Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Figo Pet Insurance Logo
  • Pet Insurance
    • Dog Insurance
    • Cat Insurance
    • Coverage
    • Compare
    • FAQs
  • Pet Cloud
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Get a Quote
Figo logo

  • Login
  • Dog Insurance
  • Careers
  • Found a lost Figo pet?
  • About Us
  • Cat Insurance
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Employers
  • Veterinarians
  • Compare
  • Maine Residents
  • California Privacy

Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use & Licensing
  • Insurance Fraud Warnings
  • Underwriting

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved

What happens if a cat’s whiskers are clipped?

December 12, 2019

Dr. Lee discusses the accidental cutting of a cat’s whiskers with a concerned cat parent.

iStock-1071204136 (1)

Q: Our 5-year-old daughter cut off our cat’s whiskers. Will this cause any problems? Will his whiskers grow back?

A: Your cat should do fine, particularly if he lives indoors. Cats shed their whiskers periodically, and his will grow in again during the next shed/regrowth cycle.

Whiskers, or vibrissae, are specialized tactile hairs that help cats feel their way and navigate in dim light. They also detect air movement close to the face, which may warn of a nearby animal.

Unlike men’s bristly facial hair, cat whiskers are sensitive antennas that carry nerve impulses to the brain. Their whiskers are so sensitive that they prefer to eat and drink from large-diameter bowls that are filled to the brim, so their whiskers don’t rub against the side of the bowl.

Whiskers are present on most mammals and all carnivores. They are especially well developed in nocturnal species like cats.


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine. Contact her at askdrlee@insurefigo.com.