What is cats tongues up close?

Cats have rough tongues that are covered in tiny spines called papillae. These papillae are made of keratin, which is the same material that makes up human hair and nails. The papillae on a cat's tongue serve several functions, including helping to groom their fur, scraping meat off bones, and even assisting with drinking water.

When a cat licks its fur, the papillae help to remove dirt and loose hair, and they also distribute the natural oils in the cat's coat which helps to keep it soft and shiny. The rough texture of a cat's tongue also helps to remove parasites, such as fleas, from their fur.

The spines on a cat's tongue are also useful when it comes to eating. When a cat eats raw meat, they use their tongue to scrape the meat off the bone. The papillae help to grip the meat and push it towards the back of the mouth where it can be chewed and swallowed.

Cats also use their tongues to drink. When a cat laps up water, the backward-facing papillae help to scoop the water up into the mouth. The rough texture of the tongue also creates a column of water that the cat uses to drink more efficiently.

Overall, a cat's tongue is an essential tool for their grooming, feeding, and drinking, and the tiny spines on their tongue make it a versatile and unique feature.