The cat’s tongue is a complex and special part of the animal’s body. This organ has numerous functions that go beyond the simple act of tasting food. How come? The tongue helps cats in their other daily activities, including drinking, eating, and grooming.
When you try to closely observe a cat’s tongue, you will see that it is covered with papillae. Papillae are tiny barbs that come in varying lengths (i.e., barbs at the tongue center are longer than those along the edges). A vet professional explained that these barbs are covered in a keratin sheath. This particular substance strengthens the papillae. And because of the barbs’ orientation which appears like a double-edged sword, the cat’s tongue is strong enough to be used for hunting. How do the papillae help cats in their hunting endeavors?
These tiny barbs can do the following:
Strip flesh from bones
Move the food items out and inside the mouth
Trap inedible items
Your professional veterinarian New Orleans, LA is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and well-being.
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