What are cat whiskers adapted for?

1. Touch: Cat whiskers are highly sensitive to touch and act as tactile sensors. They allow cats to navigate in dark or low-light conditions and detect subtle changes in their surroundings.

2. Spatial awareness: Whiskers help cats determine the size, shape, and location of objects in their environment. By touching objects with their whiskers, cats can gather valuable information without relying solely on their vision.

3. Object detection: Whiskers are particularly useful in detecting small movements or changes in the environment, such as the presence of prey or potential obstacles.

4. Social communication: Whiskers play a role in social communication between cats. They can express various emotions and intentions, such as contentment, aggression, or curiosity.

5. Balance and coordination: Whiskers contribute to a cat's sense of balance and coordination by providing proprioceptive feedback about their body position and movement.

6. Hunting: Whiskers are essential for hunting, as they allow cats to detect the vibrations and movements of prey, even in complete darkness.

7. Depth perception: The spacing of whiskers corresponds to the average width of a cat's body. This helps them estimate the size of gaps and narrow passages they can fit through.