I read recently that there is a difference between the left whiskers of a cat (any sort of cat, I think) and the right whiskers. I read this in an essay on taxidermy, and the point was to be careful when attaching whiskers. I am totally intrigued and would love to know more.
Can anyone tell me more about the difference between left/right whiskers? Is there a purpose (for example do left whiskers sense texture and maybe right whiskers sense shape)?
Thank you for your time.
Kate
Return to Lifesize Mammal Taxidermy Category Menu
Whiskers on a cat are sensory in the sense they are like the old fender rods that scraped the curb in cars. It is said that if a cat can get its whiskers through and opening the rest of the cat will follow. Biologically, there's no way that one side senses one thing and the other side another. The best thing that could ever be said about a cat is that they make great moving targets. When I remove whiskers from the big cats, I mark them on separate pieces of masking tape so I'll know which side is which, but the only thing I've ever noticed is that one side invariably as fewer whiskers than the other. I rationalize its much like the claws on my dog. His right ones are always worn down more than the left because he's a "right hand" dog. He lifts his left hind leg to pee and he always reaches with his right front paw. So I'd assume something a stupid as a cat would also be right or left "handed" and that might make a difference.
Thanks for the comments, George. Actually, what I read was in an essay called Lifelike by Susan Orlean. But the example I mentioned was one I made up just . . . well, to try to give one possible example : >
The point made in the essay was that taxidermists must be careful to use the correct sided whisker if they want to win a top award And it is that comment that has me so intrigued.
I appreciate your mentioning that one side invariably has fewer whiskers . . . that's just fascinating! Thanks.
I've read several of her essays and found them to be highly researched. Wonder who she spoke to for that? Quite possibly, John Bellucci.
I agree with george on the fact that maybe it`s the right hand/ left hand habit...about all cats will have more whiskers on one side than the other and I expect it`s from rubbing/scent marking..maybe they do favor one side over the other? As far a visible difference--I seriously doubt anybody could visually tell the difference..The upper whiskers on Bobcats have a black section on them(about 2/3`s the way up)...but the lower you get the whiskers are primarly white...