Cats use their whiskers as a special sensory tool to navigate in various environments. The whiskers, also known as vibrissae, are highly sensitive and help cats detect changes in their surroundings. When a cat brushes its whiskers against objects, the sensation provides information about the size, shape, and texture of the objects around them. This helps cats move around confidently, especially in low-light conditions where their vision may be limited. Additionally, whiskers can also indicate the mood or emotions of a cat, as they may be moved forward when the cat is curious or pulled back when the cat is scared or threatened.
