Do Cats Like Their Whiskers Rubbed
Some cats like it when you touch their whiskers, and some cats dont like it when you touch their whiskers. In many cases, cats love when you scratch right behind their whiskers. As long as you dont pull in the whiskers or in any way break them, you shouldnt be afraid of touching the whiskers or right behind them.
So What Is Whisker Fatigue
In basic terms, whisker fatigue is simply over-stimulation of the sensory system of the whiskers. What happens when the whiskers are touched too much, even if it is basic brushing against food and water dishes, is the cats brain gets an onslaught of sensory messages transmitted to their brain. This overload of stimulation can make your cat feel stressed out or appear agitated. Some of the most common symptoms of whisker fatigue include:
- refusal to eat or drink from their usual dishes
- pacing in front of the food bowls and meowing like something is wrong
- pawing at food and water to try and pull it from the bowl
- acting more aggressive around food or treats when it is given to them out of the dish
What Are Whiskers For
The whiskers finely tuned sensors that are used by cats to help them navigate the world. Like the antennae seen in insects, they provide additional information about the surroundings. Whiskers are believed to have evolved because they aid with hunting during night time. If needed, a cat can completely close her eyes to protect them and hunt with only the senses of smell and touch.
The whiskers are so sensitive that they give a cat enough information to create a three-dimensional map of its surroundings while hunting. This map is used to determine where the prey is exactly upon contact, which helps the cat deliver a fatal bite.
Read Also: Cat Land On Feet
Do Cat’s Whiskers Grow Back
Undoubtedly, this is one of the questions that are still frequently heard regarding these cat hairs. Those owners who see the cat’s whiskers fall, and especially if he/she drops a great amount, wonder if its whiskers will come out again or not.
If this happens you can stay calm because the answer is YES the cats’ whiskers grow back. If they have fallen due to its normal cycle, the whiskers will take no time to grow back to their original length, if it is due to illnesses such as the stress or an allergy, until this problem is not solved they will not begin to grow again, but once it is solved we will see them growing again around the snout .
Do Groomers Cut Cat Whiskers
Cat groomers do not cut cat whiskers.
If you are used to taking your dog to the groomers, then you might be familiar with their trimming styles. Some groomers do cut dog whiskers to make them look more polished.
Cats, however, should not have their whiskers trimmed by groomers. A skilled and professional cat groomer will know not to cut the whiskers on your cats face.;
You might like the idea of having your cats whiskers styled or trimmed if the ends are straggly. That is not a good idea, however.
A groomer will be able to explain to you why it is not a good idea to cut your cats whiskers, even if you are adamant that it will look better on your cat.
Conversely, if you notice that your groomer trimmed your cats whiskers without your knowledge, I suggest you do not return to that groomer. That groomer does not understand how vital whiskers are to your cats everyday life and comfort.;
A groomer that is part of a major chain corporation, I would also recommend that you tell the store manager so that the groomer can be trained in the proper grooming methods.;
Don’t Miss: Are Croton Plants Toxic To Cats
Can You Cut A Cats Whiskers
While some shedding or breakage is normal, cat whiskers do not need to be trimmed or groomed and Kornreich advises pet owners against cutting them.
Cat whiskers are similar to human hair and have no nerves so it is not painful to cut them. But cutting a whiskereven just a few inchesdeprives cats of an important sensory tool to navigate their environments, he explains.
Whiskers should never, ever be pulled out.
Whiskers are connected to nerves at the base and it would be painful to pull them out, Gonzalez says. Just like cutting any other hair, it wouldnt hurt and the whiskers would grow back but it would make them more cautious about moving in their environment.
If there is a medical need such as an abscess at the base of the whiskers, the procedure would be done in a veterinary hospital or clinic with the proper sedation and pain medication.;
Instead of trimming, removing, or otherwise grooming cat whiskers, Kornreich suggests appreciating their natural state, adding, Whiskers are an amazing evolutionary adaptation that helps these unique creatures navigate their environments, he says.
They Function As Body Balancers
Special sensory organs called proprioceptors are located on the tips of a cats whiskers. They transmit messages to the brain on the position of the body and limbs. Cats become aware of what each body part is doing because of these sensory organs. This also may; explain why cats almost always land on their feet.;
Recommended Reading: How To Draw Pete The Cat
Ceciliabuenos Aires Capital Argentina
Split whiskers in cats and dogs generally are nothing to worry about. My pal Buster gets them all the time.
Whiskers are special, thickened hairs that function as sensory apparatuses. Whiskers help dogs and cats detect air movements, and help them identify solid structures in extremely dark conditions.
Whiskers, like all hair, are subject to the stress of everyday life. They occasionally break or split. They sometimes fall out.
When a whisker splits, I recommend doing nothing about it. Eventually the split whisker will be shed, and a new one will grow in its place.
