Why does a cat stick out its tongue? Diseases in which protrusion of the tip of the tongue is observed in cats

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Pet lovers sometimes notice that a cat breathes with its tongue out. In most cases, this phenomenon touches the owners. They simply don't care about it. But there are also breeders who closely monitor the behavior of the cat. So, sticking out the tongue of a pet leads them into a panic. But is it worth worrying if a cat sticks out its tongue, and what are the reasons for this?

Language functions

To understand why a cat sticks out its tongue, you first need to understand what functions this muscular organ performs. The cat's tongue performs a number of important functions:

• helps in the process of swallowing, feeding;
• allows you to recognize the taste of food;
• allows for hygiene procedures.

In the normal state, the tongue is located in the mouth. But there are times when the owner complains that the cat constantly sticks out his tongue. But this phenomenon is not always considered pathological. There are also physiological reasons why a cat sticks out the tip of its tongue.

Physiological causes

Veterinarians identify reasons why a cat sticks out its tongue:

1. Relaxation. During rest, sleep, the jaw muscles are as relaxed as possible, which leads to the prolapse of the muscular organ.
2. Thermoregulation. If the cat is hot, then she sticks out her tongue, thereby trying to normalize the temperature.
3. Distraction. The cat may simply forget to pull in the tongue after licking the fur, active games.
4. Bite. Due to malocclusion, the tongue simply does not fit in the cat's mouth. Therefore, he sticks out. Such pets do not pass in appearance to participate in competitions, exhibitions.
5. Childbirth. Before the expected birth, the behavior of the cat changes. She becomes agitated, her breathing quickens, her mouth is parted, her tongue sticks out.
6. Praise. The cat shows his tongue in response to praise. If the owner is constantly touched by the sight of a cat with a hanging tongue, then the animal will systematically carry out such an action for the sake of approval.
7. Hunting. During hunting, cats involuntarily stick out the tip of their tongue. This is due to the fact that in this position of the muscular organ, the animal's sense of smell is enhanced.
8. Age. A cat that has crossed the line at 8 years old can loosen and lose teeth. From the cracks that have appeared, the tongue freely peeks out of the oral cavity.

Interesting fact: scientists have been able to prove that a cat's tongue increases by several millimeters during sleep. Therefore, during the rest, the owner may notice the protruding tip of the pet's tongue.

Stress

The cause may be stress in cats. Consider symptoms and treatmentbelow.

If the pet is stressed, the tongue will stick out. For example, when driving a car, if the cat is afraid, then the tongue will hang down all the way. Fear, nervous shock, negative emotions are the reasons that cause stress in cats. When the animal is agitated, the following symptoms appear:

• tongue out;
• cat is shaking;
• pet trying to hide;
• meows all the time.

If the cat is frightened, the symptoms may recur. Therefore, the animal needs treatment. He needs complete rest. If necessary, the veterinarian prescribes sedatives.

Diseases

Veterinarians identify the main reasons why a cat sticks out its tongue:

• allergy causing throat swelling;
• inflammation of the gums, mouth;
• dental diseases;
• muscle atrophy;
• malfunction of the salivary gland;
• cranial injury.

It is often possible to meet a cat with its tongue hanging out after anesthesia. During this period, the animal is still unable to independently control the jaw. The oral cavity closes completely only 24 hours after the operation.

Signs of disease

Veterinarians identify a number of symptoms that, together with a protruding tongue, indicate various diseases:

• breathing difficulties;
• cat is lethargic, not playing;
• pet becomes aggressive;
• mouth mucosa is red and sometimes bluish;
• drynessmucous membrane;
• lack of appetite;
• wounds, mouth ulcers.

If the cat has the above symptoms, it is required to immediately take him to the clinic for examination.

Heat temperature

The main physiological reason why a cat sticks its tongue out is temperature regulation. The organ of the animal protrudes to reduce discomfort, for example, during the heat. This prevents the development of heat stroke. In this case, the owner should bring the cat to a cool place and pour him water.

But a protruding tongue in a cat can also be a signal of a high body temperature. To understand whether a pet is suffering from a fever or is ill, you should figure out what temperature is considered normal in cats.

The normal temperature for a cat is 38-39 degrees. But do not immediately panic if the indicator deviated slightly from the norm. Here are the common causes of a shift in the thermometer:

• immediately after sleep, the thermometer drops a couple of bars;
• in the evening the body temperature of the cat will be higher than in the morning;
• kittens have slightly higher temperatures than adults.

If the temperature has risen due to illness, do not self-medicate - the animal should be taken to the veterinarian.

Upper Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory tract disease can cause tongue protrusion in cats. For example, with rhinitis, pneumonia,bronchitis and other diseases, the cat exudes exudate from the nose, lungs. In this case, the pet is simply hard to breathe. To make up for the lack of oxygen, the animal opens its mouth and sticks out its tongue. For any disease of the upper respiratory tract, it is required to immediately visit the clinic for diagnosis and selection of drug treatment.

Cardiovascular disease

The heart is an important organ. Any disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system are dangerous for the life of the animal. Due to chronic or acute heart disease, oxygen does not reach the vital organs in sufficient quantities.

Improper functioning of the heart is accompanied by symptoms:

• cat is lethargic, almost no movement;
• heart rhythm abnormal;
• rapid breathing;
• tongue out;
• The oral mucosa has a bluish tint.

Any violation of breathing, heart rhythm - a signal from the cat's body about the need to visit a veterinarian. Lack of assistance can lead to the death of the animal.

Poisoning

Improper nutrition, low-quality food can lead to pet poisoning. The owner may notice characteristic symptoms:

• cough;
• vomiting;
• vomit;
• bloating;
• diarrhea;
• increased intestinal peristalsis;
• stomach churning.

Due to frequent gagging, the cat sticks out its tongue. Since there are pathological signs, it is impossible to confuse a cat's illness with a physiological norm.

Functional disorders of the brain

Veterinarians highlight the causes that lead to disruption of the brain and nervous system:

• traumatic brain injury;
• past infectious diseases;
• stroke.

The above reasons lead to impaired coordination: the cat cannot independently control movements, control muscles. So he sticks out his tongue.

Vets offer a little test to make sure your cat has no neurological problems. If the animal sticks out its tongue, you need to touch it a little. If there are no problems in the neurological part, then the cat will quickly hide the tongue. If the actions did not bring results, we can talk about the pathological signal of the body.

Results

There are many reasons why a cat shows its tongue. If such a condition is not accompanied by characteristic clinical manifestations, then there is no cause for concern. If the cat has become lethargic, does not move much, refuses to eat, salivation has increased, then you need to immediately visit a veterinarian for diagnosis, and, if necessary, to prescribe a treatment regimen.