What is whisker fatigue?

Whisker fatigue occurs when constant overstimulation exhaust a cat's brain. This isn't their whiskers giving out but the nerves overload just like a migraine does for us. Again, whiskers come into play: the narrower the food bowl, the more likely your cat's whiskers touch the rim causing the irritation. I noticed it in my cat when he wouldn't take the fancy feast from the deep dish.

Among the most common triggers are cramped feeding stations, bowls touching whiskers with every bite, busy environments, chaotic stimuli, and even frequent contact of petting paws near the base of their whiskers. All of these assaults their hypersensitive, responsive nerves, which trigger a biological system shutdown response. My cats would retreat to dark rooms until they could reset.

Prevention is all about lowering stimulation. Choose extensive dishes that are at least 6 inches across, and raise food stations to your natural head height. Use ceramic or stainless steel. I switched to flat plates and symptoms ceased immediately. Make quiet feeding zones far away from the hubbub.

Recovery requires temporary adjustment. How can I help my cat? Eliminate triggers during episodes. Feed on flat surfaces for the time being. Hydrate with wet food. My kitty recovered overnight and no longer associates eating with wanting at home. Respect their need for sensory breaks. Never push if they seem tired.

Whisker sensitivity can be seen as a biological imperative. The density of nerves in their whiskers leads to this sensitivity. The next step is to provide permanent feeding solutions. Begin by measuring the bowls you currently use. Observe their feeding behavior closely. A cat feeling uncomfortable eating is dependent upon this condition.

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