How should I care for my cat's whiskers?
Written by
Susan Taylor
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.Cat's whiskers deserve special consideration when it comes to preventing damage. No protective scrapes against walls or door frames are required during daily activities. Bowl selection is also important. Cats should be fed and watered from wide, shallow dishes so they do not bend their sensitive whiskers while eating or drinking from deep bowls. When holding your cat, avoid brushing up against whiskers, and never pull on or trim them. I use flat ceramic plates for food and water, removing whisker fatigue entirely from the equation.
Environmental adaptations prevent accidents. Remove narrow passages under furnishings. Shield sharp table edges where whiskers might get caught. Create open spaces to encourage comfortable ambulation. I padded the corners of the cabinets when I realized my cat was slender enough and determined enough to contact them with his whiskers. Be sure to explain to your children that the whiskers are off limits, and it is best to supervise their encounters to prevent accidents involving pulling.
Feeding Solutions
- Use dishes wider than 6 inches
- Elevate bowls to natural head height
- Choose ceramic or stainless steel materials
Safe Handling
- Pet along whisker direction not against
- Avoid face squeezing during cuddling
- Never cut or trim whiskers
Home Safety
- Eliminate tight spaces under furniture
- Pad sharp corners and edges
- Keep high-traffic areas clutter-free
Check regularly for shedding issues. Natural shedding occurs at a rate of 1 to 2 whiskers per month. An irregular pattern could indicate a problem. Check at least once a week for broken and/or bent whiskers. My cat developed a problem after he broke some new whiskers (and I didn't notice right away). Contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual patterns or visible inflammation.
A few grooming techniques also come into play in this situation. First, avoid any brushes in the areas near the whiskers that catch and pull. Never cut any mats near the bases of whiskers; instead, use a detangling spray to remove them gently. I learned the hard way when my long-haired cat developed mats! Reputable and qualified groomers are well aware of the need for "whisker protection protocols."
Sent your kitty out to play? Protect those whiskers! Avoid toys with intolerably constricting holes. Stay clear of cruel elastic strings that might, even slightly, snap back in your child's face! Always supervise the interactions of the small children in your life. My niece learned to respect whiskers through directed play sessions. These sensory treasures are thereafter in your stewardship through their very lives!
Read the full article: 10 Purposes of Cat Whiskers: Why They Matter
