As a devoted cat parent, you’ve likely chuckled at the sight of your feline friend’s tongue adorably peeking out. But have you ever stopped to wonder, “Why do cats stick their tongue out?” This common feline quirk can range from a simple expression of contentment to an indicator of underlying health concerns. Let’s delve into the various reasons behind this intriguing cat behavior, exploring both normal feline conduct and potential health implications.
Decoding the Cat Tongue: A Multifunctional Marvel
The feline tongue is truly a remarkable organ, playing a vital role in numerous aspects of a cat’s life. Beyond the obvious functions of eating, tasting, and lapping up water, a cat’s tongue is essential for grooming, and even for exploring their world through scent. Its versatility means you’re likely to witness your cat’s tongue lolling out at various times throughout the day. Understanding these moments can shed light on your cat’s needs and state of being.
Mealtime Moments: Eating and Drinking
One of the most common scenarios where you might observe your cat sticking its tongue out is during mealtime. A cat’s tongue is instrumental in efficiently transferring food from the bowl to their mouth. They use it almost like a scoop to gather cat food and lap up water. You might also notice your cat’s tongue protruding as they meticulously clean up after eating, using it to dislodge any lingering crumbs from their teeth. This behavior is perfectly normal and a testament to their efficient eating habits.
For newborn kittens, sticking their tongue out is also a natural part of feeding. When bottle-feeding, kittens instinctively extend their tongues to wrap around the bottle’s nipple, as noted by International Cat Care. Sometimes, their tiny tongues may simply remain out after feeding, adding to their undeniable kitten charm.
Grooming Breaks: The Rough and Ready Tool
Cat tongues are not just cute; they are incredibly effective grooming tools. Their distinctive rough texture comes from hundreds of tiny, backward-facing barbs called papillae. These barbs act like a natural comb, effectively removing loose fur, dirt, and debris as your cat meticulously grooms themselves. When a cat pauses during a grooming session, they may simply leave their tongue hanging out momentarily, a sign of relaxation in their self-care routine.
Alt text: Close-up of an orange tabby cat grooming its paw, showcasing the raspy texture of the feline tongue.
Relaxed States: Sleeping and Lounging
Ever wondered, “Why does my cat stick their tongue out while sleeping?” The answer is often simple: pure relaxation. Just like humans, when cats are deeply relaxed, their muscles loosen, and this extends to their tongue. In these moments of blissful repose, their tongue might simply slip out, adding to their endearing sleeping posture. Observing your cat with their tongue out while napping is usually a sign they are completely at ease and comfortable in their environment.
Alt text: A serene cream tabby cat with orange eyes peacefully resting with its tongue slightly protruding.
Exploring Scents: The Flehmen Response
Have you ever witnessed your cat sniffing something intriguing, then sticking out their tongue and making a peculiar, almost comical facial expression with curled lips? This is known as the Flehmen Response. Cats possess an exceptional sense of smell, and this behavior is their way of maximizing scent analysis. By opening their mouth slightly and extending their tongue, they facilitate the transfer of scent molecules to the vomeronasal organ, also called Jacobson’s organ, located in the roof of their mouth. This organ allows cats to “taste the air,” gaining deeper insights into their surroundings, including identifying potential prey or predators. It’s a fascinating example of how cats use their tongue to interact with their environment beyond taste.
When a Tongue Out is a Red Flag: Health Concerns
While often a harmless and even charming behavior, a cat sticking its tongue out can sometimes signal underlying health issues. “Why do cats stick out their tongues when they’re not feeling well?” you might ask. In these cases, the tongue protrusion is often directly related to a health condition affecting the mouth or respiratory system.
Drooling and Tongue Protrusion: A Cause for Concern
If you observe your cat with their tongue out and accompanied by excessive drooling, it’s important to pay close attention. Drooling is not typical for cats and often indicates a problem, as emphasized by Justine A. Lee, DVM at Pet Health Network. Potential causes for drooling and tongue protrusion can include:
- Dental disease: Infections or pain in the mouth can lead to increased salivation and tongue hanging out.
- Kidney failure: Toxins build-up can cause nausea and drooling.
- Foreign bodies: Something lodged in the mouth can irritate and cause drooling.
- Poisoning: Certain toxins can trigger excessive salivation.
- Trauma: Mouth injuries can result in drooling and tongue issues.
While there might be less serious reasons for temporary drooling, such as just after eating, persistent drooling with the tongue out generally warrants veterinary attention. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic promptly.
Dental Disease and Oral Health
Cornell Feline Health Center highlights that dental and gum diseases are prevalent in cats, including conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. Tooth resorption, a painful breakdown of tooth structure, is also common. While kittens might use their tongue to wiggle loose baby teeth, which is normal, in adult cats, persistent tongue protrusion can be a sign of oral discomfort or disease. Regular brushing your cat’s teeth and routine veterinary dental checkups are essential for maintaining your cat’s oral health. Consider incorporating a cat food formulated for oral healthcare into their diet to further support healthy teeth and gums.
In conclusion, while seeing your cat’s tongue out can be endearing and is often a sign of contentment or normal feline behavior, it’s important to be aware of the context. If you have any concerns, especially if the tongue protrusion is accompanied by other symptoms like drooling, changes in appetite, or lethargy, consulting with your veterinarian is always the best course of action. In many cases, however, a little tongue sticking out is simply a part of your cat’s charming personality, providing you with countless sweet and photo-worthy moments.
Contributor Bio
Christine O’Brien
Christine Brovelli-O’Brien, Ph.D., is an award-winning writer, editor, and long-time cat mom. She’s a professional member of the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) and has written for industry-leading companies and organizations, including What to Expect When You’re Expecting and NIU STEM Read. Find and follow Christine on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien
