“Do Cat Whiskers Grow Back?” & Other Important Questions Answered

Cats are unique animals. They’re agile, full of personality, and (usually) affectionate companions. And they’re not without their quirks.

Like their tendency to lounge in the most inconspicuous of places. Or jet around the house in the middle of the night. Or lose a whisker or two for seemingly no reason at all.

That’s why many cat owners are familiar with the quick Google search for random questions, like “do whiskers grow back” and “why is my cat acting weird”.

So, we’re here to put some of the questions to rest in this article. 

Why Might a Cat Lose its Whiskers?

Photo by Calvin Chai on Unsplash

Like human hair, a cat’s whiskers can fall out through natural shedding. However, there are a few other reasons why a cat might lose its whiskers:

• Breakage: A cat’s whiskers can break if they rub against a hard/rough surface, or if they get into a fight with another animal. 
• Grooming: Whiskers are sometimes accidentally damaged or pulled out during rigorous grooming.
• Medical conditions: Certain illnesses and/or nutritional deficiencies can cause hair and whisker loss in cats.
• Injury: Impact to the face or whisker area can result in the loss of whiskers.

What are Cat Whiskers Made of?

Cat whiskers are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. They are thick hairs – called vibrissae — that extend deep into the skin, and rooted in hair follicles surrounded by sensory cells. These sensory cells allow whiskers to act as sensors, helping cats detect movement and respond to their environment.

Does Losing Whiskers Hurt the Cat?

In general, no. If a cat loses a whisker through shedding or regular grooming, this typically won’t hurt them, as the whiskers do not contain nerves. 

However, whiskers are deeply rooted in the skin surrounded by nerve endings and blood vessels, so if a whisker is forcibly removed or damaged, this can cause pain and discomfort to the cat. Whiskers play a crucial role in a cat’s spatial awareness and navigation, so damaging or removing whiskers can be very disorienting.

So, Can Cat Whiskers Grow Back?

Yes, if a whisker is lost or broken, it will typically regenerate over time. However, it’s important to not remove or cut a cat’s whiskers on purpose, as this can still be very distressing for a period of time.

What to do if your Cat Loses their Whiskers

If your cat loses one or more whiskers, there is usually no need to worry. Whiskers naturally fall out and grow back over time. 

That said, here are a few tips to maintain your cat’s happiness and well-being:

• Look out for signs of discomfort. If you notice changes in behaviour that might indicate disorientation or stress, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions.
• Examine the area where the whisker was lost for any signs of injury, redness, swelling, or infection.
• Make sure your cat's environment is free from sharp or dangerous objects that could damage whiskers.
• Avoid over-grooming or otherwise make your regular groomer aware if your cat has a tendency to lose whiskers during grooming.

If your cat is losing multiple whiskers, appears to be in discomfort, or shows signs of illness, it’s best to seek veterinary advice to rule out underlying health issues.

When a Cat Losing its Whiskers Might be Cause for Alarm

A cat losing a whisker or two on a rare occasion usually isn’t cause for alarm. However, in the presence of other signs or symptoms, it may be important to consider other conditions.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment for your cat.

Excessive whisker loss

Cats naturally shed whiskers, but if you notice a significant increase in the number of whiskers falling out, it could indicate an underlying issue. If your cat loses all of its whiskers at once, this may be a troubling sign that something is wrong.

Skin problems

If the whisker loss is accompanied by redness, swelling, sores, or scabs around the whisker area, it could be a sign of skin infection. Such causes may include mites, allergies, or other dermatological conditions.

Similarly, if your cat is losing whiskers along with patches of fur, this could be due to conditions like ringworm, mange, or other fungal infections.

Behavioural changes

If your cat exhibits significant changes in behaviour along with whisker loss, this could be a sign that something is wrong. Such signs might include increased scratching, excessive grooming, lethargy, anxiety, or changes in eating habits.

Physical trauma

If the whisker loss is due to physical trauma, such as fights with other animals, accidents, or rough handling, this might give cause to take your cat to the vet. You want to make sure your cat has not also experienced a significant injury or traumatic event. 

Care for your Cat, Whiskers and All

If a cat experiences significant whisker loss accompanied by additional symptoms such as skin irritation, patches of hair loss, or behavioural changes, it's best to take them to the vet just in case. Even though cat whiskers grow back, you want to rule out any serious medical problems.

A cat losing its whiskers, plus any of these signs, could indicate underlying health issues such as infections, allergies, parasites, or systemic illnesses. These require a professional diagnosis and treatment. 

Having pet insurance can be particularly valuable in these situations, as it helps mitigate the financial burden of veterinary visits, diagnostic tests, and treatments. Pet insurance plans like PHI Direct ensure that you can provide timely and comprehensive care for your cat without the stress of unexpected expenses. Get a quote for reliable cat insurance today!