What do cats use their whiskers for?
Cats don't just have whiskers on their cheeks; they also grow on their eyebrows, chin and on the back of their front legs. Facial whiskers are specialized "tactile" hairs with roots that are three times longer and deeper than normal hairs. These whiskers are surrounded by blood vessels and nerves so that they are extremely sensitive.
Whiskers should not be trimmed. Cats rely on their whiskers to detect subtle motions like breezes or vibrations, which can help them avoid walking into objects in the dark. They also help your cat determine whether or not they can fit through an opening. A cat's whiskers are roughly as wide as her body and the tips are sensitive to pressure. Your cat will measure the width of an opening by moving her head in and out.
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