Do you remember the first time a cat licked your hand? You were probably surprised by the sensation that this act caused on your skin, as if it were sandpaper instead of a tongue. This is so due to the rough surface that makes up the tongue of all cats, which is also characterized by being very long and flexible, capable of reaching practically any part of its body. So, if you're wondering if it's normal for your cat to have a rough tongue, the answer is yes. Now, what function does it have? On our site we will solve this and more doubts, and we will answer the question why do cats have rough tongues, keep reading!
How is the cat's tongue?
Before delving into the explanation that justifies the rough tongue of cats, it is important to talk about their anatomy in general. Thus, the tongue is a muscular organ that forms part of the digestive system, is located, for the most part, within the oral cavity and its caudal portion extends to the beginning of the pharynx. In this way, and as it happens with humans and other animals, the tongue plays a fundamental role during the chewing process. In addition, it is completely covered by a paved and keratinized stratified epithelium, with sensors that allow taste and sensitivity.
The language is made up of three different parts:
- Vertex of the tongue, corresponding to the tip. In the ventral part of the vertex there is a fold that fixes the tongue to the oral cavity called the lingual frenulum.
- Body of the tongue, belonging to the central part of the tongue, closest to the molars.
- Tongue root, referring to the area closest to the pharynx.
Although all animal species have these parts, each of them has notable differences in terms of shape. Likewise, the lingual papillae are another of the most relevant components of the tongue, a component that can also be modified in each species in relation to the types of papillae and their quantity.
However, it is the taste buds that give the cat such an exquisite palate. You have probably already realized this if you live with one, since it is not an animal that accepts any plate of food. This is so because cats feel the taste of each ingredient much more precisely. Everything is important to them, from the smell of the food to the texture and, of course, the taste. Felines, unlike most dogs, only eat what they really like.
Why do cats have scratchy tongues?
What do cats have on their tongue that makes it so rough? Cats have a layer of prickly tissue on their tongue that gives it that rough feeling and even reminds us of the feel of sandpaper when licked. This tissue is nothing other than the so-called conical papillae, formed by keratin, which is the same substance that makes up nails and hair. These spines have a clear function: they act as a comb Yes, they are part of their tongue to promote hair care, removing dead fur, cleaning the new deep and brushing it. This function has a clear disadvantage, and that is that it favors the formation of hairballs. For this reason, it is necessary to pay attention to the behavior of the cat, brush it regularly and go to the vet in case of any anomaly.
Another important function of the conical papillae is that of helping the cat to more easily remove the meat adhered to the bones of its prey. The feline is a born hunter and, as such, requires certain characteristics that encourage this activity and make food intake as easy as possible. Of course, domestic cats no longer need to use their tongues for this purpose, unless they follow a BARF or homemade diet, however, many of them still retain their hunting instinct and do not miss the opportunity to hunt small animals such as mice or cats. birds.
As a fun fact, did you know that cats don't just have thorns on their tongues? Males also have them on the penis!
What is the cat's tongue for?
In addition to the aforementioned functions of the cat's tongue, ie promoting self-grooming and removing meat from the bones, cats' tongues are rough for other reasons:
- Drink water Unlike humans and other animals, cats don't use their lips to drink water, they use their tongues to create water. a kind of spoon to take the desired amount and take it to the oral cavity. If you have never noticed before, watch your cat when he drinks water and you will see what happens. Also, don't miss our article on "How much water should a cat drink a day?" to confirm your furry companion is consuming the right amount.
- Perceiving the taste of food. As we said, the cat's taste buds, located on its tongue, allow it to distinguish many more nuances than ours. In this sense, in general, most cats prefer s alty foods.
- Control your body temperature When the cat feels excessively hot, it can use panting to cool down its body and balance the body temperature. Thus, it expels the heat through the humidity it creates in the mucous membranes of the tongue, throat and mouth, making it possible to exhale this air and absorb the vapor obtained to cool off.
Did the cat eat your tongue! - Meaning
Surely you have heard this popular expression more than once when, for whatever reason, you don't want to talk. Well, according to legend, this well-known phrase originated in the year 500 BC, when they cut out the tongues of defeated soldiers and criminals to offer them to the Cat King.
However, this is not the only story that surrounds this saying. In this way, other people believe that the expression took place at the time of the Inquisition, when the tongues of witches were cut to give them to cats as food. Tell us, do you know another legend that explains the origin of the expression " the cat ate your tongue"? If so, leave your comment to share it!
