As a devoted cat owner, you’ve likely witnessed your feline friend sporting their tongue outside their mouth on numerous occasions. But have you ever paused to wonder, “Why does my cat stick its tongue out?” This seemingly quirky behavior can stem from a variety of reasons, ranging from perfectly normal cat antics to potential indicators of underlying health concerns. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of cat tongues and explore the common explanations behind this adorable and sometimes puzzling action.
Unraveling the Reasons Behind the Cat Tongue Sticking Out
A cat’s tongue is truly a multi-functional marvel. It plays a vital role not just in eating, tasting the delectable flavors of their food, and lapping up refreshing water, but also in their meticulous grooming rituals and even in deciphering the intriguing scents of their surroundings. Given its crucial role in your furry companion’s daily life, it’s no surprise you might catch glimpses of their tongue peeking out now and then. Here are some typical scenarios where cats are often seen with their tongues out, and the reasons behind it:
Eating and Drinking: Aiding in Mealtime Manners
During mealtimes, you might notice your cat’s tongue making an appearance. This is because their tongue is instrumental in helping them manage their cat food and efficiently scoop water into their mouth. Think of it as a tiny, flexible spoon assisting them in their culinary endeavors. Even after they’ve finished eating, you might observe a little tongue action as they work to dislodge any lingering crumbs from their teeth – a natural form of feline flossing! For newborn kittens being bottle-fed, sticking their tongue out is also a natural reflex as they latch onto the bottle tip, as noted by International Cat Care. Sometimes, that little tongue might just remain adorably out even after their tiny tummies are full.
Grooming: Taking a Break from Feline Hygiene
Cat tongues are not just cute; they’re incredibly effective grooming tools. Their unique, rough texture, thanks to those tiny, backward-facing barbs, acts like a built-in comb. These barbs are perfect for removing loose fur, dirt, and debris from their coats, keeping them impeccably clean. When a cat pauses during an intense grooming session, they might simply relax and let their tongue hang out for a moment. It’s like a human taking a breather mid-brushing their hair!
Alt text: Close-up of an orange tabby cat grooming its paw, showcasing the raspy texture of its tongue.
Sleeping and Relaxation: Pure Feline Bliss
Ever wondered, “Why does my cat stick their tongue out while sleeping?” The answer is simple: utter relaxation! Just like us humans when we unwind, cats also experience muscle and joint relaxation when they’re in a state of deep rest or contentment. This relaxation extends to their tongue muscles as well, sometimes causing their tongue to simply loll out. It’s a sign of pure feline bliss and comfort.
Alt text: A relaxed cream tabby cat with orange eyes peacefully dozing with a slight tongue protrusion.
The Flehmen Response: “Tasting” the Air
Have you ever observed your cat sniffing something intriguing, then sticking out their tongue, curling back their lips, and making a rather peculiar, scrunched-up face? This fascinating behavior is known as the Flehmen Response. Cats possess an exceptional sense of smell, and opening their mouth in this manner allows them to gather even more information from the scents in their environment. This “cat smirk” facilitates the transfer of scent molecules to their vomeronasal organ (or Jacobson’s organ), located on the roof of their mouth. This organ allows cats and many other animals to “taste the air” in a sense, helping them identify potential prey, predators, or even assess a potential mate’s pheromones.
When a Cat Tongue Out Might Signal Health Concerns
While often harmless and even endearing, a cat sticking its tongue out can occasionally be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Why do cats stick their tongues out when they aren’t feeling well? In these instances, the tongue protrusion is often directly related to their health condition.
Drooling and Tongue Protrusion: A Red Flag?
If you notice your cat with their tongue out and accompanied by excessive drooling, it’s crucial to pay attention. Drooling is not a typical behavior in cats, as emphasized by Justine A. Lee, DVM at Pet Health Network. Possible serious causes for drooling and tongue protrusion include:
- Dental disease: Infections or pain in the mouth can lead to increased saliva production and difficulty swallowing.
- Kidney failure: Toxins building up in the body due to kidney issues can cause nausea and drooling.
- Foreign bodies: Something lodged in their mouth or throat can cause irritation and drooling.
- Poisoning: Certain toxins can trigger excessive salivation.
- Trauma: Mouth injuries like cuts or scratches can also lead to drooling.
While there might be less urgent reasons for a cat to drool with their tongue out, such as immediately after eating, as noted by Cat Health, it’s generally best to err on the side of caution. If you observe your cat drooling, especially excessively or persistently, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic promptly.
Dental Disease: A Common Culprit
The Cornell Feline Health Center highlights that dental and gum diseases, like gingivitis and periodontitis, are highly prevalent in cats. Tooth resorption, a painful condition where tooth structure breaks down, is also common. These dental issues can cause discomfort, making it difficult for cats to fully close their mouths and potentially leading to tongue protrusion. However, in a more benign scenario, kittens might use their tongue to wiggle loose baby teeth, a perfectly normal reason for a kitten to stick out their tongue. Regular brushing your cat’s teeth and routine veterinary dental checkups are vital for maintaining your cat’s oral and overall health. Consider incorporating a cat food formulated for oral healthcare into their diet to further support their dental well-being.
As always, if you have any concerns about your cat’s behavior or health, consulting with your veterinarian is the best course of action. In many cases, if your cat is otherwise behaving normally and showing no other signs of illness, their tongue sticking out is likely just a sign of contentment and relaxation – perfect for capturing those adorable cat photos to share with loved ones!
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
