cat wiskers

Question
Hello Dr. Fry,
We just recently rescued a teenaged cat that was obviously neglected. I also wonder if he was tortured...  His wiskers were all cut or burned off. Only about a quarter of an inch remained. Is this painfull to the animal? and What impact does it have on the cats ability to climb and jump and function, in general.

Thanks for your help.
Lori
P.S. We named him Nubbs! And we love him already.

Answer
Whiskers will usually grow back.  When the whiskers are cut they can sense that, but at this point it should not be painful for him.

Whiskers are used by the cat to sense whether or not they can fit into a space....it shouldn't affect his ability to jump or climb.