I thought it was just nothing but they use it for:
Navigation
-It enable the cat to avoid objects while moving around in the dark
Mood Indicator
-In a normal relaxed "neutral" state, they are held slightly to the side. As the cat becomes more interested in something around it, the whiskers perk forwards, ultimately coming forwards in front of the muzzle. The cheek pads also seem to swell out as the muscles pull the whiskers into position. If the cat is fearful, it pulls its whiskers back alongside its cheeks to signal that it is non-threatening. This also makes its face look smaller.
Measuring an opening
-A cat's whiskers are roughly as wide as his body -- sort of a natural ruler. The whisker tips are sensitive to pressure. You'll probably see a cat stick his head in and out of an opening before he puts his body in. He's judging the width of the opening, and is determining if he can fit into it.
Never ever touch or cut your cat's whiskers!
Source(s):
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/inter...bout-cats.html
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/question592.htm
http://www.inspirationline.com/Brainteaser/whiskers.htm
Navigation
-It enable the cat to avoid objects while moving around in the dark
Mood Indicator
-In a normal relaxed "neutral" state, they are held slightly to the side. As the cat becomes more interested in something around it, the whiskers perk forwards, ultimately coming forwards in front of the muzzle. The cheek pads also seem to swell out as the muscles pull the whiskers into position. If the cat is fearful, it pulls its whiskers back alongside its cheeks to signal that it is non-threatening. This also makes its face look smaller.
Measuring an opening
-A cat's whiskers are roughly as wide as his body -- sort of a natural ruler. The whisker tips are sensitive to pressure. You'll probably see a cat stick his head in and out of an opening before he puts his body in. He's judging the width of the opening, and is determining if he can fit into it.
Never ever touch or cut your cat's whiskers!
Source(s):
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/inter...bout-cats.html
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/question592.htm
http://www.inspirationline.com/Brainteaser/whiskers.htm
