Cats, why do they show their tongues?

2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

The cat shows you the language? An apparently funny and funny scene but which could hide different meanings and problems that it is good to understand. Some cats they show the language from an early age, a behavioral habit that should not arouse suspicion or concern. On the contrary, it is good to probe the dynamics if the friend suddenly begins to show it, subverting a well-established behavioral routine, a sort of alarm bell that should be checked.

We know the cat's language

But how is a cat's tongue made? Very different from the human one it appears rough thanks to the presence of a series of filiform papillae with a curved, hooked shape and facing the throat. They are covered with keratin and perform multiple functions such as removing and stripping the bones in detail, combing the hair by collecting dead hair then helping them while they drink.

Personal cleaning

The cat may show the tip or a large part of the tongue at the end of personal grooming, a sort of momentary forgetfulness during a procedure that engages him deeply. The tongue appears fleetingly as the cat allows itself a short pause, before resuming with the phase of grooming of the hair.

Rest and relaxation

If the cat is resting e sleeping deeply, the tongue could protrude from the mouth, a completely voluntary reaction resulting from the state of complete relaxation. A natural behavior that should not cause concern and that can disappear when our friend awakens.

Physical problems

If the tongue appears suddenly hanging out of the mouth without movement, preventing it from closing, it could indicate the presence of a series of problems physical problems such as ailments, dental infections, broken teeth. The cat could be a victim of feline stomatitis which causes painful ulcers on the gums, throat and tongue, a condition that prevents it from eating, cleaning, promoting excessive production of drool.

Dementia and hypoxia

An older cat might forget its tongue out of its mouth, or its presence could reveal a condition hypoxia that is, the cat cannot breathe properly. In this case, it is good to intervene urgently because poor oxygenation could prove dangerous, particularly if accompanied by rattles, so it is best to immediately take your friend to the vet.

Insects and foreign bodies

The condition is also favored by the presence of foreign bodies or masses inside the mouth, or if the cat was stung by an insect that caused swelling and enlargement of the muzzle and tongue. The same can also appear after a violent impact or an accident that may have facilitated the breaking of the jaw.

Hot, shortness of breath

A very day hot, the absence of water or a poorly refrigerated space can increase the body temperature of the friend who may start panting with a lot of exposed tongue, in an attempt to regulate the internal gradation. A situation that can mostly affect cats suffering from dementia, obesity or long-haired, to solve the uncomfortable situation it is good to intervene by refreshing him or accompanying him to the vet.

Stress, anxiety and danger

Stress, anxiety, distressing situations can affect the cat's emotional balance, such as an unfamiliar environment, a move or the presence of an element extraneous to the daily routine. Even the intake of toxic substances can favor this physical condition, in tandem with a strong increase in drool and the need to reject: in these cases it is good to intervene immediately.

Solutions

If the presence of the tongue outside the mouth is occasional it is not necessary to be alarmed, but if it becomes constant it is necessary to intervene promptly trying to assess the situation to identify the triggering cause. In the most serious cases, such as those mentioned above, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian immediately, avoiding a do-it-yourself that is harmful to the well-being of the feline.