Why do dogs and cats have whiskers?

Instead, objects that brush up against a whisker cause it to vibrate, which then stimulates the nerves in the hair follicle. Cats use their facial whiskers to determine if they can fit into narrow spaces, and the whiskers on their legs may aid them in sensing prey or climbing trees. read more

And like other hairs, whiskers will occasionally fall out and grow back. Most cats have 12 whiskers that are arranged in four rows on either cheek, but the whisker pattern in dogs is more varied. Whiskers can also sprout above the eyes, as well as under the chin. Cats can also grow whiskers behind their wrists. read more

A cat with his whiskers drawn back against his face is a cat that feels threatened. If your cat’s whiskers are pointed out from his face and they are relaxed, chances are your cat is one happy feline. Dog Whiskers. Just like cats, a dog’s whiskers enhance his sense of touch. read more

Like cats, dogs will often reflexively flare their whiskers and then point them in a forward direction when they feel threatened, which some scientists believe indicates that whiskers play a role in the defense strategy during combative situations with predators and other dogs. read more