Should you trim your cats whiskers?

Cats usually have from 8 to 12 long whiskers that fan out sideways on each side of the upper lip, plus some tufts of shorter whiskers above their eyes, on their chin, and on the back of their forelegs, just above the paw. In addition to having sensory properties, a cat's whiskers are also a good indicator of his mood. When a cat is angry or feels defensive, the whiskers will be pulled back. Otherwise, when the cat is happy, curious or content, the whiskers will be more relaxed and pushed forward. But the whisker's primary use is to help a cat judge whether or not he'll fit through an opening. A cat's whiskers are roughly as wide as his body -- sort of a natural ruler. The whisker tips are sensitive to pressure. You'll probably see a cat stick his head in and out of an opening before he puts his body in. He's judging the width of the opening, and is determining if he can fit into it. You should never touch or manipulate your cat's whiskers -- especially if in doing so the whiskers are moved in a position counter to their natural alignment. It's uncomfortable for the cat, and sometimes irritating to them. These tactile structures themselves have no nerve endings, but they are attached to nerves at the base of the whisker.This is a very important reason why you should never cut or trim your cat's whiskers. Regrowth of an entire set could take two or three months, and your cat would have a difficult time maneuvering around without them. You would notice that your cat is unbalanced, bumping into furniture in the dark, and would not be as accurate while hunting his favorite prey. SO, the next time your cat cuddles up to you and tickles your face with his whiskers, remember all the fine details your cat is sensing. Whiskers are not just there to make your cat adorable, but serve as a vital tool for your cat’s sensory perception and overall survival.