SO important are tactile hairs (and this is why you should leave them in)

In many animals, tactile hairs (or "vibrissae") are often overlooked. Yet these hairs, found around the snout, eyes and sometimes even on other parts of the body, are an essential source of information. Whether it is a horse in a stable or a cat prowling in the dark: tactile hairs make a world of difference.

What are tactile hairs and how do they work?

Normal hairs sit in a root canal, but tactile hairs have a specially adapted wall of that root canal. The root itself lies in a sinus, a cavity filled with blood. In the inner wall of this sinus are small structures that are very sensitive. As soon as the touch hair touches something, it causes the blood in the sinus to move. Thus, animals with touch hairs can perceive things by touch. So it is actually a clever system for "feeling" very small things!

Touch hairs per animal species

Touch hairs in horses

Horses have tactile hairs on the nose and around the lips.

• Spatial insight: Horses use tactile hairs around their nose and lips to explore objects and use them to avoid collisions, especially in the dark or in a new environment.
• Food and drink: They help in food selection by accurately assessing the texture and quality of grass or hay.
• Social interaction: Touch hairs also play a role in "scanning" other horses during greetings, reinforcing social communication.

Touch hairs in cats

Cats have tactile hairs on the cheeks, upper lip, legs, toes and around the eyes.

• Navigation: They determine if they can move through narrow spaces and detect subtle vibrations in the air while hunting.
• Communications: Touch hairs around the eyes and muzzle help cats communicate their emotions and intentions to conspecifics and humans.

Touch hairs in dogs

In dogs, tactile hairs are mainly located on the upper lip and cheeks.

• Exploration: Especially in blind dogs or puppies, touch hairs act as an additional aid to locate objects and obstacles.
• Stress reduction: Sensory information helps dogs enter new situations more confidently.

Touch hairs in rabbits

Rabbits have remarkably long tactile hairs on their snout, above their eyes and on their chin.

• Navigation in tunnels: Rabbits use tactile hairs to determine whether they can move through narrow tunnels or corridors.
• Protection against injury: In the wild, tactile hairs warn against branches or prickly plants.
• Social signals: Rabbits use tactile hairs to better interpret each other's body language, especially during encounters in the dark.

Touch hairs in guinea pigs

Guinea pigs have tactile hairs on their muzzle and cheeks.

• Orientation in cages: Touch hairs help guinea pigs recognise obstacles and walls, especially in poorly lit environments.
• Identification of food: They can use tactile hairs to assess texture and distance of food, which is important because their vision is limited.

Touch hairs in ferrets

Ferrets have tactile hairs on the sides of the nose and also along their cheeks.

• Detection of narrow passages: They feel with their tactile hairs whether their body fits through a gap or tube.
• Hunting and prey recognition: In the wild and in play, ferrets can use tactile hairs to monitor subtle movements of prey.

Touch hairs in rodents (such as hamsters, rats and mice)

Rodents have tactile hairs on their muzzle, upper lip and cheeks.

• Night navigation: As rodents are often active at night, their tactile hairs are crucial for moving quickly and safely through their environment.
• Examination of new objects: When a rodent encounters something new, they use their tactile hairs to feel the object first before touching or eating it.

Touch hairs on fish

Yes you read that right! Catfish have barbells (also called whiskers) on their snouts. These are similar to tactile hairs and perform a similar function. The barbels are covered with specialised nerve endings and receptors that are sensitive to touch, smell and taste. This enables catfish to navigate and hunt in murky water even when visibility is limited.

How tactile hairs are affected by weather conditions

The health and function of tactile hairs can be affected by several factors, such as temperature and humidity. In colder climates, tactile hairs can be less sensitive because nerves are less active at low temperatures. This can affect animals' communication and orientation. Changes in humidity can also affect the flexibility of tactile hairs, making them less effective in detecting subtle movements or changes in the environment.

Leave touch hairs alone

Some cut touch hairs out of ignorance, for example to get a 'neater' look. However, this is harmful as it robs animals of their sensory capacity. For horses, clipping touch hairs is even banned in the Netherlands.

Some animal breeds have been bred to have no tactile hairs, this is very detrimental to the animal. Consider, for example, the naked cat. The lack of these hairs affects them every day, as they cannot benefit from the sensory feedback that cats need. This makes them clumsy and scared, especially when they encounter new, unexpected or challenging situations.

Conclusion

Touch hairs are not only for navigation, but also provide animals with a sense of their surroundings that they would otherwise miss. They are important for any animal but especially indispensable for animals that have little or no vision in certain conditions, such as in the dark or in cramped spaces. By treating these natural sensors with respect, we ensure that our animals can function optimally.

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