Why do cats have whiskers?: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 11, 2026

Photos

Close-up side portrait of a long-haired cat with green eyes, looking upward, showing prominent white whiskers against a dark background.

See All Images →

Topics

cat Vibrissae cats as pets 9 (Lives of) Famous Cat Lovers Who was the first cat in space?Why Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?Why do cats like catnip?Why do cats like boxes?Why do they say cats have nine lives?Why do cats like scratching posts?Why do Sphynx cats appear hairless?Why do cats rub against your legs?