Do whiskers grow back if damaged?

Cat whiskers regrow on their own. They naturally shed, making way for the regrowth of 1-2 whiskers a month. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for new germs to appear. This process allows their sensory systems to remain symmetrical. Your kitty won't be feeling a thing during its normal shedding cycle. I notice it in my cats quite frequently.

Injury can promote difficulty in regrowth. For instance, if a whisker is torn or burned, it may return in a manner that disturbs this area of sensation because there are now larger gaps of 'sight' detected on one side versus the other. Your kitty appears lost or out of sorts. Mine walked into walls for days when cooking near a fire, and splattering hot oil burned her whiskers. Regrowth takes longer than it normally would to shed, which can be nearly a month.

Avoid trimming whiskers, no matter how quickly they grow back. Once cut, the neurological damage is crippling, and your cat loses its sense of space until they regrows. It remains impaired during the regrowth period and can cause phantom pain in the nerve endings as they regenerate. This is something I learned after my cats showed signs of stress after grooming mishaps.

Aid regrowth by making adjustments to their environment. Make paths clear, even inside your home. Place ramps over steps & furniture so that they can easily navigate around in low-light conditions. My cat was convalescing, and I put nightlights out. Avoid exposure to any stressful conditions until her full function returns, otherwise. Allow for full restoration of the sense.

These biological wonders maintain themselves efficiently. Trust their natural cycles. Prevent damage with household precautions. Today is a good day to ensure any hazardous areas are safe. Your cat won't navigate very well with no whiskers. Watch for your own kitty's shedding, and you'll really appreciate these forays into nature.

Read the full article: 10 Purposes of Cat Whiskers: Why They Matter