It is true that certain diseases cause whiskers to become especially brittle and more likely to split or shed. These diseases usually have other symptoms as wellaffected animals usually develop bald patches, or they may consume excess water or lose or gain weight.
However, if your pet simply has a few split whiskers with no other symptoms, I sincerely doubt that anything serious is going on.
Do Cats Need Super Long Whiskers
A cats whiskers will grow as long as the cat needs them to be. If the whiskers grow too long, they will break and fall off naturally. Old age should not cause a cats whiskers to fall out.
As a minimum, whiskers must be as wide as the cat itself. This means that larger breeds of feline will usually have longer whiskers. The world record length of a Maine Coon cats whiskers is 19 centimeters .
Long whiskers on a cat serve several purposes. It is a myth that cats rely on their whiskers for balance, though. A cats tail aids its balance. Cats use their whiskers for the following:
- Understanding the size of objects
- Negotiating territory in darkness
- Judging distances ahead of jumping
- Detecting movement of prey
- Expressing mood and emotions
Whiskers are among the most important parts of a cats anatomy. This is why the whiskers must never be manually cut, no matter how long they get.
Also Check: Lovecraft Cat Name
Normal Hair Cycle And Molt
Domestic cats can change a couple of times a year, when the weather changes from warm to cold and vice versa to increase or reduce their coat of fur. But they can also molt because the heating is always on in the house they are living in and that makes the cat’s body believe that it is warm or the reverse with the air conditioning. The point is that some vibrissae will fall when it is very hot and they have to renew their coat.
In addition, the natural hair cycle is exactly the same in the case of the muzzle vibrations: they are born, grow, mature and fall.
Why Do Cat Whiskers Curl
You many have seen cats with curly whiskers and wondered why that is? Is it genetically determined or does it serve a specific purpose?
Whiskers do not curl naturally. In case a cats whiskers are curled it is because the cat did this herself. Some cats like to overly groom their whiskers. When the wet their whiskers and then pull them with their paws repeatedly, they cause them to curl up at the ends. This happens easier with cat breeds that naturally have, thinner whiskers.
Recommended Reading: Who Sings Cats In The Cradle Original
Skin Allergies And External Parasites
Another major cause for your cat’s whiskers to fall is that he/she has skin allergies, some type of dermatitis in cats or has external parasites such as fleas, lice or ticks.
In both cases, your cat will feel great itching and discomfort, to the point that it scratches a lot in the most affected area and this causes its fur and the vibrissae to fall out excessively. The vet will have to examine the cat closely to diagnose him/her properly and then prescribe the best treatment for allergy in cats or the best way to deworm your cat depending on the type of parasite, degree of infestation and general health of your pet.
Do Curly Whiskers Ever Break Off
If youve ever wondered whether curly cat whiskers break off, this is a reasonable question. Some curly cat whiskers are somewhat more brittle. Although the curly shape itself likely doesnt make the whiskers brittle in and of itself, breakage happens.
According to Melisa Breyer from Treehugger, cat whiskers are proportionate to the animals size. Shorter whiskers are more brittle than the longer counterparts.
Cats may have whiskers break off during fights with other animals. Going through a tight space may also stress the whiskers and lead to breakage. Such situations can be stressful for cats because they rely so much on their whiskers.
If youve observed your cats whiskers becoming brittle or breaking off more than usual, seeing if your cats nutritional needs are being met may be in order. Foods that address skin and coat health will provide the necessary nutrients.
Recommended Reading: Will A Hawk Eat A Cat
Do Cat Whiskers Grow Back When You Cut Them
Cat whiskers do grow back when you cut them, so do not worry if it happens accidentally.;
Whiskers are like fur: they continue growing even when they are cut.
Think about it like this if you are still worried: cat whiskers crack or fall out all the time. They will grow back eventually. The whiskers are not gone forever.;
The same thing will happen if you cut your cats whiskers, especially if you do not realize how bad it is to cut them.;
The whiskers may look uneven for a while as they continue growing in, but they will eventually reach the length they used to be.
Since the whiskers were cut at one point, you might notice that they are stubby on the end. The whiskers that are growing back will not grow out to a fine point.
You dont need to worry about this either. Your cat will eventually shed the misshapen whiskers, and they will grow in as good as new!
Is It Painful For Cats If Whiskers Are Cut
You will not hear your feline pet cry out loud if you cut its whiskers. There are no nerves with their whiskers so cutting these wont entirely cause pain nor bleeding. However, what is painful is when you pluck the whiskers because the hair follicles have plenty of nerves. The whiskers are situated deep in your cats face, an area where there are nerves and blood vessels.
You can compare it with your hair. You do not feel any pain every time you get a haircut. But, you will feel pain if your hair is plucked.
