Cats keep body curiosities that few
animals can boast about. One of the most wonderful rarities is located in the
league. This part of the feline body surprises with its formation and the
variety of functions it performs.
The tongue of cats is a vital tool for the
animal and thanks to this article you will discover why. Keep reading and take
note of the curiosities of this organ!
Why is Cat Tongue
Rough?
Probably, your cat has ever given you a
lick and you may have noticed that his tongue is not like that of humans, it is
scratchy and not at all soft. Roughness is a basic characteristic of this
feline organ, and it is an evolutionary adaptation that
has enabled them to survive and thrive in the wild. However, you may
wonder: why does it give us that feeling?
The explanation is simple. Cats have a
group of small filaments on their tongues that serve as human taste buds.
Many people believe that they are hairs,
however, the main compound of these is keratin. This substance, which also
makes up the nails, gives felines a series of essential qualities.
Grooming, hydration, feeding, and even
survival of the cat are influenced by these filaments that are located on the
tongue. Do you want to find out their specific functions? We will tell you
about them in the next section!
Functions of the Language of Cats
Both the entire tongue and its filaments
have a series of basic and unique functions in the feline body, which
demonstrate the importance of this organ in the day-to-day life of the animal.
- Gentle and Brush the Hair
Every cat needs several daily grooming,
which they get thanks to the feline tongue. The licking that they carry out
most of their body is a great way to remove any dirt that has accumulated in
their fur.
The filaments located in this organ
fulfill the function of a comb and remove the tiniest dirt that can be detected
in any area of the feline hair.
Although it is a very important function,
these keratin elements have other more specific qualities, as you can see in
later sections.
- The Tongue Relaxes the Cats
In addition to cleaning itself, the cat's
licks have a relaxing intention. Whenever the animal wants to calm down, it
will opt for this innate feline technique. For this reason, excessive licking
can be clear evidence that our pet is suffering from stress.
Stress in cats is a complex process that
can be difficult to detect. Perhaps one of the most obvious signs is hair loss
in the cat. In order to be able to recognize this pathology that should concern
us so much as soon as possible, we give you all the information about it in
this article.
- A Hunting Tool
Cats, as carnivorous and predatory
animals, have bodily aids that make it easier for them to hunt other animals.
One of these innate advantages is located in the feline tongue.
The keratin filaments they have are
perfect tools for the hunted animal to be trapped, without the possibility of
fleeing. In this way, this organ fulfills a key survival function.
How Do Cats Drink?
Like many other animals, cats use their tongues
to transfer any liquid to their body. However, although we believe that they
use a simple technique to absorb the water or milk that we provide them in
their day-to-day lives, the way to carry out this action is a rather curious
challenge to gravity.
To ingest any liquid, these animals do not
perform the usual movement that we see in other species. The normal thing is
that the tongue of the animal develops an upward turn to push the liquid
toward the mouth.
However, the cat's tongue performs the
reverse movement. The felines fold their tongues downwards and with a powerful
and rapid impulse, they shoot the liquid into their mouths. In this way, they
ingest large amounts of water or milk at an astonishing speed.
The skill with which these animals are born allows gravity not to be an impediment when using this technique!
Benefits of Rough Tongue of Cat
The roughness of a cat's tongue offers
several benefits to the animal:
1.
Grooming Efficiency: The rough texture of a cat's
tongue acts like a natural brush or comb. When cats groom themselves, the
backward-facing barbs on their tongues help to remove dirt, debris, and loose
hair from their fur. This self-grooming process helps to keep their coat clean,
free from tangles and well-maintained. It also stimulates the production of
natural oils, which helps to keep their fur healthy and shiny.
2.
Hairball Prevention: Cats are meticulous groomers, and
during the grooming process, they often ingest a significant amount of loose
hair. The roughness of their tongues helps to collect and remove loose hair
from their coats. By swallowing less hair, cats reduce the likelihood of
developing hairballs, which can cause discomfort or lead to digestive issues.
3. Enhanced Sensitivity: The papillae on a cat's tongue not only provide roughness but also contain numerous nerve endings. This heightened sensitivity allows cats to assess the texture, temperature, and taste of food more effectively. The rough tongue helps in manipulating and extracting pieces of meat from bones or lapping up liquids efficiently.
4.
Bonding and Social Interaction: Cats also use
their tongues to groom other cats or their human companions. This behavior,
known as allogrooming, helps to strengthen social bonds within a group of cats
or between a cat and its human caretaker. The roughness of their tongues
ensures effective grooming by removing dirt, and parasites, and providing a
comforting sensation during these interactions.
5.
Sensory Exploration: Cats use their tongues to explore
their environment and objects around them. By licking different surfaces, they
can gather information about the texture, taste, and scent of various items.
The roughness of their tongues allows them to gather more tactile feedback, aiding
in their sensory exploration.
In summary, the roughness of a cat's
tongue facilitates efficient grooming, helps prevent hairballs, enhances
sensory perception, promotes bonding, and aids in sensory exploration. It is a
unique adaptation that contributes to a cat's overall well-being and survival.
People Also Ask
Do all cats have rough tongues?
While the majority of cats have rough
tongues, not all cats have the same level of roughness. The rough texture of a
cat's tongue is primarily due to the presence of backward-facing barbs called
papillae. However, some cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon, may have smoother
tongues compared to others. Despite variations, the roughness of most cats'
tongues serves important functions like grooming, efficient consumption of food
and liquids, and sensory perception.
Why are Cat’s Tongues Rough and Dogs
Smooth?
Cats have rough tongues due to the
presence of tiny barbs called papillae, which aid in grooming, efficient food
consumption, and sensory perception. These barbs help remove dirt, debris, and
loose hair from their fur. In contrast, dogs have smoother tongues. The
difference is attributed to the diverse evolutionary adaptations of each
species. While cats rely on their rough tongues for grooming and capturing prey,
dogs have evolved with smoother tongues, better suited for drinking water and
panting to regulate body temperature.
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