Whiskers essential to cats' navigation

jkochBy Dr. John Koch

Question: I have two mischievous little boys who used scissors to cut the whiskers off of our cat the other day. I have always been told that the whiskers of a cat are important and should not be cut. Our cat seems OK. How important are whiskers to a cat?

Answer: Cat's whiskers are a sensitive and important part of a cat's navigational abilities. These bristly facial hairs are sensitive feelers that have radar-like properties. They allow cats to perceive even microscopic motion. It has been stated that a cat's whisker only has to move 1/2,000 the width of a human hair to be felt by the cat. They are extremely important in allowing cats to move around effectively at night without bumping into things. They detect wind and air currents allowing the cat to compensate when jumping so that it will land in the desired spot. It is believed that whiskers help a cat locate the exact spot from which odors are coming. Whiskers are believed to allow cats to judge through which narrow passages it can pass without becoming stuck.

Cats are known to be extremely efficient hunters. Cats that have had their whiskers removed can still hunt effectively during the day; however, their hunting ability at night is seriously impaired. In addition, cats use their whiskers to demonstrate expression and emotion. If a cat meets another cat it does not like, it will fully extend its whiskers as a threatening display.

It is also important to know that smaller whisker-like hairs are located on the back of cat's front feet. These are also sensitive and important to the cat's hunting prowess.

Some people describe cats as having a sixth sense. Others have considered them to be mysterious and almost supernatural in their abilities. Whiskers are responsible for some of these traits. From what has been said, it should be easy to understand why a cat's whiskers should not be removed.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau- area veterinarian.