Cat Tongue Barbs: How They Rip Meat Apart
Did you know that a cat's tongue is an incredibly effective grooming tool, far superior to a comb or brush? These tiny, individual spines, which resemble the claws of a small kitten, are incredibly sharp at their tips," explains Nora. "They can pierce through any kind of hair knot and separate it with ease." Nora then demonstrates by placing a synthetic cat tongue into a machine, which drags it across a piece of artificial fur. Unlike traditional brushes, where you have to pull hair out between the bristles, Nora's cat tongue model makes cleaning a breeze. She simply runs her fingers along the spines in the same direction, and the hair falls off effortlessly. (Source: PBS Newshour)
Covered in tiny, backwardfacing spines known as papillae, a cat's tongue is a marvel of nature. These tiny, nipplelike protrusions are made of keratin, the same material found in human nails. When your cat licks you, these papillae create a rough texture. Their purpose is to assist cats in grooming by collecting dust, debris, and loose fur from their coats. They also aid in removing meat from the bones of their prey.
Even though our domesticated cats no longer need to pluck meat from prey with their tongues, you'll notice they meticulously groom themselves after every meal. This postmeal cleaning ritual is a remnant of their wild origins. Maintaining cleanliness is a survival strategy: removing all traces of food odors can prevent other prey from detecting the cat's presence, as well as deter potential predators.
Licking is also a selfsoothing mechanism. Some cats turn to grooming when they're anxious or stressed. Unfortunately, this behavior can sometimes become excessive, leading to the loss of all their fur. This overgrooming is known as psychogenic alopecia. Cat owners often only see the result, which is bald spots. The reasons for this excessive grooming can range from physical parasites to underlying behavioral issues.
Several years ago, researchers at MIT studied the physics of cats drinking water. They analyzed highspeed videos of cats drinking to show how they use the side of their tongues to gently flick at the water's surface. According to the researchers, the front side of the cat's tongue is the only part that comes into contact with the liquid, while the sides and back do not. Unlike dogs, cats don't stick their tongues into the liquid like a spoon. Instead, their drinking mechanism is more subtle and elegant, requiring only a light touch to the water's surface to form a pillar of water, which they can then drink by closing their mouths. Most cats, except for the Persian breed, can drink water without a single drop sticking to their chins.
Given the pampered lifestyle of modern domestic cats, many of them are too lazy to use their tongues for cleaning. In these cases, it's up to their owners to be more diligent, helping to groom their fur and perform other tasks like wiping their bottoms with pet wipes. Neglecting to clean can lead to parasites over time.
