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Probably every owner at least once with curiosity examined the face of his pet, wondering why cats need a mustache? This question is really interesting, because cat mustache is not just a kind of woolen hairs or a beautiful appendage of appearance. This is an important sensory organ for cats, without which they would not be as dexterous and playful as we know them.
What kind of education is this, is the loss of a mustache dangerous, is it possible to remove it? We answer these and other questions in the article.
Why is a cat a mustache?
Specific hairs in the nose area on the muzzle of cats are scientifically called vibrissa. If you look into the Latin roots of the word, it means "hesitate, shake." Vibrissae are hair processes that originate from the sensitive nerve endings on the cat's face. The hairs grow by 5-8 cm, have a thickened structure, bend poorly and never curl. They serve to catch air vibrations, touch, temperature and aromas, so cats:
- perfectly oriented in space even at night;
- able to jump maneuver long distances and from a height;
- well distinguish between high-quality and low-quality food;
- they hunt;
- evaluate the opponent in the battle or during the game.
Mustaches appear in cats from childhood and function identically in males and females. They are arranged symmetrically so that the cat can distinguish between directions and sources of danger or interest from different angles. Vibrissas are located not only near the mouth, but also above the eyes. All hairs are directed up and to the sides so as not to interfere with the cat's sight or eating. Small brushes are on the legs and chin. All vibrissa hairs are characterized by increased stiffness and length, due to their purpose. In addition, they are colorless.
A cat's mustache is a sensitive organ that plays an important role in the behavior of a cat. Using these hairs, they feel confident and calm. Cats do not like touching their "tactile hairs". Everyone who ever had a pet had the opportunity to verify this. They are very jealous of their vibrissae, and can even scratch a person trying to stroke or twitch these brushes.
Cats can control the movements of their whiskers. When they are in an active playful mood, vibrissae stick out in a fluffy bunch. But if the mustache is down or pressed to the face - the cat is excited or aggressive, and it is better not to disturb him at this time.
How do whiskers affect cat movements?
In addition, orientation of cats in space is also accomplished due to sharp night vision and these horny hairs. The animal can feel the barrier, find the way and even hunt in the dark, relying on the sensations from its antennae. For example, when a cat wants to get into a narrow hole or between the rods of a fence grid, vibrissae tell him if this is possible. Many people noticed how a seemingly plump and fluffy cat passes through narrow slits, because of this there is even a joke that cats are "liquid". Cats are not afraid to get stuck at all, because the length of their vibrissae is constant, and they, like using a ruler, easily measure the size of objects around them.
An interesting fact: especially long hairs at the tips of cats ears are arranged in a similar way.They also help regulate movements, determine the source of the sound, and discern even subtle rustles in the dark. The third such “lever” in the cat’s body is the tail. It helps to maintain balance and "communicate" with other individuals.
Mustache-related eating behavior
The nerve endings hidden under a cat's mustache help to determine quite accurately the edibility and freshness of potential food, its temperature, and also the purity of the water. And when cats catch live prey (mice, birds, lizards), vibrissae determine whether the victim died in the claws of a mustached hunter.
The reaction to movement helps the cat track down and catch small animals. And even when domestic cats are not adapted to eat raw meat, their instinct encourages them to hunt and bring prey to the owners or play with it. The same applies to game fights with other cats or catching bait. The cats' hot love for rustling sachets and pieces of paper is connected precisely with the work of vibrissa.
It is believed that whiskers do not develop as actively in domestic cats as in wild cats. Nevertheless, the importance of this organ is confirmed by the fact that it is laid before birth among the first formations in the embryo. Although cats in the wild rely more on their instincts and the work of vibrissa, do not neglect the agility of domestic cats.
Can a cat live without a mustache?
Sometimes cats have to lose their mustache. There are natural reasons for this. But sometimes inexperienced owners remove their cat mustache "for beauty", or the child cuts them out of curiosity. Such a procedure can lead to very unpleasant consequences for the cat, so it is strictly forbidden for cats to cut their mustache!
If the cat is left without a mustache, it may be impaired orientation in space, the ability to deftly move, recognize and evaluate food. The animal may look depressed, sick, confused. Cats are very sensitive to the deprivation of such an important tool as a mustache.
Even with treatment, the veterinarian removes these hairs only when absolutely necessary. Fortunately, in most cases, the hairs grow back. Not always in full length, but, nevertheless, the normal condition for the cat can be restored, and the animal will feel the internal balance.
Interesting fact: in some breeds vibrissae are highly developed, while in others it is not very bright. This is explained by evolution, change of habitat and domestication. Breeds of small cats, closer to the wild, have a powerful stiff mustache, and in domestic cats, vibrissas are soft and less dense. Maine coon cats have the longest mustaches. So, in the Guinness Book of Records, the length is 19 cm. The owner of a luxurious mustache is the Finnish cat Missy of the named breed.
When do cats lose their mustache?
Periodic loss of vibrissa in one hair is normal. Body tissues wear out over time, so they are constantly updated. If your pet has a single whisker, there is no reason to worry, after a while a new one will grow in the animal. With proper nutrition and overall good health, the mustache grows in a few weeks.
But if the vibrissae fell sharply and suddenly - it is worth paying attention to the health and well-being of the animal. Sometimes this can be caused by a lack of useful trace elements in the cat's diet, for example, vitamin A, calcium or protein. For the same reason, the antennae can become brittle and lifeless. You can try to pick up a cat fortified food, or better - contact your veterinarian. He will prescribe an animal food supplement for healing, and at the same time check the animal for more serious diseases.
One of the reasons for the loss may be worms in kittens. These parasites absorb in huge quantities valuable components that enter the body, thereby depleting the body of the pet. Another parasite leading to the loss of a mustache is a fungus or bacterial infection in the cat's body.It can occur both throughout the body as a whole, and affect the state of six and horn tissues, and directly at the bulbs of these hairs, thinning them, spoiling and leading to final loss. In such cases, you should consult a doctor. He will establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary medications and procedures for the pet to recover.
Sometimes, cats mustache fall out of old age. An animal at an age loses its former dexterity and grace, its body also ages. In adult cats, the mustache is almost never restored. Therefore, it is important to strictly monitor the diet and "physical exercises" of your pet - she should not jump from a height.
Interesting fact: fighting for territory, cats can deprive each other of their mustache, thereby depriving the enemy of the ability to navigate and move in a given area. The affected animal is forced to carefully leave the battlefield and for a long time to refrain from such fights.
How to care for a cat mustache
Naturally, tinting these hairs with neither artistic-clerical paints nor cosmetics should also be done. And in no qualified grooming salon you will not be offered the procedure for cutting the mustache of the animal.
If your cat has lost his mustache, try to look after him for the first time, do not let go of independent walks, monitor the composition and freshness of the feed. If the cat does not have a mustache, do not tease it with flickering objects and do not throw it away from habit.
Explain to children that playing with a pet's antennae is dangerous.
To prevent the cat from experiencing severe stress, shock, disorientation and apathy, be careful with its mustache and it will please you more than once with a fun game.
Video: what will happen if the cat cuts his mustache?
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