50 Fascinating Facts About Cats
43 A cat’s tongue is covered in tiny backward-facing spines called papillae, which give it a rough, sandpaper-like texture.
These papillae are made of keratin, the same substance that makes up human hair and nails.
A cat’s rough tongue serves several purposes. Firstly, it helps them groom themselves by removing loose fur, dirt, and debris from their coat. When a cat licks its fur, the papillae on their tongue act like a comb, catching and removing loose fur and debris. This helps keep their coat clean and free of tangles.
Secondly, a cat’s rough tongue is also useful for drinking water. When a cat laps up water, the backward-facing papillae on their tongue create a scoop-like shape, which helps them scoop up and capture water more efficiently.
Overall, a cat’s rough tongue is a unique and essential tool that helps them keep themselves clean and healthy. It’s just one of the many fascinating and specialized features that make cats such interesting and beloved animals!
44 Cats can make a variety of vocalizations, including hissing, growling, chirping, and even trilling.
45 A cat’s whiskers are sensitive to changes in air pressure, which helps them detect movements and avoid obstacles.
46 The world’s longest cat on record was over 4 feet long.
