Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Why Do Cats Have a Henry’s Pocket? What Is It For? Vet-Verified Info

close up cat ears pinna

Henry’s Pocket is the little flap of flesh you see on the outer part of a cat’s ear. Cats’ outer ears resemble triangles and are called pinnae. On the outside of the pinna, there’s a small pocket close to the cat’s skull, the Henry’s Pocket. Scientists don’t know why cats have this little fleshy pouch, nor are they sure of its purpose.

While it’s pronounced on most cats, many other animals, including bats, weasels, and some dogs, also have the pouch. So, do all cats have a Henry’s Pocket? And why is it called Henry’s Pocket? Well, it is present in all cat breeds, but no one knows where the name comes from.

divider 2 cats

Is There Speculation About the Purpose of a Cat’s Henry’s Pocket?

Catster_Henry's Pockets_Infographic_v1-3_Jun 3 2024
You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to Catster.com for credit

Yes. Some scientists suggest the Henry’s Pocket may help animals better hear high-pitched noises. Others argue that the pouch helps cats pinpoint where sounds are coming from.

Or, it may help cats angle their ears efficiently to locate the source of sounds. It could also allow cats to move their ears to express emotion. While cats have some of the best hearing among mammals, there’s no proof this pouch contributes to their extraordinary hearing range.

Is There Anything I Need to Do to Keep My Cats’ Ears Healthy?

Cats generally take pretty good care of their ears without human assistance. Keep in mind that cats’ hearing is about five times more sensitive than yours and that cats can hear in an extended range of frequencies, making it easier for them to become overwhelmed by loud noises.

Try to keep loud noises to a minimum and take your cat for regular veterinary checkups. Your veterinarian will check your cat’s ears and Henry’s Pocket during the exam to ensure everything looks healthy. They can also show you how to clean your pet’s ears properly at home.

vet checking cat ear
Image Credit: Milles Studio Shutterstock

divider 2 cats

Conclusion

Cats have a fleshy pouch on the outside of their outer ear called the Henry’s Pocket. Cats, bats, dogs, and weasels all have the feature. Scientists and veterinarians don’t know why cats have the pouch, nor do they understand its function. However, there is speculation that it could increase cats’ ability to express emotion using their ears or pinpoint where sounds are coming from.

Related Reads: 


Featured Image Credit: effective stock photos, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Is It True That All Cats Have Henry’s Pocket? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

It’s not where we would choose to have a pocket, but Henry’s Pocket isn’t there for cats to keep their keys and change...

Cat ear close up

10 Surprising Facts About Cat Ears: Vet-Approved Guide

Cats can be funny pets that do things that leave us feeling puzzled or amazed. As more research is being done on cats,...

A man's hand scratches a fluffy cat behind the ear

Why Do Cats Love The “Pspsps” Sound? 4 Interesting Reasons

Cats have astounding hearing, with most able to hear frequencies we humans can only imagine. They have 32 ear muscles that allow them...

white-British-long-haired-cat-smiling-or-happy

Do Cats Have Hair or Fur? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

Having hair is one of many characteristics that distinguish mammals from other classes of animals, such as reptiles and birds. Other traits include...

Orange-Long-Haired-Bi-Color-Doll-Face-Persian-Cat

More related

Bengal cat like a leopard sneaks Indoor

Cat Ear Communication: Ear Positions & Vet-Verified Meanings

Sometimes, you really want to know what your cat is thinking and feeling. Unfortunately, our favorite felines can’t speak to us to tell...

cat-with-ear-infection

Ear Cancer in Cats: Causes, Signs & Care (Vet Answer)

Ear cancer is a relatively common occurrence in cats. Two main types of tumors affect a cat’s ears. These are ear canal tumors...

cat being fed a cat treat or cat food by hand

5 DIY Pill Pockets for Cats You Can Make Today

If you’ve ever attempted to give your kitty medication in pill form straight away, you are familiar with their look of disapproval and...

red tabby cat showing its paw pads

Do Cats Have Scent Glands in Their Paws? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats use scent in various ways to communicate with other cats and, indirectly, with humans. Cats have scent glands throughout their body that...

Keep reading

Why Do Cats Sometimes Eat Their Placenta? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats evolved to eat their placenta. It is normal behavior that most females will exhibit while giving birth. But that does not mean that all cats will eat every placenta. Both behaviors are normal and nothing to be worried about....

mother cat giving birth to a child

Why Does My Cat Lay on My Stomach? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons

When you’re sitting still or lying down for long enough, it’s perfectly normal for your cat to come around and try to spend a little extra time with you. But why is your cat taking every chance they get to...

cat-sleeping-on-owners-lap

Why Does My Cat Pee on the Floor? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Care Tips

While it is annoying to have your cat pee on the floor in your house, it is not entirely unheard of. Many things can cause a cat to do this, and identifying the cause of this behavior is necessary in...

cat looking a pee on the floor

Do Cats Need Water Fountains? Vet-Approved Benefits & FAQ

All cat owners tend to want the best for their feline friends. You may have noticed that your cat is finicky about their water and may even prefer to drink from the faucet or a running source rather than a...

cat drinking water from fountain

Is Sedum Poisonous to Cats? Common Houseplants Examined & Vet-Reviewed

When it comes to succulents and cats, you can never be too careful. The last thing you want is something growing in your garden or that you bring into your home to make your furry friend sick or worse. Luckily,...

Catster_Is Sedum Poisonous to Cats

Multiple Myeloma in Cats: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatment

If you’re interested in multiple myeloma, your cat may have been recently diagnosed with this rare disease. If this is the case, we’re very sorry and understand you’ll want to know everything about the condition and what to expect moving...

sad, bored or sick cat

What’s the Cost of Chemotherapy for Cats? 2025 Price Overview

Cancer is a very serious disease in cats, and it’s one of the most common causes of death for elderly felines. Chemotherapy is one of the treatment options available for cats. However, it is very expensive and, therefore, often not...

cat treated in vet clinic

My Cat Drank Christmas Tree Water! What Should I Do? Vet Approved Advice

A real tree at Christmas time recalls memories of past holidays. Perhaps you even went to cut one down or remember decorating one when you were young. However, while they bring us warmth and joy during Christmas, a real tree...

tabby cat sitting behind the christmas tree