Recommended Reading: Keeping Cats Off Furniture Home Remedy
Why Do My Cat’s Whiskers Fall Out
As we have seen, whiskers are a type of hair that is found throughout the body of your feline companion but it is mainly visible in greater numbers on the sides of their nose. So, really, the main reasons why a cat’s whiskers drop are the same as those that fall off the rest of the fur, such as whiskers found above the eyes:
Why Is My Cat Losing His Whiskers
Cats can shed fur like crazy at certain times of the year, and some may even shed all year long. Did you know that cats can also shed or lose whiskers? The reasons behind whisker loss can range from its nothing to worry about to we better check this out with our veterinarian. But how do you decide which it is? Hopefully, this article will demystify the reasons behind whisker loss and help you understand when its important to get seek medical attention for your cat.
What are Whiskers?
Even though it may not seem like it, a cats whiskers are actually just hair, like the rest of their fur. And as I mentioned above, they can shed whiskers the same way they shed their coat. It makes sense because, like human hair, whiskers continue to grow and can fall out for a variety of reasons. One interesting thing about it is that as your cat ages he wont have fewer whiskers, but you might notice the whiskers greying or getting lighter.
Whiskers have other functions besides looking stylish. Cats use their whiskers to judge the size of a space like the inside of a box. Whiskers help them to balance, and they can even help a cat see up close. An important difference between human hair, fur, and whiskers is that it is uncomfortable for a cat to have their whiskers clipped, so that is something you should never do. On the other hand, it is completely painless if a cat loses whiskers naturally.
Normal Whisker Loss
Abnormal Whisker Loss
Don’t Miss: Why Cat Was Crazy In Victorious
How Can You Combat Whisker Fatigue
Thankfully, combating problems with whisker fatigue is a simple process. Because of awareness, pet supply manufacturers have begun creating feed trays and bowls that are specifically designed to be whisker-friendly. These dishes have a wider opening and tend to be shallow so the cats whiskers do not brush against the sides of the bowl while they eat their food or sip water. If you cannot find whisker-friendly pet dishes for your;kitty, feeding your cat in a shallow dish with low sides, such as a plate or saucer can offer the same relief.
Do Cat Whiskers Grow Back
Will his whiskers grow back? A: Your cat should do fine, particularly if he lives indoors. Cats shed their whiskers periodically, and his will grow in again during the next shed/regrowth cycle. Whiskers, or vibrissae, are specialized tactile hairs that help cats feel their way and navigate in dim light.
Read Also: 1 Human Year In Cat Years
How Can Whisker Fatigue Be Prevented
Luckily, preventing or stopping stress related to whisker fatigue at feeding time is as easy as replacing your cats food and water bowls. At meal time, provide a flat surface or a wide-enough bowl for cat food so that her whiskers don’t touch the sides of the bowl, Marrinan says. In a pinch, a paper plate can serve as a suitable food dish, he adds.
Most cats prefer a lip-less, large flowing water source, for drinking, he says. Ideally, cat parents should provide an automatic, fresh water source, like a cat water fountain, which cats prefer to an icky, stale bowl of water that might as well be from an old tire.
Some cat parents believe another solution is to trim their cats whiskers, but this is a no-no. Trimming whiskers mutes their expression, dims their perceptions, and in general, discombobulates cats and annoys them, Marrinan says. I do not recommend trimming cat whiskers.
Can You Tell How Old A Cat Is By Their Whiskers
Do you want to know how old your cat is? You might think that you could just look at the length of their whiskers, but unfortunately, this isnt a reliable way to tell.
As cats grow older, their whiskers grow with them and so they may have longer whiskers than when they were younger. This means that theres no one reliable way to measure a cats age by looking at their whiskers alone!
Recommended Reading: What Did Lovecraft Name His Cat
Whisker Fatigue: What You Need To Know
The thought of tired whiskers may sound silly, but the truth is, whisker fatigue can actually be a problem that makes your cat act completely different than usual. This condition is one that can cause problems like lack of appetite, changes in mood and behavior, and a lot of stress for your kitty. As the owner of a cat, you will definitely want to know what whisker fatigue is and why it is something you should take seriously.
Does A Cats Whisker Position Tell Us Anything
According to Dr. Lynn Buzhardt, cats have an average of over 24 whiskers. The position a cat holds their whiskers in says a lot about what may be going on at any time.
Most cats hold their whiskers out to the sides when they are relaxed, in the position that we usually associate with whiskers. A cat that is excited, such as at meal-time or when seeing a new toy, might have their whiskers pointing forward.
When angry or scared, a cats whiskers will tuck back against the face. The whisker position serves as a form of body language to other cats and animals that indicate the cats mood. Curly whiskers usually maintain their shape in all positions.
Although whisker curling does not customarily occur simply because the position changes, understanding how cats position their whiskers helps us see how curly whiskers might be an unusual circumstance and whether it might be a cause for concern.
Recommended Reading: How Much To Feed 3 Month Old Kitten