Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongues Out? Understanding the Feline Blep

Cats are enigmatic creatures, and their behaviors often leave us scratching our heads in wonder. One such behavior that has captured the hearts (and camera rolls) of cat owners worldwide is the adorable phenomenon known as the “blep” – when a cat sticks its tongue out, seemingly forgetting to retract it. While often comical, understanding why cats blep can provide insights into their health, habits, and overall well-being. This comprehensive guide delves into the various reasons behind the feline blep, offering detailed explanations and potential concerns to watch out for.

What is a Blep?

Before we dive into the reasons, let’s define what we’re talking about. A blep is simply when a cat’s tongue protrudes slightly from its mouth and remains visible. It’s usually a small portion of the tongue, and the cat often seems unaware or unconcerned by it. Bleps can range in size and frequency, from a tiny tip peeking out to a more substantial portion of the tongue lolling about. The key characteristic is that it appears unintentional and the cat doesn’t immediately correct it.

Common Reasons for Cats Sticking Their Tongues Out (Blep Causes)

Several factors can contribute to a cat sticking its tongue out. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Relaxation and Contentment

Just like humans, cats relax their muscles when they’re comfortable and at ease. Sometimes, this relaxation extends to the tongue. A relaxed cat might simply let its tongue loll out, especially when dozing or deeply content. This type of blep is usually accompanied by other signs of relaxation, such as:

* **Slow, deep breathing:** A relaxed cat’s breathing will be slow and regular.
* **Half-closed or fully closed eyes:** Often, a relaxed cat will be dozing or sleeping.
* **Purring:** The classic sign of feline contentment.
* **Kneading:** Some cats knead on soft surfaces when they’re feeling happy and secure.
* **A soft, pliable body:** A relaxed cat’s muscles will be loose and not tense.

If your cat is blepping while exhibiting these signs, it’s likely a sign of pure bliss.

2. Dental Issues

Dental problems are a prevalent cause of blepping in cats. Pain or discomfort in the mouth can make it difficult or uncomfortable for a cat to fully close its mouth, leading to the tongue protruding. Common dental issues that can cause blepping include:

* **Gingivitis:** Inflammation of the gums, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
* **Periodontitis:** A more severe form of gum disease that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
* **Tooth resorption:** A painful condition where the tooth structure is gradually broken down and reabsorbed by the body.
* **Stomatitis:** Inflammation of the oral mucous membranes, causing widespread pain and discomfort in the mouth.
* **Dental abscesses:** Pockets of infection in the teeth or gums.
* **Broken or loose teeth:** These can cause pain and make it difficult to close the mouth properly.

**How to Check for Dental Issues:**

While a veterinarian is the best resource for diagnosing dental problems, you can perform a basic visual check at home. Look for:

* **Red or swollen gums:** Healthy gums are pink and firm.
* **Bleeding gums:** This is a clear sign of inflammation.
* **Excessive drooling:** Cats don’t usually drool excessively unless there’s a problem.
* **Bad breath:** A foul odor from the mouth can indicate infection or decay.
* **Difficulty eating:** Reluctance to eat, chewing on one side of the mouth, or dropping food can all be signs of dental pain.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications.

3. Neurological Problems

In some cases, blepping can be a sign of a neurological issue. Neurological problems can affect the muscles and nerves that control the tongue, making it difficult for the cat to retract it fully. Potential neurological causes include:

* **Facial nerve paralysis:** Damage to the facial nerve can cause weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, including the muscles that control the tongue.
* **Dysautonomia:** A dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion. This can affect muscle control.
* **Brain lesions or tumors:** These can disrupt nerve signals and affect muscle function.
* **Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS):** Similar to dementia in humans, CDS can affect a cat’s cognitive abilities and motor control.

**Signs of Neurological Problems:**

Blepping caused by neurological issues is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

* **Head tilting:** Tilting the head to one side.
* **Loss of balance or coordination:** Difficulty walking or stumbling.
* **Seizures:** Uncontrolled muscle spasms or convulsions.
* **Changes in behavior:** Confusion, disorientation, or changes in personality.
* **Weakness or paralysis in one or more limbs:** Difficulty moving or dragging a limb.

If your cat is blepping and exhibiting any of these neurological signs, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention. Neurological conditions can be serious and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

4. Nausea

Just like humans, cats can experience nausea for various reasons, such as motion sickness, eating something that doesn’t agree with them, or underlying medical conditions. Nausea can sometimes cause a cat to stick its tongue out. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought that the tongue protrusion may be an attempt to clear the mouth or relieve discomfort.

**Other Signs of Nausea in Cats:**

* **Lip licking:** Frequent licking of the lips or nose.
* **Excessive drooling:** More saliva than usual.
* **Loss of appetite:** Refusal to eat or decreased food intake.
* **Vomiting or regurgitation:** Expulsion of stomach contents.
* **Lethargy:** Decreased energy levels and activity.

If your cat is blepping and showing signs of nausea, try to identify the potential cause. If the nausea persists or is accompanied by vomiting or other concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions.

5. Medications

Certain medications can have side effects that cause a cat to stick its tongue out. Some medications can cause dry mouth, which may lead to the tongue protruding. Others can affect muscle control or neurological function, resulting in blepping. Common medications that might cause this include:

* **Anticonvulsants:** Used to control seizures.
* **Antihistamines:** Used to treat allergies.
* **Muscle relaxants:** Used to relieve muscle spasms.
* **Certain pain medications:** Some pain relievers can have neurological side effects.

