Skip to main content

Whisker fatigue: Your cat might have this strange condition without you knowing

What does whisker fatigue look like? Here's what to know about this condition

If your cat is acting unusual when they try to eat or drink, there are a number of problems you’ll want to rule out. Odds are, though, you’re not dealing with a major issue! So instead of worrying, keep an eye on your furry friend and make a note of the symptoms they’re showing or experiencing. While you should contact your vet for any long-term or severe concerns, you just might be able to figure out the problem right at home.

In some cases, it might actually be your cat’s whiskers causing them extra mealtime stress. Felines can suffer from something called whisker fatigue, which is actually more overstimulation than it is fatigue. Still, it’s a relatively new problem that’s gaining attention among veterinarians and pet owners alike – -and it just might be affecting your cat, too.

Here’s what to know about whisker fatigue.

A close-up picture of a tabby cat's nose, eye, and whiskers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is whisker fatigue?

Whiskers are so much more than cute little hairs on your kitty’s face. These hairs are also known as tactile hairs or vibrissae, and they help cats perceive a lot of sensory information about the world around them. As Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center explains, the nerve endings at the base of cats’ whiskers “help cats orient themselves, navigate their environment in the dark, hunt for prey (by sensing air currents), and determine whether or not they can fit into a tight space.”

Recommended Videos

Despite being called “whisker fatigue,” cats’ whiskers don’t actually get tired. Instead, they can become stressed and overstimulated from whisker overuse (via Lone Tree Vet). Think of it like working with your hands nonstop — they’re going to become tired and sore eventually, right?

Eating and drinking from specific kinds of bowls can be a common cause of whisker fatigue, but anything has the potential to overstimulate your feline’s senses. West Park Animal Hospital explains, “overstimulation of your cat’s whiskers is likely troublesome to some cats and can be a source of stress.”

An orange tabby kitten sits in a bush and looks up
wilfried zade / Shutterstock

What does whisker fatigue look like?

Like West Park Animal Hospital mentioned, you’ll likely see a lot of stressed-out behavior when a cat suffers from whisker fatigue. You might even see your cat drinking from somewhere unusual, like a faucet. Their general grumpiness or refusal to eat might tip you off to what’s going on, but that’s not the only symptom to keep an eye out for. Lone Tree Vet lists other symptoms of whisker fatigue as:

  • Not settling in front of their food or water bowl
  • Trying to eat but not eating
  • Tipping bowl over to eat off the floor
  • New food aggression behavior

Of course, if your cat isn’t eating for multiple days or seems to be in great distress, visiting your trusted veterinarian might be your best move.

A border collie dog looks into the camera with an open mouth
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Do dogs get whisker fatigue?

Our canine friends have whiskers, too, so it would only make sense that they experience whisker fatigue as well, right? Actually, this newly recognized phenomenon is usually only seen in cats. As Lugaru K9 Training states, dogs don’t tend to experience whisker fatigue because their whiskers are naturally desensitized to some stimuli. This is thanks to all the playing, digging, and sniffing they do every day.

That’s not to say that dogs can’t experience sensory overstimulation, but it tends not to affect basic behaviors in the way that whisker fatigue does to cats.

A close-up of a gray cat's whiskers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to ease symptoms of whisker fatigue

Luckily, overstimulation is easy to remedy — whether you’re a human, a canine, or a cat. For felines that are experiencing whisker fatigue, an anti-whisker-fatigue bowl for food and water might be the solution they need. Lone Tree Vet recommends using “a wide, flat bowl with plenty of space for the whiskers to clear the bowl on both sides of your cat’s face,” though you can always try a plate, too.

It can be worrisome to see a pet struggling with eating or drinking, but helping a cat with whisker fatigue is surprisingly simple. If switching up food and water bowls doesn’t do the trick; don’t hesitate to enlist the help of your local veterinarian. Your fur baby’s health comes first — from their whiskers to their tail!

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Your ultimate guide to celebrating Halloween with pets
Halloween isn't just for kids: Here's how to involve your furry friends
A West Highland white terrier dressed as a vampire sits beside a little girl dressed as a witch

The sudden arrival of pumpkin-flavored drinks and snacks can only mean one thing — spooky season is here and the perfect time to start planning your family's Halloween festivities. But what about Fido and Fluffy? Don't worry: We're here to share a few of the best ways to spend Halloween with pets. From finding the perfect costume for your fur baby to baking your own dog treats, we've got ideas that will make celebrating All Hallows' Eve fun (and, most importantly, safe) for the entire family. 
How to keep your pets safe during Halloween?

There are a few things you need to think about when planning a pet-friendly Halloween.
Candy
You already know about chocolate, but other ingredients in candy might pose a threat as well. This includes xylitol, a sugar alternative that hurts dogs even in very small quantities. Some healthy festive snacks might go into the no pile as well, like grapes. But remember that pumpkin is great for pets in moderation. So if you want a fall treat for your buddy, stick to plain jack-o'-lantern.
Decorations
We've written extensively about the dangers of Christmas trees and other accoutrements, so it won't surprise you to learn that some Halloween decor can have the same issues. Ornaments, lights, and tinsel all can do damage to pets if digested or broken, especially cats or dogs who love to chew.
Noise
While this certainly won't end with your pooch or mouser in the emergency vet, you do want to keep things calm enough that your animals don't freak out every October 31. Some dogs might prefer to spend the evening in a crate, and some cats may prefer to hide in their favorite room. Others will love the thick of things and greet every eager kid. Knowing your pet's personality helps.
Wear matching costumes

Read more
103 fall names for cats that fit their personality year-round
Halloween-inspired, classic, and more kitty names
A black kitten by a window with a pumpkin

There are so many reasons to choose a fall-themed cat name. The most obvious? Your cat's birthday or gotcha day is during the autumn season. However, you can select a fall-focused name for any reason you want. Perhaps your birthday is in the fall or the season is your favorite. The back-to-school sales can make fall feel more like a fresh start than January 1, even if you closed the book on your academic career ages ago. You may look forward to the changing leaves, cozy vibes, and pumpkin spice all year.

Regardless of your motivation, you have many options for fall names for cats. From spooky to cute yet classic and flavorful offerings in between, these autumn-inspired monikers make excellent choices.
Girl cat names

Read more
How to help your new cat settle in
Here are the steps you should take to help your cat feel at home with you
Tiger cat lying on a rug

Bringing home a new cat can be stressful for both you and your new furry family member. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help reduce your cat's stress and make the transition period easier. As your new cat settles in, he'll need some support from you, but he'll also need you to be patient with him. He's undergoing a big life change, and as excited as you are for him to be around, the best thing you can do is to give your kitty some time and space while he adjusts. He'll be roaming the house and hanging out with you soon enough if you follow these tips.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for cats?

If you have ever adopted a cat before, you may have heard this often-cited rule for settling in. The rule says that cats take three days to adjust to being in a new place at all and may seem especially hesitant and skittish.

Read more