On the other hand, if a cat feels scared, stressed, or defensive, their whiskers will pull back tightly against their face.

(WYTV) — Here’s why cats have whiskers and why you should leave whiskers alone. They are known as “tactile hairs” — long, ...

As a cat becomes more upset, or aggressive, their whiskers will straighten out to the sides. If the whiskers are flattened against a cat's face, they may be fearful.