Glossary

Whiskers

The long, stiff, touch-sensitive hairs on a cat's muzzle, brows, chin and forelegs that help it sense nearby objects and air movement.

Also called: vibrissae, cat whiskers, facial whiskers

Whiskers are the thick, long hairs on a cat's muzzle, above the eyes, on the chin and on the back of the front legs. The proper name is vibrissae. Each one grows from a deep follicle packed with nerve endings, so the lightest brush against an object or a puff of moving air sends a signal to the brain.

Cats use them to judge whether a gap is wide enough, to feel the air currents that a mouse or a draught creates, and to find prey just under the nose, where a cat's eyes cannot focus well. Whisker position also shows mood. They fan forward when a cat is hunting or curious and press back against the cheeks when it is frightened. See body language for the rest of the picture.

Never trim or pull a cat's whiskers. They are sensitive, and cutting them takes away information the cat relies on. Whiskers shed and regrow like other hair, so one or two on the floor is normal. If many break or fall out, or the skin around the muzzle looks sore or crusty, ask your vet to take a look.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Tapetum lucidum A mirror-like layer behind a cat's retina that bounces light back through the eye, improving night vision and causing glowing eyes in photos. Body language How a cat shows mood and intent through its tail, ears, eyes, whiskers, posture and fur. Vomeronasal organ A small scent-analysing organ in the roof of a cat's mouth that reads chemical signals such as pheromones. Paw pads The thick, cushioned, hairless pads on the underside of a cat's feet that absorb shock, give grip and help it walk quietly.

Related guides

How cats see, hear and smell How a cat's eyes, ears and nose differ from ours, what this means for daily life at home, and which changes in the senses call for a vet. How to read a cat's body language How to read a cat's ears, eyes, tail, whiskers, posture and sounds together, spot fear and pain early, and respond in a way the cat understands. Whiskers, ears and tails: what they tell you How to read a cat's whiskers, ears, tail and eyes together, and which changes in those signals mean stress, pain or illness.