Why Is My Cat Sticking Her Tongue Out? The Adorable Mystery of Blepping

I recently caught my cat sitting on her scratching post… with her tongue poking out! 😹 I’d love to say she was being cheeky or rude, but it’s far more likely she was just completely relaxed — or maybe she’d caught a whiff of something irresistible from the kitchen. Either way, it was a moment I couldn’t resist capturing.

For cat parents, few things are as adorable as a little pink tongue peeking out of a sleepy or playful cat’s mouth. This behaviour even has a name: blepping. But why do cats stick their tongues out, and when should you be concerned? Let’s dive in.

Common Reasons Cats Stick Their Tongues Out

Cats use their tongues for a lot more than just eating. From grooming to exploring their environment, a cat’s tongue is a versatile and sensitive tool. Here are some of the most common reasons you might see your cat blepping:

1. Relaxation
When cats are comfortable and relaxed, their muscles—including their jaw muscles—loosen. This can cause their mouths to open slightly, leaving their tongue sticking out. Think of it as the feline equivalent of falling asleep with your mouth open!

2. Mid-Groom Pause
A cat’s tongue is covered in tiny, hook-like structures called papillae, which help them clean their fur. Sometimes, while grooming, a cat pauses and forgets to retract their tongue. If your cat licks you frequently, it could even be a sign they’re trying to groom you too!

3. Playfulness
Excited or playful cats sometimes stick their tongues out mid-pounce, chase, or bat at a toy. This behaviour can even be reinforced if you laugh, smile, or give them extra attention when they do it. In other words, your cat might blep just to make you smile!

4. Exploring Their Surroundings
Cats have a unique organ called the Jacobson’s organ (or vomeronasal organ) in the roof of their mouth. This allows them to “taste” scents in the air, often seen when they perform the Flehmen response. If your cat is investigating something new, the tongue may naturally poke out to help process those smells.

5. Genetics or Physical Traits
Some cats are naturally more prone to blepping due to their facial anatomy. Brachycephalic breeds, like Persians or Exotic Shorthairs, have shorter faces, making it harder for them to fully retract their tongues. Cats missing teeth may also have the same tendency.

When Blepping Could Signal a Health Issue

While most tongue-out moments are perfectly normal, it’s important to pay attention to context and frequency. Sudden or excessive blepping, or blepping combined with other symptoms, could indicate a medical issue.

Possible health concerns include:

• Dental or oral issues: Periodontitis, gingivitis, broken teeth, abscesses, or inflammation can all cause a cat to leave their tongue out. Watch for drooling, bad breath, or signs of pain.

• Respiratory issues: Cats with trouble breathing may stick out their tongue to get more air. If your cat is panting, breathing fast, or their tongue looks blue, contact your vet immediately.

• Other discomfort or neurological issues: In rare cases, tongue protrusion can signal neurological problems or other underlying health concerns.

If you notice any unusual signs along with blepping, a veterinary check-up is always the safest choice.

Fun Fact: Cats Can Blepp to Communicate Too

Cats are smart observers and may learn that blepping gets your attention. If your cat notices you smiling or laughing when their tongue pokes out, they may do it more often as a playful or affectionate gesture. In that sense, a little blep can be a sign of happiness and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Blepping is usually a normal, harmless, and utterly adorable behaviour. Whether your cat is relaxed, grooming, playing, or exploring, that tiny tongue-out moment is a window into their personality. But, like all pet behaviours, context matters — sudden, excessive, or concerning bleps are worth discussing with your veterinarian.

So next time you catch your cat with their tongue out, take a photo, enjoy the cuteness, and maybe even share it with fellow cat lovers. It’s one of the many little quirks that make our feline friends so irresistible.

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