A cat’s whiskers, also called vibrissae, are fascinating touch receptors that help cats move around in the dark or in threatening situations. You might be wondering why your cat’s whiskers are so long, or if cat whiskers fall out. If so, you’ve come to the right place. A cat’s whiskers are very important and sensitive, and understanding their function is crucial.

If you want to know more about your cat’s whiskers, you’ve come to the right place! Here at AnimalWised, we’ll be discussing what cat whiskers are, why your cat’s whiskers are so long, and what happens if you cut a cat’s whiskers. Keep reading to learn more!

Do cat whiskers grow back?

Cats’ whiskers are known to fall out from time to time, but don’t worry – they will grow back! Whiskers are thicker and more tactile than other hairs on a cat’s body, but they grow in the same way. So, if your cat’s whiskers have fallen out, don’t fret – they will be back in no time!

Why do my cat’s whiskers fall out?

When your cat sheds its hair, it may also shed a few whiskers. A cat typically has 8-12 whiskers on each cheek. If you notice your cat shedding hair and losing some whiskers, don’t worry! This is normal.

There are other factors that may explain why your cat has lost some whiskers. If your cat has lost some whiskers and is also showing other symptoms, such as sores, dry patches, or skin sensitivity, this needs to be addressed. Some more severe reasons for why your cat is losing whiskers include:

Animal fights, mites on cats, alopecia, and feline dermatitis can all cause cats to lose their whiskers. Hypothyroidism is a less common but more serious reason for whisker loss in cats. If you believe your cat’s whisker loss may be due to a more severe condition, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Why do cats have whiskers?

Did you know that cat whiskers are actually called vibrissae? And did you also know that they’re not just found on each side of a cat’s muzzle? These thicker hairs can also be found on other parts of a cat’s body, like their legs and tail. These hairs usually measure the width of a feline’s body, therefore allowing them to gauge spaces in which they can fit and pass.

Vibrissae are cat sensors that help the feline to identify objects and spaces around them by way of pressure-sensitive nerve endings at the root or base of each whisker. The shaft of a cat’s whiskers are made of keratin, which does not contain any nerves, as opposed to the root/base.

One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding a cat’s whiskers is, “How many whiskers does a cat have?” A typical feline has between 16 and 24 whiskers, which are distributed evenly on both sides of the snout. These vibrissae are typically formed in two neat rows on each side of a cat’s snout.

A cat’s whiskers are a great tool for helping us humans read our felines. A cat’s mood is often expressed through their whiskers. For example, if your cat’s whiskers are relaxed, so are they. If, however, they are straight, tense and facing forward, your cat is alert. An angry cat will have its whiskers flatten to its face. For more about what your cat is showing through its body language, take a look at our article: Cat body language, with examples and pictures!

Why are my cat’s whiskers so long?

A cat’s whiskers are a very important part of their anatomy. They use them to gauge the width of spaces and help them navigate in the dark. If your cat’s whiskers are very long, there is nothing to worry about. In fact, it is perfectly normal for some cat breeds, like Maine Coons, to have longer whiskers. Whatever you do, do not cut them. Keep reading to find out more about why you SHOULDN’T cut your cat’s whiskers.

What happens if you cut a cat’s whiskers?

Although it may look painful, cutting a cat’s whiskers does not hurt them. Whiskers are like other hair on a cat’s body, except they are thicker and serve a different purpose. There are no nerves along a cat’s whiskers, so there is no risk of bleeding or pain.

However, if you cut a cat’s whiskers, you put the cat in a situation where they lose their ability to orient themselves correctly in space. This means that by cutting a cat’s whiskers, they will lose the ability to perceive anything close due to their weak close-vision. If you cut a cat’s whiskers, they will not be able to differentiate between objects which are close or far from them, in addition to struggling to know whether or not they will fit correctly into a space. If you cut your cat’s whiskers, you will not only be causing them pain, but also impairing their ability to function properly in their environment.

Cat whiskers facts: myths about cat whiskers

As we have seen, a cat’s whiskers are very special and necessary. This is why we have decided to list some false myths about cat whiskers that every cat owner should be aware of:

They do not grow back after cutting or falling: This is not true, a cat’s whiskers do grow back.

When cut they hurt and bleed: a cat’s whisker does not hold nerve endings along the hair, only at its root.

It is okay to cut a cat’s whiskers: NOT IT IS NOT. Do not cut your cat’s whiskers.