Rescuers from the Silver Whiskers Feline Rescue in Nevada shared the story of Elliot, a cat whose whiskers were shaved off. For a cat, losing their whiskers means losing highly sensitive sensors, similar to an insect’s antennae. Everyone knows how important antennae are to a butterfly, and the same goes for cats!
A Good Samaritan found eight-year-old Elliot, a Persian cat, on the streets in the Las Vegas area. He was very sick, so they simply carried him to an emergency vet. When he arrived, he had an upper respiratory infection and severely matted, filthy fur. If this person hadn’t acted to save him, he would most likely have died.
Elliot’s Startling Appearance
Elliot’s matted fur had to come off right away, so the vets shaved him, but unfortunately, they shaved off his whiskers, too! The rescuers say it was probably an unavoidable accident since even the fur around his face was badly matted. It had to come off to restore his health. And eventually, the whiskers will regrow since the roots haven’t been disturbed.
You can see his starting appearance. His huge glowing golden eyes look like an owl or almost extraterrestrial, which kind of goes with the name Elliot, doesn’t it?
Yes, a Persian without their luxurious fur is a bit odd, indeed, but so lovable nonetheless. You can see how exaggerated his short, flattened face is, like a bulldog with brachycephalic features. But in a few months, his coat will hopefully grow in beautifully, and it will likely be the most dramatic transfurmation.
Images via Facebook/Silver Whiskers Feline Rescue
After his shave, Elliot went to a shelter’s medical unit but was very sick. So Silver Whiskers rescued him again and brought him to their vet. Here they are treating his many ailments, including giardia, which gave him an upset tummy. This one cat has endured quite a lot and will have a long recovery ahead.
Why Cats Need Their Whiskers
Without his whiskers, Elliot probably feels stressed, and confused. And it may take six weeks to three months for the facial whiskers to grow back. Since he’s been under so much stress, it could take more time. When the whiskers do grow back, they could even change color but will retain their normal functions.
Cats finely hone their navigation and balance with their whiskers. They are top of the line, extra-sensory equipment. Each one moves independently and can detect the tiniest changes in airflow. The roots extend three times deeper than other hairs and send instant messages to the brain, processing the information faster than our brains could.
When hunting, this information is critical, especially since cats’ close-up daytime vision isn’t particularly sharp and doesn’t detect slow movements well. Those whiskers help make up for what a cat lacks in close-range vision and could determine if they catch their next meal or not. Thus, an outdoor cat, as Elliot was for a time, would find it much harder, if not impossible, to hunt.
In function, whiskers are like radar sensors and can help them avoid dangers, such as to their delicate eyes. Thus, Elliot is also more vulnerable to injuring himself accidentally. However, he’s getting the best care and TLC, and will have the best chance for a speedy recovery.
To help Elliot, you can share this story and support Silver Whiskers on Facebook or Instagram.
Calypso’s pretty whiskers via Facebook/Cole and Marmalade
The Whisker Collector
At no time is it advisable to trim off a cat’s whiskers. However, as we’ve shared before, it’s just fine to collect the naturally shed whiskers of a cat. Many of you have probably seen Jess collecting Marm and the CAM Fam’s whiskers found in the house while cleaning.
These whiskers are fine to collect, and an artist even makes stunning jewelry with them as a tribute to beloved cats.
“Just cleaned the house… found 5 whiskers to add to the collection… yes, Marm thinks I’m weird!” shared Cole and Marmalade.
Image via Facebook/Cole and Marmalade
