What is the function of the cat's whiskers?

 What is the function of the cat's whiskers?

Tracy Wilkins

Can you cut your cat's whiskers? No - no - no! To many people's surprise, a cat's whiskers have several very important characteristics for the animal's daily life. It is thanks to the whiskers, in fact, that your kitty has the ability to balance on shelves and perceive changes in the environment even in the dark or at a distance. Understand better how the cat's whiskers work, part of the cat's body.indispensable body for the well-being of felines!

What is a cat's whiskers for?

One thing we can be sure of: nature has been very generous with felines. In addition to making pets more charming, the cat's mustache also has several uses that make the pet's daily life easier. Among the benefits provided by the wires, are the improvement in the animal's balance and a great sense of space.

It is possible to observe that the length of the whiskers, in most cases, corresponds to the same length as the widest part of the feline's body. This characteristic makes the animal have the ability to calculate distances and routes more efficiently. In this way, the kitten knows exactly where to pass without getting hurt (or stuck). Of course, as always, there are exceptions. In the case of aOverweight cat, for example, this spatial notion may be impaired.

The cat's moustache also serves as an antenna for the pet. The 24 hairs on average form a tactile organ that vibrates under any changes in the air in the environment. Each hair located on the cat's muzzle has deep roots in an area full of sensory cells, making it possible to perceive information such as wind strength and orientation. Thanks to this ability, the feline is not held hostage byother senses, including sight and hearing, to hunt or face possible threats.

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What happens if you cut your cat's whiskers?

Just as an overweight cat can have its balance and sense of space impaired by the absence of a proportionate moustache, felines with trimmed hairs will also suffer from the same problem. A kitten with a clipped moustache will feel lost and disoriented. The hair on the animal's muzzle is essential for its tactile notions and its sense of stability.

Don't underestimate the consequences of cutting a feline's whiskers! This idea can be much more dangerous than you think. The pet may end up hurting itself by miscalculating a jump or getting stuck somewhere because it loses track of its own size. The attitude can also cause several psychological consequences in the kitten. After all, this type of situation tends to cause feelings such asfrustration and irritability in the animal, which is used to being agile in its movements.

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In the same way that people need to be patient and wait for their hair to grow back after an unfortunate haircut, kittens with trimmed moustaches will also be at the mercy of time. Reactions to haircuts are irremediable, so the only way to reverse the situation is to wait for the moustache to grow and return to its original size. Therefore, it is worth emphasizing: do not trim the kitten's whiskers!

Cat's mustache and its special care - learn how to preserve the pet's hair!

Always keep in mind the importance of the mustache for the kitten! This will help you filter out certain games that may bother the animal. The Paws of the House understands the temptation to touch the pet's mustache, however, avoid interacting too much with the pet's hair. The hairs are quite sensitive and any contact can already be felt by the cat.

Invest in shallow and wide feeders and drinkers, so that your cat has less chance of brushing against them! You'll notice how cats prefer this type of accessory at mealtimes. It's also essential to maintain your kitty's hygiene and nutrition, preventing hair loss or breakage before the changeover period.

Curiosities about the cat's mustache: check it out!

  • The cat's "mustache" is not exactly a mustache: Most mammals have long hairs located on the head, which receive the scientific name of vibrissa. In cats, they are located partly on the muzzle and are popularly known as the moustache, but in humans the vibrissae correspond to the hairs on the nose.
  • Weak whiskers can be a sign of illness: early shedding or breakage of hair from the cat's whiskers are indications that something is not right. The problem may be caused by a nutritional deficiency or other type of dysfunction. Do not hesitate to take the animal to the vet!
  • Some cats don't have whiskers: Sphynx cats, known for their lack of fur or the presence of smaller hairs, do not have a moustache. In this case, cats have other devices to compensate for the lack of vibrissae and maintain balance, such as their slender body and long ears.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.