If you’ve recently started your cat on a new medication and notice blepping, talk to your veterinarian. They can determine if the medication is the cause and adjust the dosage or switch to a different medication if necessary.

6. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)

As cats age, they can develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. CDS can affect a cat’s memory, learning ability, and awareness of its surroundings. One of the symptoms of CDS can be blepping. As a cat’s cognitive function declines, it may become less aware of its body and surroundings, leading to unintentional tongue protrusion.

**Other Signs of CDS in Cats:**

* **Disorientation:** Getting lost in familiar places.
* **Changes in sleep patterns:** Sleeping more during the day and less at night.
* **Loss of interest in play:** Decreased activity and enthusiasm for toys.
* **Changes in social interaction:** Becoming more withdrawn or irritable.
* **Increased vocalization:** Excessive meowing, especially at night.
* **House soiling:** Accidents outside the litter box.

If you suspect your cat may have CDS, consult your veterinarian. While there’s no cure for CDS, there are treatments and management strategies that can help improve your cat’s quality of life.

7. Breed Predisposition

Certain cat breeds may be more prone to blepping than others. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Persians and Himalayans, have flattened faces and shortened noses. This can lead to dental and respiratory problems that make it difficult for them to close their mouths completely, resulting in the tongue protruding. Additionally, breeds with naturally larger tongues might be more likely to blep.

8. Recent Dental Procedures

Following a dental procedure, such as a cleaning or extraction, a cat may temporarily stick its tongue out. This can be due to residual anesthesia, swelling, or discomfort in the mouth. The blepping should resolve as the cat recovers from the procedure. If it persists for more than a few days, contact your veterinarian.

9. Exploring Scents (The Flehmen Response)

While not exactly a “blep” in the typical sense, cats sometimes stick their tongues out slightly and curl their lips back in a behavior called the Flehmen response. This response is triggered when a cat encounters a particularly interesting scent, often urine from another animal. The cat opens its mouth slightly to draw the scent molecules over the vomeronasal organ (also known as Jacobson’s organ) located in the roof of the mouth. This organ helps the cat to analyze the scent and gain more information about its source.

The Flehmen response is characterized by:

* **Slightly open mouth:** The cat’s mouth will be partially open, and the tongue may protrude slightly.
* **Curled upper lip:** The upper lip will be curled back, exposing the gums.
* **Wrinkled nose:** The nose may be wrinkled as the cat concentrates on the scent.
* **Fixed gaze:** The cat may stare intently at the source of the scent.

The Flehmen response is a normal behavior in cats and is nothing to be concerned about.

10. Habit or Learned Behavior

Sometimes, a cat might simply develop a habit of sticking its tongue out. If there’s no underlying medical reason, the blepping may just be a quirky behavior that the cat has adopted. In some cases, a cat might have started blepping for a specific reason (like relaxation) and then continued the behavior even after the initial cause is gone. Just like humans can develop habits, cats can too!

When to Worry About Your Cat Sticking Their Tongue Out

While blepping is often harmless, it’s important to be aware of the potential underlying causes and when to seek veterinary attention. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

* **Sudden onset of blepping:** If your cat suddenly starts sticking its tongue out when it hasn’t done so before, it’s worth investigating.
* **Bleeding, swelling, or redness in the mouth:** These are signs of dental problems or injury.
* **Difficulty eating or drinking:** Reluctance to eat, dropping food, or excessive drooling can indicate a problem.
* **Changes in behavior or activity level:** Lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in personality can be signs of illness.
* **Neurological signs:** Head tilting, loss of balance, seizures, or weakness can indicate a neurological problem.
* **Persistent blepping:** If the blepping continues for more than a few days or worsens over time, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.

What to Do If You’re Concerned

If you’re concerned about your cat sticking its tongue out, the best course of action is to consult your veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of the blepping and recommend appropriate treatment. Be prepared to provide your veterinarian with information about:

* **When the blepping started:** How long has your cat been sticking its tongue out?
* **Frequency of the blepping:** How often does your cat blep?
* **Any other symptoms:** Has your cat exhibited any other unusual behaviors or symptoms?
* **Diet and medication:** What does your cat eat, and what medications is it taking?
* **Medical history:** Does your cat have any pre-existing medical conditions?

Preventing Blepping

While you can’t always prevent blepping, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of certain causes:

* **Regular dental care:** Brush your cat’s teeth regularly and schedule professional dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
* **Provide a balanced diet:** Feed your cat a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs.
* **Monitor your cat’s health:** Be observant of any changes in your cat’s behavior or health and seek veterinary attention promptly if you notice anything concerning.
* **Create a stress-free environment:** Minimize stressors in your cat’s environment to promote relaxation and well-being.

Conclusion

Cats sticking their tongues out, or blepping, is a common and often endearing behavior. While it’s frequently harmless, it’s important to understand the potential underlying causes and when to seek veterinary attention. By being observant of your cat’s behavior and providing proper care, you can ensure their health and happiness. So, the next time you catch your feline friend blepping, take a moment to appreciate the adorable moment, but also be mindful of any potential signs that might warrant a trip to the vet. A healthy, happy cat is the best blepping cat of all!