Whiskers undoubtedly make your furry baby look more cute and complete; however, know that they are designed for a great purpose and help your cat navigate its daily life in more ways than one.
Some cat owners may question if whiskers ever need trimming. Note that cat whiskers shouldn’t be cut because doing so can make a munchkin scared and disoriented.
Whiskers grow from skin pads between a feline’s nose and mouth.You may have also noticed short whiskers above your furry baby’s brows, chin, and forelegs. Old whiskers fall out, and new ones replace them naturally. They can’t feel pain but are essential for a furball’s overall health and happiness.
Should something untoward happen to your kitty’s whiskers, take it to the vet immediately. Seek their advice regarding how to make your little cat feel better and healthy again. At the same time, consider being equipped with cat insurance, so your cat is covered for a range of other health conditions that require quick and quality medical assistance.
The best pet insurance comprehensively covers a fluffy furball’s health, although it can cost a little more than the other cheaper policies, which is why you should contemplate purchasing one. Meanwhile, read this article to learn some fascinating things about cat whiskers you may not have known about before.
Fact #1 – They are typically thicker than fur
Whiskers are present in strategic areas of a cat’s body and are necessary tactile tools; they help feline fur babies to get around the place and learn about the surroundings.
They are coarser and can be about two to three times thicker than the fur in your pet’s coat. Whiskers, like other body hair, emerge from hair follicles and are embedded deep inside the skin to ensure a stable connection with a kitty’s nervous system.
Fact #2 – They form essential information transmission tools
The follicles from which whiskers grow feature many nerves and blood vessels, and the whisker ends have a sensory apparatus known as “Proprioceptors”. These sense organs provide vital information that helps a kitty move around in a particular environment.
For instance, when whiskers brush against an object, they vibrate and stimulate the nerves at the root of their follicles. This way, a furry baby can identify movement, including airflow. Whiskers can also provide a cat with information regarding the size, shape, and speed of an object it comes in contact with.
Fact #3 – They help a feline fit into compact spaces
Observe your cat’s facial features, and you will notice that the whisker length corresponds to its body width. This feature enables a furball to check if it can fit safely into a tight space.
Fact #4 – Cats can experience whisker fatigue
When something rubs against a cat’s whiskers harshly, it can experience whisker fatigue. For instance, while eating or drinking from small or deep bowls. Too much pressure on the whiskers can have an adverse health impact.
Whisker position can talk about a kitty’s mood. For instance, pulled-back and flattened whiskers indicate fright, and forward-facing and tense whiskers can say that a munchkin is ready for a hunt or duel. Don’t pull, pluck, or cut your cat’s whiskers because they are essential sensory organs. For any reason, if your cat’s whiskers are damaged, take it to the vet for guidance and treatment.
Simultaneously consider being equipped with the best pet insurance because health issues are often unpredictable. Contemplate purchasing cat insurance so getting medical help need not be a significant economic hassle during challenging health situations.