Your cat’s whiskers are thick, specialized hairs that are connected to sensitive nerves. The whiskers give your cat special sensory abilities. They grow to roughly the width of your cat so she can use them to determine whether she can fit into a small space. If her head and whiskers fit through the opening so will the rest of her body. Your cat can jump from surface to surface with safety and confidence since her whiskers aid in determining height and distance. The whiskers can help your cat sense vibrations. This can help her locate prey even in the dark. Your cat can locate mice or insects or even your foot if that is prey she is hunting. Don’t cut your cat’s whiskers or she could become disoriented and confused. Old whiskers will fall out and be replaced by new ones on their own. For more information, contact your Isle of Palms, SC veterinarian.