What Are Cat Whiskers?
Cat whiskers (also known as vibrissae) are long, thick hairs with a tapered end that are found above a cat’s eyes and on its muzzle, jaws, and front legs. Unlike regular fur, whiskers have highly sensitive follicles that are surrounded by blood vessels and nerves, acting as tactile receptors that send sensory information to the brain.
Whiskers aid cats in spatial perception and provide information about their surroundings in the dark or when navigating tight spaces. The whiskers detect subtle air currents and vibrations, helping cats determine the precise location, shape, and size of objects around them. This allows cats to accurately hunt prey at night.
Whiskers grow to the same length on each side, with the longest (up to 10 cm) on the muzzle above the nose. The whiskers above the eyes help gauge distances when jumping. Leg whiskers likely help cats position their front legs when walking or climbing. Overall, whiskers serve as a vital “sixth sense” that complements feline vision.
Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
Cats have whiskers for several important reasons. Whiskers serve as sensory organs that aid cats in spatial awareness, movement, and communication. Some key functions of cat whiskers include:
- Help cats judge spaces and identify objects – Whiskers give cats information about the precise width of openings, angles, and proximity of objects. This helps them navigate environments and decide if they can fit into spaces.
- Aid hunting and navigating in the dark – Whiskers sense subtle air currents and vibrations, allowing cats to detect prey and move around even in complete darkness.
- Convey mood and social signals – The position and motion of whiskers provides other cats insight into their mood, openness to social interaction, and receptiveness.
Whiskers are thus an integral sensory apparatus for cats, providing spatial, environmental, and social information critical to their daily functioning and survival.1 2
Is It Okay to Trim Cat Whiskers?
Generally, trimming or cutting a cat’s whiskers is not recommended by veterinarians and cat experts. A cat’s whiskers serve important sensory purposes and help them with spatial awareness and navigation. Trimming the whiskers could impair these functions and cause disorientation and stress for the cat.
As this article explains, whiskers are connected to nerves and snipping them would be uncomfortable and confusing for a cat. The whiskers help the cat judge whether they can fit into openings and navigate around objects. Without intact whiskers, they may bump into things and have trouble finding their way.
Instead of trimming long whiskers, there are some alternative approaches, like using plastic tips on the whiskers to weigh them down. You can also train your cat to avoid getting their whiskers stuck. Provide places for your cat to scratch and trim their nails so the whiskers do not get snagged as often. Overall, it’s best to leave your cat’s whiskers intact whenever possible.
When Whisker Trimming May Be Necessary
There are some rare situations when a veterinarian may recommend trimming a cat’s whiskers for medical reasons. According to one veterinarian, “In some cases, excessive whisker growth called hypertrichosis can occur and trimming may be recommended to maintain the cat’s wellbeing.”[1]
Severely matted or damaged whiskers may also need to be minimally trimmed. The ASPCA advises, “If your cat’s whiskers are tangled, matted or damaged, you can trim off the affected portion.”[2] However, whiskers should never be cut down to the follicle.
Only trim the bare minimum of the whisker that is damaged – just the split ends if needed. Any trimming should be minimal. The ASPCA continues, “Otherwise, resist the urge to trim those long whiskers. Your cat needs them!”
[1]“What Happens if a Cat’s Whiskers Are Clipped?” Spot Pet Insurance, 8 Jul. 2022. https://spotpetins.com/blog/cat-tips/cats-whiskers-clipped
[2]“Cat Grooming Tips | ASPCA.” https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips Accessed 27 Feb. 2023.
Proper Technique for Trimming
If trimming your cat’s whiskers is necessary, it’s important to use the proper technique to avoid causing discomfort. According to veterinarians, you should only trim the very tips of split or frayed whiskers, rather than cutting them down to the base. Here are some guidelines for proper whisker trimming technique:
Use clean, sharp trimmers designed for whiskers. Regular scissors can crush the whiskers, while dull trimmers cause splits and fractures. Opt for high-quality whisker trimmers from a pet supply store. According to Spot Pet Insurance, the “trimmer should be sharp enough to cut the whisker cleanly without pinching” (source).
Just snip split ends, don’t cut to base. Only trim off a millimeter or two of the whisker tips showing wear and tear. As veterinarian Dr. Katie Grzyb says, “if you trim the whole whisker, then you’re impacting their sensory perception of their environment” (source).
Only trim a few at a time. Trimming just a couple of whiskers per week avoids sudden sensory deprivation. Let your cat get used to the gradual change.
