6 Surprising Ways Cats Use Their Tongues

Cat tongues might look cute, especially when they’re sticking out in that classic “blep” face—but there’s a lot more going on than you might think. Living with cats for years, I’ve learned just how incredible and multifunctional their tongues are. From grooming to eating to showing affection (or stress), that little pink tongue is a vital part of your cat’s daily life—and overall health.

Here’s what I’ve learned, firsthand and through research, about why your cat’s tongue is such a big deal.

That Rough Feeling? It’s All About the Barbs

If you've ever been licked by a cat, you know it feels like sandpaper. That’s because their tongues are covered with tiny, backward-facing spines called papillae. These aren’t just for show—they’re made of keratin (the same stuff as human fingernails) and shaped like little scoops.

Why it matters:

• Grooming: The papillae help untangle fur, remove dirt, and distribute oils. They even reach deep into the undercoat—which is why most cats can keep themselves so clean. (Though long-haired breeds like Persians often need help.)
• Eating: Cats use their tongues to scrape meat off bones and test the temperature and texture of food. If your cat gives his dinner a few licks before eating—or even walks away—it might be because it doesn’t pass the tongue test.
• Drinking: Unlike dogs, cats don’t lap water by scooping. They flick the tip of their tongue across the surface, creating a fast-moving column of water they snap up with perfect timing. It’s surprisingly high-tech for such a simple act.

Grooming: More Than Just Vanity

Watching a cat groom is almost meditative. Mine will spend short bursts throughout the day cleaning different parts of their body. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about staying healthy, cool, and safe.

Why cats groom:

• Temperature control: Since cats don’t sweat or pant like dogs, licking helps cool them down through evaporation.
• Scent control: After eating, cats groom to get rid of food smells—an instinct to avoid attracting predators or alerting prey.
• Bonding: Cats groom each other (and sometimes you) to show affection and mark you as “theirs.” It’s called allogrooming, and it’s a big social behavior, especially among bonded pairs.

Heads-up:
If your cat is grooming excessively, especially to the point of bald patches, it might be a stress response. This can lead to a condition called psychogenic alopecia. If you notice this, it’s worth talking to your vet.

Tongue as a Health Indicator

You can learn a lot about your cat’s health just by looking at their tongue.

A healthy tongue: Pink and moist
Warning signs:

• Blue or gray tinge: Could signal respiratory or heart problems
• Deep purple/blue: Might point to kidney issues
• Sores or black spots: Could be signs of oral cancer or stomatitis

If you ever notice your cat drooling a lot, having bad breath, or struggling to eat, don’t wait—get them checked out. I once had a foster cat with a discolored tongue, and it turned out to be a symptom of a much bigger issue.

The Famous “Blep” – Cute or Concerning?

“Blepping” (when a cat leaves their tongue sticking out) is adorable, but it’s not always just a silly habit.

Common (and harmless) reasons:

• They’re super relaxed and just forgot to pull it back in
• A bit of hair got stuck on their tongue after grooming
• Missing teeth let the tongue slip out
• They’re “tasting” the air as part of the Flehmen response

But sometimes, it’s serious:

• Heatstroke: Look for red tongue and excessive drooling
• Motion sickness: Especially in the car
• Dental disease or stomatitis: Pain or inflammation makes it hard to keep the tongue in
• Respiratory issues or poisoning: May come with other signs like panting, vomiting, or disorientation
• Feline dementia: In older cats, blepping can be part of cognitive decline

Pay attention to context. If your cat is acting normal and just looks silly? Enjoy the blep. If there are other symptoms? Time for a vet visit.

Tongues as Explorers

Cats don’t just investigate the world with their noses—tongues are part of the toolkit too. You might catch your cat licking odd surfaces like walls, furniture, or even your hand after you’ve used lotion.

Be cautious:

• Cleaning products: Some are toxic, especially those with phenols or quaternary ammonium. Always check labels.
• String or yarn: Cats love it, but if it gets caught on their tongue or swallowed, it’s a vet emergency waiting to happen.

Final Thoughts

Your cat’s tongue is an all-in-one tool: it helps them stay clean, eat, drink, communicate, and even show you love. The more you understand it, the more you’ll appreciate those tiny, raspy licks—and the signs they might be giving you.

As someone who’s spent years with cats (and cleaned up more hairballs than I want to count), I’ve learned that paying attention to the little things—like how often they groom or what their tongue looks like—can tell you a lot about how your cat is doing. So next time your cat gives you a lick or a blep, take a second look. There’s more going on than meets the eye.