Re: Trimming over-the-eye whiskers (hair, vet, infection, scratch)

[caligali]

Some months ago I had a thread on here about Edward's eye infections. Everyone was so helpful; thank you again. The vet put some drops, turned off the light, and showed me where the eye was scratched. I could not figure out how that happened, but then it occured to me that his over-the-eye whiskers (is there a name for those) were exceedingly long, took odd turns at the end, and maybe the problem would be resolved by trimming them.

With much trepidation, I did trim them, and there has been no incidences of infections since, though I have the med in the refridgerator, just in case.

What is the name of those whiskers, and, given that he is ordinarily not going outside, at all, are there any dangers in trimming them down. I even wonder if I should have the vet remove them???

TIA
Connie

[MissNM]

The only danger is that whiskers tend to be sharper on the cut ends. Just keep them short enough so that they don't bend back into the eye. It is unlikely that your vet would want to remove them, just keep them trimmed.

[AnonChick]

Those are his eyebrows. Also you probably don't need to be told, but just in case someone reads this thread and doesn't know - never trim, cut, or pull out the whiskers on either side of his nose (unless of course one is bent and sticking into his nostril or something).

[catsmom21]

Thing is, those eye brow whiskers are sensory tools. They help with spatial aspects and balance.

And since they are sensory, my concern would be, does it hurt, to cut them?

[AnonChick]

No, it doesn't hurt to cut them. As in, it doesn't cause them pain. There aren't any nerve endings in the whiskers. But it will interfere with their balance somewhat. The nose whiskers are particularly important because they provide the cat with their own version of super-peripheral vision. The whiskers are (theoretically) the same length as the width of their bodies. They can know just by putting their head through a hole, whether or not the rest of their body will fit.

[catsmom21]

Thanks. I did know that whiskers are supposedly the width of the body, though I have seen some cats who didn't read the memo, LOL. My tiny little Bridge Angel girly never got bigger than 6.5 pounds but she had HUGE whiskers!

But anyway, it's good to know it doesn't hurt them to have them trimmed.

So back on topic, to the OP maybe just snip the wonky part?

[30STM]

i dont think you should cut them also talk to your vet like a few posters said he needs them.

[Zonkers]

For clarity, is there any function to the few straggling long eyebrow hairs? I'd like to trim them if it does no harm. Again, NOT his whiskers, the few long hairs over his eyes. Can those be clipped with no repercussions?

[greatblueheron]

If they exist, they have a purpose.

Leave the cat alone.

[catdad7x]

Originally Posted by greatblueheron

If they exist, they have a purpose.

Leave the cat alone.

I agree, don't trim them. I think what you're referring to are indeed 'whiskers'. Cats get all manner of information from those long hairs on the face, head, backs of paws, etc., and I can't think of a good reason to remove them. Please don't.