do-cat-whiskers-grow-back

The Importance of Cat Whiskers Facts, functions and reminders that cat owners must know Do Cat Whiskers Grow Back?

Having cats as a pet means that you have to care for their well-being. But it turns out that not a lot of cat owners are aware of how significant their whiskers are to them. They are commonly known as “touch receptors” of cats or in scientific terms, “vibrissae.” It is not made for cutting, trimming or shaving and this type of temptation should be avoided by owners. Because even if they do grow back after some months, it does not mean that it’s alright to cut them since it creates a lot of problems for your furry friend. Unlike human hair, cat whiskers have a critical function in their life.

Cat whiskers are seen on both sides of the nose, upper lip, and above both of their eyes. It is not that noticeable, but they also have whiskers on the back of their legs in front and on the jawline. Whiskers are deeply connected to the nervous systems and sensitive muscular systems. It helps them in detecting the slightest changes in the location they are in, lending them a hand in functioning accordingly. Its representation is like an antenna or a radar. At the root of every long whisker that cats have, there is a follicle which is loaded with nerves.

 

Facts regarding the Cat Whiskers

The tactile hairs or “vibrissae” are approximately 2 to 3 times thicker than the regular hair of the cat. Each side of the nose has 12 whiskers. The tactile hairs in this location are the longest compared to the ones on the jawline or above each of the eyes. The cat whiskers correspond to the length of his/her body; in simple terms, the wider the whiskers, the fatter the cat.

Whiskers located in the cat’s front legs are significant for climbing and hunting mice, birds and other small animals. The way that cats usually arrange their whiskers indicate whether they are in a foul mood, happy, or hunting mood. Like the human eyelashes, the whiskers protect the eyes of the cat. It helps in keeping out irritants that can potentially harm the eyes. Furthermore, when something suddenly touches their eyes, it alerts them to close them immediately.

 

Functions of the Cat Whiskers

The common misconception about cat whiskers is that they do not serve a function in the cat’s life on a daily basis, that it’s just some real hair but this is entirely wrong. These functions of whiskers below will make you think otherwise.

Whiskers help cats in detecting the location, texture, and size of an object when they brush upon it. it is necessary for their neural mechanism. It helps them in responding to their environment, its passes on the information whether the cat can fit accordingly in a particular space or not. Whiskers heighten the cat’s sense of the surroundings, especially in the dark.

it adds to their feeling of safety and acts as part of the mobility of cats. It gives the ability to navigate the tiniest and highest places. Whiskers can measure distances, which is why cats can leap safely even on high walls or windows. They need it to remain intact in the same logic that humans need their senses.

Whiskers illustrate some emotions of the cats. For example, if the whiskers are pulled back toward their face, the cat feels somehow threatened. When the whiskers seem relaxed, the cat is in a state of solitude and contentment. Cat whiskers can be able to detect vibration in the changes in air currents. It can tell them if there is danger nearby that they have to be aware of.

 

What happens if I cut it?

Either grooming, cutting, shaving or even trimming the whiskers is an absolute NO. Veterinarians worldwide are against this and so should you. Below are reasons why you should never think of cutting the cat whiskers, however long they are. These serve as a warning and future reference for you.

If cut, they are going to feel discomfort, as if their security has been compromised. It throws the cat out of balance and will feel disoriented most times. Even with their owner around, being scared, nervous and somewhat distressed are common symptoms upon cutting or trimming the whiskers.

Cats cannot function without their whiskers, so it is possible that they will lose their appetite for eating and hunting, above all. They may feel dizzy because they cannot navigate anymore. Some cats die because of severe disorientation, but this case rarely happens. It will feel like they are blindfolded and handicapped.

 

What can I do if I cut them?

Being aware of dos and don’ts is your job as the owner. If you cut the whiskers of your cat without purposefully trying to destroy his/her life, then you can help your pet in adapting until the whiskers grow back or if your cat is able to handle the world on his/her own again.

Don’t change the cat’s routine, just be of assistance if the cat-faced a danger such as he/she could not calculate the distance upon leaping off a high place, so the cat can not go down or get inside a really cramped space. Instill in your mind never to cut the whiskers again and adequately research anything that has to do with the well-being of your pet.

 

When do their whiskers grow back?

Like human hair, whiskers take a long time to grow back but it eventually will. Cutting the tactile hairs causes no pain for the cats, but there are tremendous consequences later on. If the cat sheds some whiskers, it will not endanger your pet. You can see them sometimes eating their own whiskers, and that is one strange hobby.

However, if the shedding happens regularly and many whiskers fall out, that is the time to consult a veterinarian. A total of 24 whiskers on both sides of the nose shall be there. Loss of whiskers on shedding means that your cat does not receive enough nutrition on what he/she is eating. Losses of whiskers also indicate allergies, infection and other health problems which should not be taken lightly.

 

You May Also Interested In: Do Cats Have 9 Lives?