Ask Star

Dear Star,
Why do cats have Whiskers?

From,
Amanda, age 5

Dear Amanda,
That is a really good question.  I am very proud of my whiskers and take lots of care in keeping them clean!  My whiskers are very important, they help me feel what is around me and tell me if I can fit through an opening.  Although they look like hair, they are very sensitive, so you should NEVER cut them!

Fur your information…
Whiskers:
•    Are also known as "tactile hairs" or vibrissae. 
•    Are the long, thick, flexible hairs on our face.
•    Are two to three times thicker than our hair.
•    Are rooted very deep in our face, in an area rich in nerves and blood vessels.
•    Are also above our eyebrows, on our chins and on the back of our front legs.

Pawsitively yours,

 

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