Table of content
Why Cats Stick Out Their Tongues Reason 1 - Your Cat Is Tired or Sleeping.
Reason 2 - Your Cat Is Blepping.
Reason 3 - Your Cat’s Breed Is Predisposed to It
Reason 4 - Something Is Stuck to Her Tongue
Reason 5 - Your Cat Has Motion Sickness, Is Stressed, or Has Anxiety
Reason 6 - Your Cat Is Hot
Reason 7 - Your Cat Has a Respiratory Infection or Blockage
Reason 8 - It’s a Neurological Issue
Reason 9 - Your Cat Is Nauseous
Reason 10 - Your Cat Has Stomatitis
Reason 11 - Your Cat Has Periodontal Disease FAQ's 1. Why do cats stick their tongue out when you pet them? 2. What does it mean when cats stick their tongue out? 3. Why do cats stick their tongue out when you pet them? 4. Could dehydration cause a cat to stick its tongue out? 5. Why does my cat stick its tongue out after eating? 6. Why does my cat stick its tongue out while purring?
10 Reasons to explain: Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out?
Cats sticking their tongues out can be a quirky and endearing behavior, often rooted in various physiological and emotional reasons. Understanding why this happens can help you better interpret your cat's needs and health.
Explore the enchanting world of #tongueoutTuesday on Instagram where cats capture hearts with their adorable tongue out poses.
But the real question remains: Why do cats stick their tongue out? Delve into the mystery as we consult with three knowledgeable vets who shed light on the multitude of reasons behind this charming behavior, helping you decipher whether it's a harmless quirk or a potential sign of a more serious concern.
Why Cats Stick Out Their Tongues
Cats sticking out their tongues can be a fascinating behavior with several underlying causes worth exploring.
1. Your Cat Is Tired or Sleeping.
Ever find yourself waking up to the sight of your cat in a "blep" moment – mouth slightly open, tongue hanging out? Yep, that's a common occurrence, just like when humans experience their mouths gaping open during sleep.
Your feline friend in a state of relaxation might stick her tongue out or have it hanging casually, it could be a cute display perhaps signaling that she's engrossed in dreams making little sounds and clicks with her tongue.
Rest assured this adorable behavior is usually not a cause for concern so if you catch your cat sticking tongue or displaying a blep, know that it's just another charming aspect of her feline slumber.
2. Your Cat Is Blepping.
As a devoted cat owner or enthusiast you've likely witnessed the adorable spectacle known as the "blep." This endearing occurrence unfolds when a cat neglects to retract its tongue to its usual position after sticking it out for some particular reason, treating us humans to a charming peek of their kitty tongue.
Go ahead try and resist the temptation to touch that tongue, it's easier said than done.
It's perfectly normal for cats to occasionally stick tongue or exhibit a blep, as long as there are no signs of distress or a sudden increase in frequency. Sometimes a blep may happen when your cat simply forgets to tuck its tongue back in.
perhaps after a moment of grooming startlement or a distraction while indulging in food or exploring scents, for certain felines particularly seniors consistent blepping could potentially signal dementia.
For more information on Feline Dementia read our guide.
Should this behavior be new, constant, or accompanied by any other shifts in your cat's body language, it's advisable to consult with your vet for a comprehensive assessment.
Understanding the reasons behind your cat's tongue hanging or blep moments can provide valuable insights into their well being.
3. Your Cat’s Breed Is Predisposed to It
Just like their canine counterparts specific cat breeds fall into the category of brachycephalic, characterized by short noses and flat faces. Notable examples include Persian Cats, Exotic Shorthair, Burmese Cats, Scottish Fold, British Shorthair and Ragdoll Cats who effortlessly partake in #tongueoutTuesday trends.
These cute faced felines much like their counterparts with missing teeth or malformed jaws, exhibit a tendency to stick tongue or display a blep due to their unique anatomy.
The flattened features can sometimes lead to challenges in keeping their tongues inside at all times contributing to instances where the tongue hangs out, If you happen to notice your cat sticking tongue or displaying this behavior frequently it could be a tongue sign that their anatomy poses challenges.
Monitoring these occurrences over time can provide valuable insights into your cat's well being.
