Jan 6, 2025
The cat tongue is one of nature’s fascinating designs, a versatile tool that serves as a cleaning device, feeding aid, and sensory organ all rolled into one. If you’ve ever been licked by a cat, you’ve probably noticed the super rough texture, which feels much like sandpaper.
From grooming to eating, the cat tongue plays a vital role in keeping our best friends healthy and happy. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Beneath its surface lies a world of functions and sections that make it a unique tool for our cats. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Anatomy of the Cat Tongue
The cat tongue is a complex, multi-functional organ perfectly adapted to meet the needs of these agile and independent creatures. Here’s the anatomy of the cat tongue:
Muscular Structure
A cat’s tongue is highly flexible and capable of precise and accurate movement. This flexibility allows cats to perform any task, such as drinking and grooming.
Additionally, the cat tongue has numerous blood vessels. Because of the blood vessels present, the tongue becomes responsive. The tongue also has sections for saliva to secrete from, making it accessible for any purpose.
Papillae
The main standout feature of the cat tongue is its rough and sandpaper-like texture. This comes from the hundreds of tiny backward-facing spines called papillae. The keratin coating of the papillae provides durability and strength, keeping the cat tongue effective for grooming, feeding, and other tasks.
The papillae serve multiple functions depending on their location and type:
Filiform Papillae
The most common and numerous, giving the tongue its characteristic sandpaper feel and essential for grooming and gripping food. These papillae are located on the front half of the cat's tongue.
Fungiform Papillae
Smaller, mushroom-shaped papillae located near the tip and sides of the tongue, housing taste buds for flavor detection.
Foliate Papillae
The largest type of papillae in the cat’s tongue, these papillae contain taste buds and aid in swallowing. These are often found on the side or in front of the vallate papillae.
Vallate Papillae
These dome-shaped papillae are positioned at the very back of the cat tongue. They are fewer in number but are densely packed with taste buds.
Functions of the Cat Tongue
The cat tongue is a multi-purpose tool that provides numerous functions to the table. From grooming to sensory, its unique design gives cats the ability to perform essential day-to-day functions. Here are the functions of the cat tongue:
Grooming
Because of the cat tongue’s specialized papillae structure, the tongue itself acts as a specialized grooming tool. The backward-facing papillae all act as tiny combs, helping remove loose fur, dirt, and other common allergens. It also helps prevent mats and tangles, especially in long-haired breeds.
The grooming process will distribute natural oils from the skin, helping keep the coat shiny. Additionally, the saliva spread onto the coat from the tongue keeps the body cool as the saliva evaporates.
Feeding
The cat's tongue is an important part of cat feeding and nutrition. The filiform papillae of a cat’s tongue are the structures responsible for gripping and tearing meat. These spines assist in bringing food down into the mouth, making it easier to chew.
When it comes to drinking water, cats have their own way. They do this by letting the tip touch the water and rapidly flicking it so it creates a column of water they can drink from.
Taste and Sensory Perception
Cats have around 473 taste buds compared to the 9,000 taste buds of humans. Because of this, they are unable to properly and efficiently taste sweets. This is what eventually attuned them to savory and meaty flavors, which is a core of their diet as obligate carnivores.
The cat tongue’s sensitivity helps cats assess the texture and temperature of food, ensuring it’s safe and palatable. This is one reason why some cats might reject certain foods based on texture alone.
Social Bonding
Cats often groom each other as a way of showing affection and trust. This behavior, known as allogrooming, helps strengthen social bonds within a group. Cats will also tend to lick their owners as a sign of their trust and love.
Signs of Tongue Issues in Cats
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so being aware of the subtle signs of tongue problems can help you catch potential issues early. Here are common signs that your cat’s tongue has issues.
Drooling
Excessive salivation, especially if it’s accompanied by difficulty eating or grooming, can signal irritation, injury, or infection in the tongue.
Changes in Eating Habits
Reluctance to eat, dropping food, or only eating soft foods may indicate tongue pain or difficulty manipulating food.
Bad Breath
A bad odor coming from your cat’s mouth can suggest infections, ulcers, or other oral health problems involving the tongue.
Visible Ulcers or Lesions
Open sores, cuts, or red, inflamed areas on the tongue are signs of trauma, infection, or immune-related conditions.
Discoloration
A healthy tongue is typically pink. Sudden changes, such as pale, blue, or yellow hues, may indicate systemic health issues like anemia, oxygen deprivation, or liver disease.
Swelling or Lumps
Any unusual swelling, masses, or growths on your cat’s tongue can be a sign of injury or even tumors.
Difficulty Grooming
If your cat is grooming less frequently or appears unable to groom effectively, it could point to discomfort or pain in the tongue.
Pawing at the Mouth
If your cat repeatedly paws at the mouth or shakes its head, it may indicate irritation or a foreign object affecting the tongue.
Dry or Cracked Tongue
Dehydration or systemic illnesses may cause the cat’s tongue to become overly dry, cracked, or rougher than normal.
How to Take Care of Your Cat’s Tongue
Your cat’s tongue is one of their most important tools, so keeping it healthy is essential. Here’s how you can make sure your cat’s tongue stays in great condition:
Practice Regular Dental Hygiene
Just like humans, cats benefit from regular dental care. Brushing your cat’s teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for cats helps remove plaque and bacteria that can harm their tongue and gums.
Additionally, you can also have your cat’s tongue and overall dental health checked professionally. These professionals can perform professional dental cleanings to remove any plaque and tartar that brushing can’t reach.
As part of the checkup, we’ll also check your cat’s tongue, teeth, and gums during an exam to ensure everything looks healthy. We’ll look for any discoloration, swelling, or sores, as well as other signs of tongue-related issues.
Provide a Balanced Diet
Feeding your cat high-quality food that meets their dietary needs supports the tissues in their mouth and tongue. Additionally, always make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water available to stay hydrated and prevent dryness in its tongue.
Provide a Safe Environment
Your home should be a safe space for your cat’s curious nature. Cats love to explore, which is why keeping your home safe must be a priority. Keep sharp objects out of their reach to prevent injuries to their tongue or mouth. Toxic plants and other harmful materials should also be removed.
Use Vet-Approved Products
When it comes to your cat’s tongue, stick to products made specifically for them. Human toothpaste, for example, contains ingredients that can be harmful to cats. Always choose grooming and oral care products that are vet-approved and designed for feline use.
Conclusion
With its unique anatomy, a cat’s tongue can do wonders. From essential functions such as grooming, feeding, and sensory, the cat’s tongue is an essential part of a cat’s daily life. That’s why taking the steps to protect and keep it healthy is super important.