Cats use their whiskers, also known as vibrissae, as touch receptors to help navigate their surroundings. The whiskers are highly sensitive and can detect changes in the environment such as the size of openings, the texture of surfaces, and even changes in air currents. When a cat brushes its whiskers against an object, it helps them gauge the shape, size, and texture of the object, allowing them to move around and explore their environment with precision.