4. Something is stuck to her Tongue
As a cat parent i invariably find myself contending with cat hair sticking to my tongue, Picture having tiny hook like structures covering your tongue reminiscent of fur as you diligently groom yourself.
These structures known as papillae are the reason behind the abrasive sensation of cat kisses, papillae not only clutch onto food particles and loose hair but also play a crucial role in a cat's ability to lap up water.
Consequently it's unsurprising that various elements can adhere to cat tongues, if your cat's tongue is out in a "blep" or with an open mouth it could signify her desire for the removal of whatever has stuck to it.
A behavior that may be both typical and, in some cases indicative of potential health issues.
5. Your Cat Has Motion Sickness, Is Stressed, or Has Anxiety
If you observe your cat with her tongue sticking out particularly during car travels it might be an indication of motion sickness, according to most Animal Hospitals, motion sickness in cats is typically linked to feline stress and cat anxiety associated with journeys.
In situations where your cat displays the behavior of a "blep" or keeps her mouth open during car rides or other anxiety inducing events, it's essential to address potential health concerns.
To alleviate your cat's distress consider employing desensitization training utilizing calming pheromone spray.
These measures not only help manage cat behavior but also contribute to creating a more soothing environment, addressing both the immediate concern and potential underlying health issues.
6. Your Cat Is Hot
While your cat may need to catch her breath after an intense round of Cat Laser Toy chasing seeing her stick out her tongue, pant, or display lethargy on a hot day isn't normal cat behavior.
It's essential to be aware that panting, bleps, or sticking out the tongue are not typical actions in cats, unlike dogs.
Should you notice your cat exhibiting these behaviors along with signs like drooling or bad breath it's important to take action, place her in a cool area with fresh water and closely monitor her.
If distress persists especially if accompanied by collapsing or other concerning signs seeking immediate veterinary attention is crucial, these symptoms could be indicative of health issues such as heatstroke or potential dental problems involving her teeth or bad breath.
Being attuned to your cat's behavior and addressing unusual signs promptly is vital for her well being.
7. Your Cat Has a Respiratory Infection or Blockage
If your cat has been experiencing coughing has a background of heart or respiratory disease, displays signs of difficulty breathing, gasps for air, or presents with gums or a tongue showing a bluish tint, it's prudent to prioritize caution and promptly seek veterinary attention.
8. It’s a Neurological Issue
Given that tongue control is intricately linked to the neurological system a handful of more complex and less common neurological or neuromuscular diseases can lead to abnormal movements of the cat's tongue.
Typically such neurological issues are accompanied by other unusual or odd movements in your cat, To pinpoint whether a neurological problem is causing your cat's tongue to stick out it's crucial to consult with your vet.
One rare but significant neurological ailment impacting cat tongues is feline orofacial pain syndrome, if you notice your cat frequently sticking out her tongue in an abnormal blep or engaging in repetitive licking motions along with behaviors such as chewing at her paws, tongue, and cheek to the point of self harm.
Seeking veterinary attention is imperative this issue seems to be more concentrated among a specific cat breed, particularly Burmese cats despite the specific focus on this breed the reasons for its prevalence remain unclear.
In cases where your cat exhibits behaviors like drooling, bad breath, or reluctance to eat, it's also important to consider dental issues such as stomatitis inflammation.
Spending time observing and understanding your cat's behavior can provide valuable insights into potential health concerns.
9. Your Cat Is Nauseous
Certainly when issues involving the cat such as vomiting arise it may require immediate attention, recognizing signs like excessive licking of the lips or flickering of the tongue during oral activity is crucial in understanding your cat's discomfort.
Taking the time to know your cat and being attentive to changes in behavior is essential, especially if you have a flat faced feline such as the Selkirk Rex addressing such incidents promptly and involving your vet ensures the well being of your furry friend.
10. Your Cat Has Stomatitis
Stomatitis an inflammation affecting a cat's mouth with visibly red and irritated gums, tongue, and oral tissues, demands attention over time.
This condition often causing a cat significant discomfort can lead to symptoms like decreased appetite, excessive drooling, bad breath, and an unkempt coat.
Additionally occurrences such as the protrusion of the tongue and pawing at the face may happen to the cat.
Regular dental cleaning is essential to address and prevent such issues, ensuring a cat's well being and alleviating any concerns a cat owner might have.