Signs of Whisker Stress
Whisker stress can manifest in several concerning ways in cats. Some signs to look out for include:
- Disorientation, clumsiness, hesitancy – Your cat may seem unsure of its surroundings and uncoordinated due to its whiskers being overloaded.
- Avoiding tight spaces – Cats rely on their whiskers to gauge if they can fit into spaces. Your cat may avoid crawl spaces, under furniture, or narrow areas if its whiskers are painful or overstimulated.
- Loss of appetite – The discomfort from whisker fatigue can make cats disinterested in food. You may notice your cat leaving food uneaten or dropping kibble from its mouth.
- Aggression or withdrawal – Whisker stress can make cats irritable. Your once friendly feline may hiss, swat, or run away more often. Some research indicates cats exhibit depression-like symptoms.
If your cat shows any of these behavioral changes without explaination, whisker stress may be the culprit. Monitor your cat’s interactions with its environment to pinpoint potential sources of irritation.
Caring for Cat Whiskers
Cat whiskers are delicate and should be handled gently to avoid damage. When grooming your cat, use a soft brush and make sure not to tug or pull on the whiskers. Look out for any broken or bent whiskers, as this can indicate stress or illness. According to PetCareRx, “If you notice any whiskers that are bent, broken or falling out, contact your veterinarian” [1].
Your cat’s collar should fit properly so it doesn’t rub against or compress the whiskers. Choose a lightweight, breakaway collar made of soft material. Check the collar frequently to ensure it’s not too tight.
Provide your cat with appropriate surfaces for scratching to help remove dead whiskers and encourage new growth. Place scratching posts around your home and use treats to reward your cat for using them. Trim your cat’s nails regularly to minimize damage from scratching furniture.
Monitor your cat’s whiskers and watch for any that seem overgrown or bothersome. Long whiskers crossing your cat’s field of vision may cause frustration. Speak to your vet before trimming overgrown whiskers.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is experiencing persistent whisker stress symptoms like rubbing its face on surfaces, pawing at its mouth, reduced appetite, or lethargy, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet. Sudden whisker loss, especially if localized to one side of your cat’s face, could indicate a damaged follicle or underlying medical issue that requires veterinary attention. Some health conditions that may lead to whisker loss include:
- Dental disease
- Facial trauma or infection
- Allergies
- Overgrooming/stress
- Cancer
It’s normal for cats to shed a few whiskers here and there. But if you notice multiple whiskers falling out daily or any bald patches on your cat’s muzzle, a vet visit can help diagnose and treat the cause. They can examine your cat’s face and follicles closely to check for abnormalities. Certain tests like bloodwork, biopsies or dental x-rays may be recommended if an underlying condition is suspected. With the right care from your vet, your cat’s whiskers should grow back in a few months. But medical intervention may be required to manage symptoms and make your cat comfortable until then.
Whisker Facts
Cat whiskers are quite fascinating when you look at the details. Here are some interesting facts and statistics about cat whiskers:
The longest cat whiskers can reach up to 12 inches in length! However, most house cats have whiskers between 2-6 inches long.
Breeds like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats tend to have exceptionally long whiskers compared to other breeds. This aids them in navigating wilderness environments.
There are many myths about cat whiskers, like them being connected to a cat’s balance. While important, whiskers don’t actually help cats balance. They aid in navigation and sensing stimuli.
A cat’s whiskers are highly sensitive tools that aid their ability to hunt, jump, and move around. Cutting them can cause disorientation and stress. It’s best to leave whiskers intact unless trimming is absolutely necessary.
The Importance of Preserving Whiskers
Cat whiskers serve many crucial functions related to cats’ senses, spatial awareness, and instincts. Trimming or cutting whiskers is highly discouraged, as it can impair cats’ abilities and cause disorientation, anxiety, and stress.
As we’ve covered, cat whiskers aid balance, navigation, and hunting (East Bay Times). Removing them denies cats these natural tools they rely on daily. Whiskers also detect air currents, signalling nearby movement or danger. Cutting whiskers dulls these instincts that are key to cats feeling secure.
If certain whiskers seem overgrown or damaged, resist the urge to trim. Instead, identify and mitigate the underlying cause, like anxiety overusing certain whiskers. Reduce stressors at home and redirect scratching to appropriate surfaces.
Overall, preserving whiskers is critical for cats’ health and happiness. They are not cosmetic extras but integral sensory organs. Respect your cat’s whiskers, and both you and your cat will be better for it.
