Cat lovers spend a lot of time detailing the different things that are remarkable about felines. It may be their eyes that can see in the dark, super sensitive whiskers on their faces and legs, and their paw pads that are custom made for silent stalking. We can continue talking about the different characteristics of cats. But the only thing that stands out on a feline’s body is its tongue. Georgia Tech mechanical engineers using 3D technology have investigated and found that a cat’s tongue looks more like sandpaper. It’s more like an ultimate hairbrush that helps groom the kitty.
The cat’s tongue also consists of small back-facing spikes made of keratin, the material found in nails. A single stroke of your cat’s brush tongue not only detangles your kitty’s fur, but also removes knots, thus removing dirt and fleas. It even spreads beneficial oils all over the cat’s body and even improves blood circulation.
Let’s now look at some of the interesting facts about a cat’s tongue:
The rough things on your cat’s tongue are known as papillae.
You have a rough feeling when your kitty licks it. It is the result of the papillae on your tongue. Although humans also have buds known as taste buds, they feel unusually different. The papillae on a cat’s tongue are longer and have more keratin, which makes them feel abrasive and dry. Scientific research has not been done to prove why cat papillae look and feel so different, but they play a crucial role in helping cats stay hygienic and flourishing.
Cats cannot taste sweets, but they can taste other things that humans cannot.
After years of research, it has been discovered that cats do not perceive sugar as most mammals do. But the same study clarifies that cats can taste other things that humans cannot like – adenosine triphosphate, a compound that supplies energy to all living cells.
Cat’s tongue plays a fundamental role in your health
The cat’s tongue is the most attractive part of its anatomy. The tongue helps lick the cat’s fur, keeping it clean. It even regulates its body temperature, filling in the fur in winter and moistening it with the help of saliva to keep cool on scorching summer days. It even collects fur, fleas, skin scales, and dirt. These remains are swallowed by the feline and digested by stomach acid. If it cannot be digested properly, this is particularly the case with long-haired or older cats, then hairballs can form. This can result in problems if the hairballs are not fully digested. Long-haired cats use their tongue to groom themselves, which helps to get rid of loose hair.
If your kitty is not grooming, it may indicate a health problem
If your cat’s tongue isn’t grooming the feline, it’s time to visit your vet. Poor grooming can be due to obesity, disease, malnutrition, pain, and other problems. Most cats are very picky about their appearance and their ability to clean themselves, which makes them feel good. Overweight cats have tangled fur and scaly skin on their lower body parts, which can add to their discomfort.
Even if your feline is grooming himself too much, it may be due to stress or other issues.
If you see bald spots developing on your cat, it’s time to see your vet. The vet will help you determine if the kitten is pulling the hair down with the help of the tongue or is losing it due to a problem. Due to stress and emotional problems, the cat’s tongue goes into the hyper-grooming urge. There may be other causes as well, including: allergy, mites, and thyroid conditions.