2007-01-07 14:33:26 · 11 answers · asked by dino8623 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
One of your kids trimmed kitty's whiskers? That happens a lot. After about a month, the whickers will be long enough to be operational.
2007-01-07 15:24:40 · answer #1 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whiskers should never be cut or trimmed, they are also known as "tactile hairs". Whiskers help the cat feel his way around. Whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect the
slightest directional change in a breeze. At night, for example, this helps a cat slink its way through a room and not bump into anything. How? The air currents in the room change depending on where pieces of furniture are located. As the cat walks through the room and approaches the couch, he'll know which direction to turn based on the change in air current around the couch.
In addition to having sensory properties, a cat's whiskers are also a good indicator of his mood. When a cat is angry or feels defensive, the whiskers will be pulled back. Otherwise, when the cat is happy, curious or content, the whiskers will be more relaxed and pushed forward.
But the whisker's primary use is to help a cat judge whether or not he'll fit through an opening. A cat's whiskers are roughly as wide as his body -- sort of a natural ruler. The whisker tips are
sensitive to pressure. You'll probably see a cat stick his head in and out of an opening before he puts his body in. He's judging the width of the opening, and is determining if he can fit into it.
An interesting note: cats don't have a true collar bone, like humans. This allows them to turn and twist their way through very narrow openings.
2007-01-07 22:37:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No idea but don't do it. Whiskers help cats sense if they can pass through an opening or not. The whiskers are as wide as their bodies, so it is a sensor to them. If they were cut, they would get stuck all the time because their whiskers would fit. No need to cut them, they fall out on their own.
2007-01-07 22:53:32 · answer #3 · answered by Rhode Island Red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHY , WHY WHY would u trim it's whiskers??? that s just not something that 's supposed to happen . they NEED their whiskers to feel . the whiskers are like sensors on thier face. poor kitty . . unfortunately my nephew did that to one of my cats before and it took like 5 to 6 months to grow back . so take care of ur Cat!!
2007-01-07 22:41:24 · answer #4 · answered by a_lara0304 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some one trimmed one of my cat's whiskers, and they never grew back. We had to keep special watch on him, because he would get himself caught in between the wall and refrigerator, since he had no sensors to tell him that space was too small for him to fit into.
2007-01-07 22:43:50 · answer #5 · answered by KS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Takes awhile, but I don't suggest doing it! I did it when I was younger to one of my cats and it never came back. I found out later that whiskers not only aid in the cat's equilibrium, but also finding it's way around!
2007-01-08 03:57:57 · answer #6 · answered by Penelope 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSSED TO CUT THE WHISKERS! Whiskers have nerve endings in them to help the cat feel his environment. Cutting them would be the same as someone cutting off our fingertips.
2007-01-07 22:36:50 · answer #7 · answered by Amy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you trim their whiskers? they need them and I think it's also painful for them to be trimmed. As I understand it, they are sensors for the kitties. Don't be cruel!
2007-01-07 22:35:18 · answer #8 · answered by Compassionate Chick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont touch that kitty's whiskers he needs them for balance
2007-01-07 22:39:17 · answer #9 · answered by kd baby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im not sure, but why were they trimmed. Your not supposed to cut those....
2007-01-07 22:35:40 · answer #10 · answered by paradiseintn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