Why do Dogs and Cats Have Whiskers?

Veterinary Wellness Partners • Mar 03, 2015
Why do Dogs and Cats Have Whiskers?
Veterinary Wellness Partners
Mon, 03/02/2015 - 11:49pm

Why do Dogs and Cats Have Whiskers?

You may notice those long, bristly hairs on the nose of your dog or cat.  They typically stick out to the sides.  Those hairs are called their whiskers, but why do they have them?

The whiskers are a specialize hair that is deeply imbedded (anchored) into your pets skin.  These hairs communicate with the muscle tissue and nervous system more effectively than the majority of normal hairs on your pets body.  Some liken the whiskers of your pet to your own fingertips, highly sensitive. Whiskers are located on the side of the face, as well as above the eyes. Some cats even have whiskers on the back of their front legs.  These whiskers are actually really sensitive organs, serving to tell your dog or cat a lot about his/ her environment.  Here are some of the functions that whiskers serve:

  1. Detecting air currents.
  2. Measuring the size of an enclosed space (So that Fluffy or Fido don't go in and get stuck within a tight space)
  3. Increase their ability to sense their environment in low light
  4. Sensing vibrations of the prey that they are chasing and to locate prey
  5. Communication (Be particularly aware if the whiskers are pointing forward, toward an object.  This may mean that your pet is threatened or scared)
  6. Cats use their whiskers to judge distance, which allows them to tell if they can jump a certain distance from one object to another

Sometimes, your pet may have whiskers shaved due to surgery or grooming.  This is generally accepted and sometimes necessary.  Most of these animals are no longer dependent on their whiskers for day to day functions. We do not recommend trimming your pets whiskers, no matter how long they may be. To begin with, these whiskers are more sensitive than other hairs.  You pet also needs these special hairs in order to function normally.

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