Where are the whiskers on cats? - briefly
Cat whiskers are located on their muzzle, above the eyes, and on the back of their front legs.
Where are the whiskers on cats? - in detail
Cat whiskers, scientifically known as vibrissae, are highly sensitive tactile hairs located in specific areas of a cat’s body. The most prominent whiskers are found on the muzzle, arranged in four horizontal rows on either side of the nose. These are the longest and most visible whiskers, often referred to as mystacial whiskers. Above the eyes, cats have smaller whiskers called supraorbital whiskers, which serve to protect the eyes by detecting potential threats or debris. On the cheeks, there are genal whiskers, and smaller whiskers can also be found on the chin, known as mandibular whiskers. Additionally, cats have carpal whiskers on the back of their front legs, which help them detect movement and terrain when hunting or climbing. Whiskers are deeply embedded in the skin and connected to a rich network of nerves, making them essential sensory tools for navigation, spatial awareness, and communication. They are not just ordinary hairs but specialized structures that provide cats with critical information about their environment.