This article first appeared on iCatCare here.
A cat tongue is a exceptional factor. It has a number of essential jobs. As an inbuilt comb, the tongue is roofed with hook-shaped barbs that face backwards. When pulled by means of the fur these half it and take away lifeless hair and particles to maintain the coat in excellent situation and mendacity flat. The coat is an excellent sensory organ as a result of the guard hairs sign when the coat is ruffled or disturbed and provides the cat details about its setting.
These barbs additionally permit the cat to actually lick meat off the bone if it must (bear this in thoughts when contemplating the event of breeds with no hair the place the tongue could be very harsh on the pores and skin). Of course, the tongue can be the cat’s organ of style, in addition to being spoon-shaped to lap up water – a real multi-purpose organ. When a cat licks you the roughness of its tongue could be very evident.
I’m the feline behaviour specialist at feline charity ‘International Cat Care’. We are about partaking, educating and empowering individuals all through the world to enhance the well being and welfare of cats by sharing recommendation, coaching and keenness.