What Impact Does Missing Whiskers Have on a Cat?

Whiskers are part of a cat's survival mechanism. They're responsible for everything from communicating to navigating. Even though the most notable whiskers are on their cheeks, cats also have whiskers on their legs, chin, paws and eyes. Trimming a cat's whiskers can seriously impair him and affect his well-being. The whiskers do grow back, but this can take several weeks.

  1. Impaired Equilibrium and Navigation

    • Whiskers help a cat maintain his equilibrium. If a cat's whiskers are missing, he becomes disoriented and may fall over. He may have problems jumping, running or walking straight. A cat with missing whiskers is also prone to navigational problems. Cats sense their surroundings with their whiskers. They help them assess the shape and size of objects and estimate distances. With missing whiskers it becomes harder for a cat to figure out whether he fits through a narrow space or not.

    Lack of Communication

    • A cat uses his whiskers to communicate and express his feelings. Whiskers that point up and forward indicate that your cat in an aggressive mood; whiskers that point down and forward indicate that your cat is content and enjoying the affection you're showing him; whiskers pulled back toward the cheeks tell you that your cat is defensive or angry. With missing whiskers a cat may not be able to properly get his feelings across.

    Hunting Problems

    • Whiskers assist cats while hunting. While holding onto the prey in his mouth, a cat's whiskers can help him sense whether the trapped animal is alive or dead. If the animal is alive, a cat's whiskers can indicate whether he can kill it and in which location to bite it to do so. A cat with missing whiskers may have problems hunting for prey. He may bite the animal in a wrong location and not properly kill it.

    Trouble Moving at Night

    • Missing whiskers can impair a cat at nighttime. Cats have better night vision than humans, but in addition to their eyes, they use their whiskers to navigate at night. Whiskers are especially important to blind cats. Paired with their sense of smell and hearing, their whiskers are their walking cane both during the day and at night. They help them sense changes in the environment.