What is the role of a cat's whiskers? Is it okay to cut them? What are the different types of whiskers?

"If you cut a cat's whiskers, it won't be able to walk." Have you ever heard that before?

If you take a closer look at a cat's face, you'll definitely see that they have impressive whiskers. Why is it that if you cut a cat's whiskers, they become unable to walk? Is their role different from human beards?

In this article, I'd like to explain in detail the role of a cat's whiskers.

The Structure of Cat Whiskers

A cat has about 50 to 60 whiskers all over its body, also known as "vibrissae."

The roots of the whiskers are like sacs filled with fluid, and the whiskers grow as if floating in them. Since nerves and blood vessels pass through them, they are designed to sensitively detect anything that touches the whiskers.

A cat's whiskers can sense even slight changes in air currents and act as high-performance sensors. They are not just decorative hairs but are very important.

Types of Cat Whiskers

When we talk about "cat whiskers," we usually think of the whiskers on a cat's plump "ω" area. This area is called the whisker pad, and it's a trademark that condenses a cat's cuteness.

In fact, besides the whisker pads, whiskers also grow on the eyebrows, cheekbones, chin, and corners of the mouth, totaling five types of whiskers.

I will introduce each of them by name.

Superciliary Whiskers

Long whiskers that grow above a cat's eyes. They act as sensors to protect the eyes and head, and when something touches them, the cat reflexively closes its eyes.

Genal Whiskers

One or two hairs growing below the side of the eyes. They are used to detect danger to the side of the face, but some cats do not have them.

Mystacial Whiskers

These are the whiskers on the "ω" part, which is a cat's trademark. There are 24 of them on both sides combined, and they play a role in detecting obstacles before the body, among other things.

Mandibular Whiskers

Short whiskers also grow on the chin. They serve to protect the throat from injury by obstacles under the chin when the cat walks low to the ground.

Carpal Whiskers

A few whiskers grow just above the mystacial whiskers. They help detect obstacles on the side of the face, but since they are prone to falling out, some cats do not have them.

Five Roles of Cat Whiskers

Cats have five types of whiskers, but what specific roles do they play?

They play very important roles, so it's good to know about them.

Role in Maintaining Balance

Cats can walk in unstable or dark places because their whiskers act as sensors, helping them maintain their balance. It is also said that they sense air currents with their whiskers when jumping and landing.

Role in Measuring Whether a Space is Passable

If you connect a cat's whiskers with a line, it forms a circle. When passing through a narrow space, they spread their whiskers to check if they can pass. If the whiskers don't touch, then their body can also pass. A cat's excellent spatial awareness is thanks to its whiskers.

Role in Detecting Prey and Enemies

A cat's whiskers are very high-performing and can detect even slight vibrations in the air. They can sensitively perceive obstacles in the dark or prey moving in the shadows. They are truly hunters.

Role in Protecting the Eyes

A cat's whiskers are connected to nerves. If they detect something near their face, they can instantly close their eyelids to protect their eyes. Additionally, whiskers help prevent debris from entering the eyes.

Role in Expressing Emotions

When a cat is engrossed in play or prey, its whiskers poke forward as it tries to gather a lot of information. Conversely, when it feels fear, tension builds around its mouth, and the whiskers point backward.

When relaxed, they naturally droop downwards. This is similar to how human mouth corners rise and fall.

Is It Okay to Cut a Cat's Whiskers?

As explained so far, a cat's whiskers play a very important role.

Newborn kittens don't have much body hair, but they do have prominent whiskers. That's how essential a cat's whiskers are for its survival.

Therefore, you should absolutely never cut a cat's whiskers.

Cats whose whiskers have been cut can bump into obstacles, lose their balance and be unable to jump, become unable to hunt, or be unable to move in dark places.

It's heartbreaking to imagine a cat's natural movements being restricted. Cats that lose confidence may curl up in a corner of the room or even become depressed.

Cutting or plucking a cat's whiskers is an absolute no-no!

What if a Cat's Whiskers Are Cut?

You might accidentally cut a whisker while brushing, or a whisker might get cut during a cat fight. These things can happen.

Although nerves and blood vessels run through the base of a cat's whiskers, cutting them doesn't cause pain. Nevertheless, the shock of losing important whiskers can be significant for a cat.

They will eventually grow back, but until then, be careful of narrow or high places.

What if a Cat's Whiskers Are Falling Out?

A cat's whiskers shed and regrow about every six months. If you find them on the floor or bed, there's usually no need to worry.

However, it's important to note that whiskers can also fall out due to illness or stress.

For example, if "feline acne" (cat chin acne) becomes severe, whiskers and fur can fall out. Also, "feline AIDS (FIV)" can sometimes cause whiskers to fall out.

If you find a large number of your cat's whiskers falling out, consult your veterinarian.

Summary

A cat's whiskers are high-precision sensors that play important roles in self-protection and maintaining balance. Therefore, you should absolutely never cut a cat's whiskers.

It has long been said that "if a cat washes its face, it will rain." This comes from the fact that a cat's whiskers are sensitive to humidity, and cats meticulously groom them.

If whiskers droop due to humidity, their performance decreases. For a cat, this is a matter of life and death. That's how essential a cat's whiskers are for its survival.

While cats' whiskers are essential, they are also something owners feel attached to. The Poponeko official online shop sells cases for storing shed cat whiskers. Please consider incorporating them as an item to enjoy your life with your cat!

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