Q
Why do cats have whiskers?
A
Expert Answer
Whiskers (vibrissae) are highly sensitive tactile hairs that detect air currents, navigate tight spaces (width of whiskers matches body width), and sense nearby objects in the dark. They're deeply embedded in nerve-rich tissue, making them sensitive enough to detect slight air pressure changes.
Key Insight
Whiskers (vibrissae) are highly sensitive tactile hairs that detect air currents, navigate tight spaces (width of whiskers matches body width), and sense nearby objects in the dark.
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