{"id":6037,"date":"2023-07-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-31T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hartz-v2.local7\/the-story-behind-your-cats-whiskers\/"},"modified":"2025-06-10T15:35:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T15:35:16","slug":"why-do-cats-have-whiskers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hartz.com\/en-ca\/why-do-cats-have-whiskers\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Why

Whiskers act as a built-in GPS to help cats navigate the world.<\/p><\/div>\n

Whiskers are specialized hairs that serve many purposes. The tips of a cat\u2019s whiskers relay signals to her brain and communicate more information about her surroundings, such as how much space there is to maneuver. They almost act like an insect\u2019s antennae! Find out more about the primary function of whiskers and how they act as a built-in GPS to help cats navigate the world around them.<\/p>\n

What is the Purpose of a Cat\u2019s Whiskers?<\/h3>\n

Also called \u201cvibrissae,\u201d whiskers are long, stiff, yet flexible hairs located between the corners of a cat\u2019s mouth and outer edges of the nose. They can also be found under the chin, above both eyes and on their hind legs \u2013 all areas which are rich in nerves.<\/p>\n

Felines have between 16 and 24 whiskers in their lifetime, all of which match their body width so they can determine if they will fit between certain gaps without getting trapped. Whiskers also serve as a warning system to a cat when she\u2019s sleeping, as they alert her if something is approaching her face in the darkness so she\u2019s not caught off-guard.<\/p>\n

Cat whiskers also serve the important purpose of helping the cat keep her balance by sending messages to the brain about the specific positions of the cat\u2019s legs and body, even playing a big role on helping the cat always land on her feet!<\/p>\n

Do Cat Whiskers Fall Out?<\/h3>\n

Because whiskers are just specialized hairs, yes, they do fall out from time to time. Like other hairs, they can break or otherwise become damaged, so they no longer work how they should and are no longer useful to the cat. You may have found a few on your floor or furniture over the years if you\u2019ve shared your home with a cat for a while. This is totally normal and nothing to be concerned about. In fact, some people even consider finding a cat\u2019s whisker to be good luck! However, if your cat is losing many whiskers at a time or losing them more frequently than every so often, it could indicate a medical issue such as allergies or a skin condition, and you should involve your veterinarian.<\/p>\n

Do Cat Whiskers Grow Back?<\/h3>\n

Because whiskers emulate a sense of touch for cats, it\u2019s important that you never trim or cut them. Even though it doesn\u2019t hurt to have whiskers cut or damaged, since they\u2019re just hair, it can be detrimental to your cat\u2019s balance and senses. However, if your cat loses a whisker or if you accidentally damage or pull one out, don\u2019t worry. They will grow back if cut or damaged. It typically takes between six and twelve weeks for a whisker to fully grow back after falling out.<\/p>\n

How Do Whiskers Relate to Body Language?<\/h3>\n
\"Why

A cat\u2019s whiskers are also a good indicator of how she\u2019s feeling.<\/p><\/div>\n

Aside from communicating her mood through purring, hissing, or other forms of body language<\/a>, a cat\u2019s whiskers are also a good indicator of how she\u2019s feeling.<\/p>\n

Relaxed whiskers (standing still and straight out) mean your cat is content and happy. Whiskers pushed forward tensely indicate she\u2019s on the prowl to hunt. If you notice the whiskers are pulled back along her cheeks, she\u2019s stressed or afraid. When evaluating your cat\u2019s body language, however, remember that whisker position is only a small piece of the puzzle. Pay close attention to the cat\u2019s ears, tail, eyes, and body, too and consider the context of the situation.<\/p>\n

What Else Should I Know About Cat Whiskers?<\/h3>\n

Whiskers are very sensitive, so take care when petting your cat and handle them gently and with care. They\u2019re so sensitive, in fact, that your cat may experience something called \u201cwhisker fatigue.\u201d This can occur when unnecessary or frequent stress is placed on the whiskers. The most common time this occurs is when the cat is eating or drinking. Have you ever noticed that your cat only eats from the center of the bowl, then pretends it\u2019s empty while there is still plenty of food around the perimeter of the bowl? That could be from whisker fatigue and a reluctance to touch her whiskers to the side of the bowl<\/a> to eat. You can choose a flat dish so that the whiskers won\u2019t press against the sides as your cat is eating or drinking.<\/p>\n

Whiskers are both fascinating and adorable parts of your cat\u2019s body and serve many important purposes. Next time you\u2019re enjoying your kitty\u2019s company, take some time to admire and appreciate these important and sensitive hairs!<\/p>\n \n

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