes are the superciliary whiskers. And there are even whiskers located on the wrists of cats!

Mystacial whisker follicles are surrounded by a rich supply of nerves and muscle fibers. The arrangement allows cats to use the whiskers when they are communicating. A forward rotation indicates interest or irritation or aggression is rising. Whiskers pulled in close to the face mean the cat is afraid. Whiskers are also an extension for the cat’s sense of touch. Whisker length is correlated to the head and body width; therefore, scientists think input from the whisker movement help cats to judge how they fit in the environment. This is helpful when hunting at night when we can’t see as well. The wrist whiskers are thought to provide tactile information when the cat is climbing and hunting.

Hair growth goes through a cycle based on changes that take place in the follicle. Follicles actively produce hair shafts during the anagen phase. When the hair shaft shuts down production for a rest, it is then in the telogen phase.  During the telogen phase, the hair is no longer growing, but is simply anchored within the inactive follicle. As the follicle enters the next anagen phase, the old hair shaft falls out and a new shaft grows. Scientists are not sure what determines the duration of a follicle cycle. It is thought that many factors are involved, with a genetic program setting a normal range and external factors, such as daily light exposure, hormone level, and nutrition, exerting influence within that range.

Whisker follicles go through the same cycle of growth, senescence, and rest as all other hair follicles. Whiskers will fall out, but a new one is on its way.