Whispering Whiskers

Whiskers, or vibrissae (pronounced vahy-bris-uh) are made up of sinus and tylotrich hairs (highly specialized skin appendages), that comprise a highly sophisticated sensory system capable of detecting slight wind variations and sudden movement. Since cats hunt instinctively, whiskers help cats survive. These prominent follicles aid cats to catch prey at close range, much like a pair of reading glasses helps humans capture words on a page. "Cats are farsighted and can't see prey they've caught," says Alice Moon-Fanelli, veterinarian and assistant professor at Tufts University, citing the use of whiskers as a means to get in and out of any given situation. Domestic cats depend on the same senses as wild and big cats. Indoor cats might use whiskers to mock jungle moves or walk through dark rooms, avoiding bulky furniture and other obstacles. A cat's whiskers also indicate mood. "If they are pushed forward, the cat is calm, but if the cat is defensive or stressed out, they're closer to the face," says Moon-Fanelli. (Courtesey of Cat Fancy, November 2007)