{"id":980,"date":"2017-06-27T14:28:21","date_gmt":"2017-06-27T21:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=980"},"modified":"2024-07-25T05:30:54","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T12:30:54","slug":"cat-whiskers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/cat-whiskers\/","title":{"rendered":"Touchy, Feely: All About Cat Whiskers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"catDelicate, complex, mysterious\u2026 cat whiskers embody what being a feline is all about. As cat lovers, the staff at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital<\/a> want to know more about these adorable adornments and the ways in which they are integral to cat behavior. Read on to learn what we found out about cat whiskers.<\/p>\n

The Evolution of Cat Whiskers<\/h3>\n

Cat whiskers have been around ever since cats have, which by some accounts is around 9,500 years. These sensitive, specialized organs, more properly known as vibrissae, have evolved to sprout from the feline muzzle, lower limbs, and even above the eyes. Vibrissae are a very thick, long hairs that have a large amount of nerve endings. This makes them extremely sensitive to the surrounding world.<\/p>\n

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Historically, cats have relied on hunting at night to survive. HIghly developed whiskers likely helped them to be more successful at this task. This is why other nocturnal critters, such as rats and seals, also have very developed whiskers.<\/p>\n

All in a Day\u2019s Work<\/h3>\n

Most house cats live a pretty tame lifestyle compared to their ancestors of yore. This doesn\u2019t make their whiskers any less important, though. Even our indoor house cats<\/a> still depend on their whiskers for several functions, including:<\/p>\n