What are cat whiskers used for?

Do cats' whiskers grow?

One of the most sensitive and special parts of a cat's structure are its whiskers or vibrissae. This part of the feline anatomy contains a series of nerve receptors with the primary function of detecting the precision and movement of any object around them. They are a very valuable tool for their survival, as they offer the ability to identify and detect air currents. Additionally, one of the benefits that whiskers provide to cats is that they complement their sense of sight, helping them to hunt. Moreover, they provide extra information about their surroundings and complement their ability to determine if they can fit into small spaces.

Just like hair or nails, a cat's whiskers grow and renew themselves periodically, so if you find one somewhere in your home, don't worry because it's quite normal. As an interesting fact, the total number of whiskers a cat can have ranges between 17 and 25, all evenly distributed on both sides of the nose. Additionally, in the eyebrow area, they usually have some hairs that complement the functions of recognizing the space where they are. Therefore, a cat's whiskers are one of the most important parts of their anatomy.

Can cats' whiskers be cut?

If you have ever considered cutting your cat's whiskers, never do it, as you could seriously harm their well-being and put their life at risk. In this list are some of the consequences of cutting a cat's whiskers:

• They cannot gauge the temperature of their food, so they may accidentally burn themselves.

• They will find it difficult to recognize their surroundings.

• Without perceiving depth and distances, they may be at an increased risk of accidents or getting stuck in tight spaces.

• Inability to accurately gauge distances may lead to unsuccessful hunting attempts when following their instincts to pounce on prey.

• Difficulty navigating in the dark.

• It may affect them emotionally.

Some of these situations can occur in a cat without whiskers, so you should never cut a cat's whiskers. Additionally, the numerous benefits that whiskers provide to cats help them perform the following activities:

• Communicate with other cats for reproduction.

• Express their emotions with their environment.

• Walk stealthily in the darkness.

• Calculate distances and the depth of spaces.

• Familiarize themselves with the territory where they interact.

• Construct 3D images.

• Remain alert and protect offspring from threats.

• Hunt for survival.

  Although it may seem like just another part of the body, a cat's whiskers help them grow and develop alongside other animals and objects.

Why is my cat's whiskers falling out?

It's normal for your cat to shed whiskers at certain stages of their life, although it's recommended to consult a veterinarian for a check-up to determine the main cause of whisker loss. Some reasons for a cat's whisker loss include:

• Fur shedding: Cats shed their fur twice a year, typically with the changes in seasons from warm to cold and vice versa.

• Stress: Sudden changes can cause stress in cats, which can manifest as excessive hair loss, including whisker loss.

• Skin allergies: When a cat suffers from dermatitis or another type of allergy, it's normal for both their fur and whiskers to fall out.

Although they may go unnoticed, a cat's whiskers facilitate the completion of certain tasks for their survival, such as hunting, analyzing their environment, or expressing their moods.

In summary, some parts of cats are specifically designed to assist them and provide resources for their survival. An example can be found in whiskers, which although may appear to serve no purpose, are crucial for their development within their environment. For this reason, a cat's whiskers are very important.