Vibrissae

Vibrissae are science-speak for whiskers. They are stiff, sensory hairs located on the face of mammals. They are similar to human eyelashes, in that they are stiff and resilient, allowing them to detect minute changes in air currents and objects that come near the face. With this sense, animals can determine their size, shape, and texture. Vibrissae are found on cats, seals, and some rodents, and are used for navigation, food location, and social interactions.