11. Your Cat Has Periodontal Disease
If your feline friend sticks her tongue out accompanied by excessive drooling, a disinterest in food, discomfort during meals, or foul breath, it's time to consider a visit to her feline dentist.
The accumulation of bacteria and food on your cat's teeth can progress to the formation of plaque highlighting the importance of good dental hygiene in cats, akin to humans.
Regular dental cleaning helps eliminate plaque prevent tartar buildup and forestall the development of gum disease and dental issues.
It's crucial to understand that dental care isn't exclusive to humans, full dental cleanings and evaluations are recommended for cats starting at one year of age.
Whether or not your cat exhibits bleps scheduling a dental check up after one year is essential to address any potential worries related to cat dental health, including gum disease, cat drool, and tooth issues affecting the tongue and mouth.
FAQ
Why do cats stick their tongue out when you pet them?
When cats stick their tongue out while being petted, it often means they are relaxed and content. Petting can induce a calm state, causing their facial muscles to relax, making their tongue slip out. Additionally, if they detect an interesting scent, they might stick their tongue out to analyze it better. This behavior generally indicates that the cat feels safe and comfortable, so there is usually no reason to worry.
What does it mean when cats stick their tongue out?
When cats stick their tongue out, it often means they are relaxed and content, as their facial muscles relax during grooming, sleep, or petting. It can also happen when they detect an interesting scent, using the Flehmen response to analyze it. Occasionally, it might indicate dental issues or other health concerns, so if a cat sticks its tongue out frequently, it’s worth monitoring. Generally, if a cat sticks its tongue out occasionally, there is no reason to worry.
Why do cats stick their tongue out when you pet them?
Cats stick their tongue out when you pet them primarily because they feel relaxed and content. Petting can induce a state of calmness, causing their facial muscles to relax and their tongue to slip out. Additionally, if they detect an intriguing scent on their fur, they might stick their tongue out to analyze it using the Flehmen response. This behavior is generally a positive sign that the cat feels safe and comfortable with you, so there's usually no reason to worry.
Could dehydration cause a cat to stick its tongue out?
Yes, dehydration can cause a cat to stick its tongue out as a way to cool down. Cats regulate their body temperature through panting, and sticking out their tongue helps increase heat loss through evaporative cooling. Ensure your cat has access to fresh water and watch for other signs of dehydration like dry gums or lethargy. If concerned, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Why does my cat stick its tongue out after eating?
After eating, your cat might stick its tongue out to clean its mouth. This behavior is a natural part of their grooming routine, where they use their tongue to lick around their lips and remove any food particles or residue left on their fur or whiskers. It helps them ensure their mouth is clean and free of any lingering tastes or textures from their meal. Additionally, sticking out their tongue after eating can also be a way for cats to savor the flavor of the food or to adjust their taste receptors. It's a normal and instinctive behavior for cats, indicating they are keeping themselves tidy and enjoying their mealtime experience.
Why does my cat stick its tongue out while purring?
When your cat sticks its tongue out while purring, it typically signifies a deep state of relaxation and contentment. Purring is a vocalization that cats make when they are comfortable and happy, often during social interactions or when they are being petted. The act of purring, combined with relaxed facial muscles, can cause their tongue to slip out slightly. This behavior is akin to humans smiling or sighing contentedly and is a positive indication that your cat feels safe and at ease in your presence. It's a natural expression of their emotional state and a sign of affection towards you. To learn more about why cats purr, you can read this article: Why do cats purr?
Are cats happy when they stick their tongue out?
Cats sticking their tongue out isn’t always a sign of happiness, but it can indicate relaxation or contentment, especially if they're in a calm state. It might also happen when they’re grooming and forget to retract their tongue, or if they’re focusing on something intently. In some cases, a cat sticking its tongue out could be due to dental issues, overheating, or nausea, so it’s important to observe other behaviors and their overall health.
What is the meaning of blepping?
Blepping is when a cat sticks out the tip of its tongue, often unintentionally, and leaves it hanging out for a short period. This cute behavior typically happens when a cat is relaxed, distracted, or after grooming, where they forget to retract their tongue fully. While blepping is usually harmless and can be a sign of contentment or curiosity, it can sometimes result from a cat’s exploration of new smells through its Jacobson’s organ, a special sensory receptor.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
