Getting cheeky with it…… What’s the real deal with those fabulous whiskers?

 For me one of the first things that catches my eye on a kitty are his or her whiskers.  I happen to really love the kind that look like a walrus’.  The kind that are very long and arch downward.   It’s not that I don’t  love them all, I really do, but those are just my particular favorite.   So moving on…..    Besides looking pretty darn cute did you know how important whiskers are to your kitty or that they aren’t just on the cheeks or above the eyes?  So let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

  Whiskers are also called vibrissae and are deeply embedded into your cats body, unlike his fur.  They are attached to the cats sensitive muscular and nervous systems so the cat can receive information about its surroundings.  It’s like a cats own personal radar!  The most obvious of the cats whiskers are around the nose and above the eyes, but did you know that they also have whiskers around the jawline and on the back of their front legs?  

  Although different breeds of cats may have different lengths of whiskers, some even curly, you should NEVER cut a cats whiskers.  Without their whiskers cats can become frightened and get disoriented.  You may find whiskers around the house, but don’t be alarmed as they do shed and grow back.

  So other than the cute factor ,which I mentioned, cats whiskers have many uses and meanings.  One that you may  already know is they help cats determine if they can fit in and through small spaces.  Also in the dark they help a cat to move with confidence and escape potential harm.  You may also notice that they change position depending on the cat’s mood.  While in a relaxed state they remain still, you may see them pointing forward while stalking prey or ready to play.  On the other hand when frightened they may lay flat against the face.

  So pay attention and watch those fabulous whiskers as they allow your kitty to do some pretty amazing things!  Oh and look ever so handsome while doing it!