Whiskers are long, coarse hairs that are located on the face and above the eyes of a cat. They are used for a variety of purposes, including smelling, touching, and balancing.
Whiskers are very sensitive to touch and can detect even the slightest movement in the air. This helps cats to navigate in dark or unfamiliar environments and to avoid obstacles. Whiskers also help cats to detect prey and predators.
In addition to touch, whiskers are also used for smelling. The base of each whisker is connected to a blood vessel and a nerve. When a whisker comes into contact with something, the blood vessel swells and the nerve sends a signal to the brain. The brain then interprets the signal and determines what the cat has smelled.
Whiskers are a very important part of a cat's sensory system. They help cats to navigate their environment, detect prey and predators, and communicate with other cats.