Do Cats Feel Pain in Their Whiskers? Here’s What You Need to Know!

It is not unreasonable to believe that cats’ whiskers can be sensitive. They are always moving, especially when your cat is interested in something. They don’t feel pain just because they twitch. They are vital for your pet’s health. Your cat can’t feel any pain in its whiskers, as there aren’t nerves. They are there to prevent pain and discomfort.

Anatomy of Whiskers

Whiskers are made from a special protein called Keratin. This chemical compound is responsible for many skin modifications such as hair, claws, and feathers. Whiskers are thicker, longer type of hair that grows from the epidermis or dermis layers of an animal’s skin. Although it is contained within a hair follicle, it is deeper than one single hair.

Your cat’s whiskers will vary depending on the breed. The average cat has 12 whiskers. They will be found above and around your cat’s eyes, ears, and bottom of its front legs. Missi, a Maine Coon cat, measured 7.5 inches. You might be wondering what they do or why they are there.

Whiskers’ Purpose

Whiskers are a sensory function that a cat uses to extend their tactile senses. They can be thought of as an extension of their senses of touch. They use them for spotting things in the environment. They are better at seeing things close up than far away. They are also able to move in darkness much more effectively than humans.

Whiskers are an essential part of a cat’s tactile arsenal. Proprioceptors are special sensors that allow animals to locate their limbs. These sensors transmit this information to the brain and also detect vibrations in the air or space around them. A feline can hunt in low-light conditions because of its excellent night vision.

Cats can avoid getting into things by using their whiskers. They can warn cats of dangers and alert them if there is an opening that is too small. They also provide information about the location of objects around them in relation to their bodies. The spacing of each whisker allows them to determine the spatial relationship between anything in their immediate surroundings.

Cats use their whiskers to express their emotions, which is quite interesting. If your pet’s hairs stand up in fear, you can tell what it is thinking. Felines also flaunt their whiskers to make them appear larger and more dangerous. If your pet is curious, it’s likely that its whiskers are on high alert. You might see a new smell or object in your house that triggers a similar reaction.

Whisker Care

Even though they have the same protein as their claws you shouldn’t trim cats’ whiskers. It is not likely that your pet would be hurt by it. It would actually hinder your pet’s ability to navigate the world. The whiskers’ length serves a crucial purpose.

It’s a different story to pull or pluck your hair. It’s similar to the uncomfortable feeling you get when something catches your hair. Because whiskers are embedded in the animal’s skin, it’s even worse. Your cat may not be very comfortable with you touching them. Whisker fatigue is a condition that can cause excessive stimulation of the senses.

Last Thoughts

Cats are adept at navigating the world thanks to their whiskers. They have 12 filaments that provide them with lots of information to explore the environment. They act as navigators and protectors. It is safe to say that they would find it difficult to travel without them. A furry feline with long whiskers is adorable, right?