
07/06/2025
Cat tongues are one of the most fascinating features in all of feline anatomy. At first glance, they may seem simple, but look closer & you will find a remarkable natural design at work.
Covered in backward-facing spines called papillae, a cat’s tongue functions like a built-in grooming comb. These spines are made of keratin, the same material found in claws, and they help detangle fur, remove debris, and even rasp meat from bone. That distinctive sandpaper texture? It is pure feline efficiency.
Every lick serves a purpose. Whether they are tidying their own coat, grooming a fellow feline, or showing affection to a chosen human, their tongues reflect precision & instinct. Some scientists believe modern grooming tools were inspired by the structure of cat tongues, and frankly, we are not surprised.
Image & editted content from Cat Clowder