A cat’s whiskers are an integral part of its physical appearance. These whiskers are also ideal for maintaining their balance and navigating the area around them. However, you may start to ask, why are my cat’s whiskers curling?
A cat’s whiskers start curling when they rub against things putting repetitive pressure on each whisker. This can cause them to start curling near the ends.
It is not something that is common but it can happen depending on the cat’s behavior during the day. If they are constantly rubbing against you and/or other objects, it’s possible for a cat’s whiskers to begin curling.
Key factors include:
- Amount of Rubbing
- Length of the Whiskers
- Age of the Cat
When asking “Why are my cat’s whiskers curling?” the most common concern will be how the whiskers look. In general, this is not a big deal and the whiskers will still function as needed.
Yes, it might throw you off a bit but that doesn’t take away from what a cat’s whiskers are all about. They will still continue to offer the type of value you’re on the lookout for.
This article is going to take a look at the question “Why are my cat’s whiskers curling?” while focusing on what some of the main reasons are.
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Reasons For a Cat’s Whiskers Curling
1. Repetitive Rubbing Against Surfaces
The most common reason for curly cat whiskers has to do with repetitive stress.
This means the cat will start rubbing against different surfaces including your body, the floor, furniture, and anything else they can get their face on.
It is something that happens naturally and they won’t think too much about it. A lot of cats do this to rub their scent against items and that can cause their whiskers to curl at the ends.
If you are noticing your cat rub its whiskers against things around the house, this will be the source of the issue. It is not something to worry about but you will want to make sure the cat is healthy as a whole.
If the cat seems disoriented and its actions are not in line with how it regularly behaves then you may want to visit a vet for further assessment. They will take the time to answer “Why are my cat’s whiskers curling?” while also shedding light on your cat’s situation. This can provide peace of mind to cat owners.
2. Length of the Whiskers
Cats with curly whiskers will often have longer ones.
This means their whiskers are not going to be the average size that you would see on a traditional cat. Some breeds do have longer whiskers, so that can play a role.
You will want to look at the length of the whiskers before moving forward with any other explanation.
When a cat’s whiskers are too long, they will respond differently to any other cat’s whiskers. This has to do with the sheer length of each strand.
As a result, they will begin to curl at the ends.
A lot of cat whiskers do this and sometimes they will begin to droop a bit too!
3. Age of the Cat
When asking “Why are my cat’s whiskers curling?” you will have to focus on the cat’s age.
Is the cat aging? This might be one of the reasons for a cat’s whiskers starting to curl at the ends. It might just be the case of them being older and the whiskers growing longer as time goes on.
This doesn’t always happen but it is possible.
It is noted that senior cats will often develop unique physical traits with age.
This is just a part of growing up for cats and that can include changes to their whiskers. If you have an older cat then this might just be a part of getting older.
Related Questions
1. Can You Straighten A Cat’s Whiskers?
It is not recommended to straighten a cat’s whiskers. This can disorient them and/or cause damage to the whiskers. It’s best to allow the whiskers to naturally fall out and grow.
2. How Do I Know If My Cat Has Whisker Fatigue?
Cats with whisker fatigue will often refuse to eat, start pacing around the area, and/or begin pawing at their food without doing anything.
Final Thoughts
“Why are my cat’s whiskers curling?”
A cat’s whiskers can curl when they have been rubbing their face against hard surfaces (i.e. the ground). It is also possible for their whiskers to curl due to natural aging.
It is best to allow the cat’s whiskers to remain “as-is” rather than trying to cut them. This is dangerous and it is not recommended.
Here’s more on cats – cats that sleep on the bed all the time, interpreting dreams about cats, dealing with anxiety as a cat owner, and advice for dematting a cat.