Animal lovers have often noticed that cats have a rough tongue. Children and even adults do not understand why a cat has a rough tongue. This has many explanations, and first of all it is worth understanding the anatomy.
Why do cats have a rough tongue?
On the surface of the cat's tongue are capillary papillae. It is they who make the organ rough. The papillae are keratinized sharp protrusions that are directed towards the larynx. If the animal licks a person, discomfort will immediately appear.
In this case, the language of the cat is multifunctional. Animals are extremely clean, therefore they constantly lick themselves (for more details, see our article: Why do cats wash themselves and dogs don’t). In fact, the tongue replaces the comb and water treatments. Even street cats often look neat and clean. With the help of a rough tongue, it is possible to comb out even thick wool. The cat will not only lick, but also unravel the fluff.
Interesting fact: Some scientists note that using a rough tongue, it is easier for a cat to separate meat from bones. The animal is among the predators. For this reason, in the natural environment it is important for him to eat prey completely.
In extreme heat, cats can use their tongue to regulate body temperature, cooling the body. Actually, this also applies to dogs.
The disadvantages of a rough tongue
A rough tongue has a significant flaw. Due to the fact that the hooks on the surface are bent back, the hair and down partially remain in the oral cavity.The animal is forced to swallow whole lumps of wool. Most often, it is possible to get rid of fluff in a natural way. If the coat is long, then there is a risk of developing obstruction of the intestines and stomach. The owner will have to treat the pet and give special medications.
It also happens that, because of the structural features of the organ, the pet has to swallow an inedible object. The cat played with a small thing, after which it was stuck in the oral cavity. Rough language does not allow to get rid of the subject, and you have to swallow it. A similar situation occurs with Christmas tree rain or threads.
A cat cannot lick its wounds, because a rough tongue will provoke irritation. Moreover, a person should not repel an animal if it decides to show its feelings. It’s not typical for cats to lick the owner. A similar gesture speaks of a pet's love.
Why do dogs have a smooth tongue?
Owners of animals often noticed that the dogs have a smooth and gentle tongue. Pets often lick their owners. They express their love and care, attract attention. There are no rough particles in the language, because they are not necessary.
Why do cats have a rough tongue and dogs have a smooth tongue?
Dogs do not lick their hair for combing. They prefer to swim in the ponds. In addition, they rarely do this. Many cats do not like water procedures, so they cleanse themselves with the help of the tongue.
Dogs have well-developed teeth. There is no need to use the tongue in order to cut the food. Powerful fangs easily separate pieces of meat from bones, as well as chew vegetables, fruits.
Dog owners may not have to worry about hair clogging their stomach. Even clean dogs will not constantly lick themselves. Moreover, they need a bath if they live in an apartment. The procedure is performed on average once every 2-3 months.
The dog’s tongue is also used for cooling. There are many vessels and capillaries on the surface. In the heat, the dog throws out its tongue and cooler air cools the capillaries. Then the temperature of the whole organism decreases. The same effect is achieved when drinking water.
Many people have noticed that dogs express their emotions through language. When they meet, they can lick another dog, a person. To celebrate, the pet is able to slobber its owner from head to toe. Language is a great way to communicate.
Cats have a rough tongue due to capillary papillae, which are keratinized protrusions on the surface. The organ is used to clean hair and cut food. Dogs have a smooth tongue, because they do not comb out their fluff, but bathe in ponds. In addition, they can easily deal with prey with the help of powerful teeth.
