Why Cats Aren't Scared of Fish Bones: The Reason Explai
The Surprising Truth About Cats and Fish Bones
Cats, it turns out, are actually wary of fish bones. While it's not a common sight, cats can indeed get their tongues stuck on fish bones when they dine on this delicacy.
Contrary to what we might think, a cat's tongue is not as smooth as ours. Instead, it's covered with numerous tiny spines that give it a rough texture.
When a cat licks your hand, you might feel a tingling sensation. This is because those spines are at work, providing a unique sensation.
These spines act like little guardians on a cat's tongue, separating bones from meat. The bones that remain are then spat out.
Occasionally, cats will swallow small fish bones, which don't cause them any trouble because they have a clever way of smoothing the bones out and swallowing them along with the meat.
It seems that cats don't eat all the bones they encounter. Instead, they use their spiny tongues to "filter" out most of the bones, leaving only the ones that can't be avoided to be smoothed and swallowed. This highlights the significant role a cat's tongue plays in the process of eating.
Additionally, a cat's esophagus is structurally different from ours. The entire wall of a cat's esophagus is lined with muscles that facilitate vomiting, making it easier for them to expel unwanted or unsuitable food.
Cats use this convenient method to expel parts of their prey that are difficult to digest. Sometimes, they even use this as a means to bring food back to feed their kittens. In contrast, humans lack this muscle in the upper part of their esophagus, making it difficult to vomit spontaneously.
Of course, if a cat still can't dislodge a fish bone through vomiting, it may need the help of its owner. In severe cases, a trip to the vet might be necessary, so it's important to note that cats are not entirely immune to fish bones.
Why Do Cats Love Fish?
Fish emit a pungent smell due to the metabolic process of proteins, which produces ammonia. This ammonia is released directly into the water through the fish's skin, and it's this smell that attracts cats.
As nocturnal creatures, cats must have excellent vision to navigate in the dark. Taurine, a substance found in high quantities in fish, is essential for the development of the nervous system and maintaining various life processes. This is why the belief that eating fish makes cats smarter has some merit.
