They simply transmit information to sensory cells when they detect objects or movement. Detecting subtle changes in air currents, dog whiskers transmit information about the size, shape, and speed of nearby objects. Whiskers help dogs navigate the world.

These wiry hairs growing out of an animal's face, forehead, and sometimes legs have a fancy scientific name: vibrissae From cats and dogs to rats and seals, animals use whiskers to help them find their way and follow their prey.

Each mystacial whisker is connected to a muscle "sling," which allows the cat to move them independently. 6 Likewise, large muscles surrounding the whiskers are used to move them all as one. The cat may fan out or direct its whiskers forward when hunting or yawning. They can be pulled back against a cat's cheeks, too.

Whiskers are coarser and thicker than regular hair and have roots that are three times deeper. Unlike regular hairs, whiskers do not cover the entire body. They are strategically located above the eyes, on the chin, on the forelegs, near the ears, and above the upper lip.