‘Whisker Fatigue’ Could Be The Reason Your Cat Isn’t Eating

Whether you have the honour of living with a food-loving feline or a picky-eating puss, making sure our cats get enough nutrition to fuel their capers is an important part of cat parenting. If your cat seems fussy at mealtimes, is leaving food behind or hesitating before eating, the problem might not be what’s in the bowl, but the bowl itself. Factors such as the bowl’s depth, material and where it’s placed can significantly impact your cat’s comfort while eating and contribute to a phenomenon called whisker fatigue. Whilst it may sound like (yet another) excuse for your cat to be a diva, whisker fatigue is a real thing and, if it goes unrecognised, could really impact their quality of life. Read on to find out how to give your kitty less stress around mealtimes – they might even show you some gratitude (maybe).

What is whisker fatigue?  

Your cat’s whiskers are deeply embedded in the skin and connected to the nervous system, making them crucial for a cat’s spatial awareness. They help them navigate their environment, measure spaces and detect nearby objects, which means they’re also highly sensitive. When a cat’s whiskers are constantly in contact with objects or experience excessive stimulation, such as during prolonged periods of exploration or when the whiskers are repeatedly brushed or pressed against surfaces (like a food bowl), it can lead to sensory overload and is known as ‘ whisker fatigue ’.  Because each whisker is equipped with proprioceptors (special sensory organs) at the base, which send tactile signals to the brain, when these important sensory tools are overused, it can lead to fatigue.

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This can cause discomfort, disorientation or stress for your cat. Symptoms of whisker fatigue may include pawing at the face, reluctance to move or a general sense of unease.

Recognising the symptoms of whisker fatigue

While whisker fatigue might seem like a minor issue, it can have a serious affect on your cat‘s well-being. This is not just them being over-dramatic. This overstimulation of your cat’s whiskers can make eating an unpleasant experience, leading to behaviours such as:  

• pawing food out of the bowl to eat off the floor  

• hesitating before eating or leaving food behind  

• acting irritable or stressed around mealtimes  

And of course, if you have a cat who isn’t eating or who is stressed, this can have a knock-on effect with their health, causing malnutrition or weight loss.

How to prevent whisker fatigue in cats

Switching out deep, narrow food and water bowls for whisker-friendly bowls, which are wide and shallow, will allow your cat to eat without their whiskers touching the sides. To help encourage your cat to drink water, choose a water fountain with a wide bowl. Some cat parents also find that using a flat plate to serve food can help, too.

When to see a veterinarian

While whisker fatigue isn’t a disease, its symptoms can mimic those of other health issues, making it important to consult with a veterinarian if you notice any signs. Regular vet visits are also important for maintaining overall health and catching potential issues early. A professional can rule out other conditions and provide guidance on how to manage whisker fatigue.

Other factors that could be stressing your cat out while they eat

Bowl placement

Would you want to eat in the middle of a busy hallway? Probably not and neither does your cat. If their food bowl is in a high-traffic area (like a kitchen or hallway), they may feel vulnerable and distracted while eating. Try placing the bowl in a quiet, low-traffic spot where they can eat undisturbed.  

Elevation matters  

Some cats, particularly older ones or those with arthritis, may find it uncomfortable to eat from a bowl placed directly on the ground. Slightly raised bowls (about 2-4 inches off the ground) can help reduce neck strain and make eating more comfortable.  

Material of the bowl

Plastic bowls can harbour bacteria and may even cause chin acne in some cats. Instead, opt for ceramic or stainless steel bowls, which are easier to clean and less likely to cause irritation.  

Dirty bowls

Speaking of which, a food bowl that isn’t cleaned regularly can create stress for your cat. Imagine having to eat your meal off a plate that hadn’t been cleaned after breakfast, lunch or dinner... Cats are very clean animals, and they may be put off by leftover food, odours or grime. A dirty bowl can lead to them refusing to eat or feeling anxious about their food source, so make sure you clean everything properly from meal to meal.

Multiple cats

If you have more than one cat, stress can arise from competition over the food bowl. Cats are territorial creatures, and having to share a food bowl with other cats can lead to anxiety or aggression. Provide your cats with separate bowls and separate feeding areas.

The best bowls for whisker fatigue

From stainless steal to elevated feeders, here are the best bowls to counteract your cat’s whisker fatigue.

SureFeed Whisker Fatigue Bowl

£20.55

These colourful shallow bowls are custom made to be used with the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder and SureFeed Connect Microchip Pet Feeder (sold separately). The shallow design helps prevent whisker stress, making mealtimes more enjoyable for sensitive cats. Choose from either one full bowl or two half bowls.

£20.55 at Etsy

Le Creuset High Stand Pet Bowl

£52

Did someone say fine dining? If your cat thinks they deserve nothing less than five-star treatment in their home, they might be interested in this range of Le Creuset pet bowls, which are elevated to eliminate whisker fatigue. Although now sold out on the official website, you can pick one up from eBay or other shops like Viola’s Pets. The hard part will be choosing the perfect colour and knowing when to stop adding to your Le Creuset collection.

£52 at Viola Pets

CatGuru Whisker Stress-Free Bowl

£14.32

Simple and stylish, these low, shallow stainless steel bowls are designed with ripples to allow your cat to get the food easily, which prevents whisker fatigue and keeps their face clean. Non-slip legs prevent bowls from sliding around on the floor, too.

£14.32 at Amazon

Slow Feeder Cat Bowl Ceramic with Bamboo Stand

£16.99

This food bowl really does it all when it comes to tackling whisker fatigue – elevated, tick; shallow, tick; wide, tick; ceramic for easy cleaning, tick. Plus, it’s a slow-feeder, which means your cat has to take their time with their meal rather than gobbling it all down causing digestive upset.

£16.99 at Amazon

References

Delgado, Mikel, and Leticia M S Dantas. “ Feeding Cats for Optimal Mental and Behavioral Well-Being.” The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2020.

TP;, Jazic E;Coyner KS;Loeffler DG;Lewis. “ An Evaluation of the Clinical, Cytological, Infectious and Histopathological Features of Feline Acne.” Veterinary Dermatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2006.

Editorial, Vetic. “ Should You Get an Elevated Cat Bowl: Pros and Con.” Vetic, 23 Jan. 2025.

Taylor, Samantha, et al. 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on Management of the Inappetent Hospitalised Cat, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 1 July 2022.

Slovak, Jennifer E, and Taylor E Foster. “ Evaluation of Whisker Stress in Cats.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2021.

Campagner, Dario, et al. “ What the Whiskers Tell the Brain.” Neuroscience, Pergamon, 24 Aug. 2017.