Did you know that cats of all breeds tend to have a rough tongue? You may be surprised to find your Persian cat’s tongue is rough especially if you are used to a canine licking you with a smooth, slipper, wet and sticky tongue. A cat’s tongue actually has tiny, backward-facing barbs on it called the filiform papillae. These help your cat eat, groom, and keep clean. The barbs can also help your cat hang on to his late night snack a little better. In grooming, the barbs make it easier for the cat to lick and pull the dirt and loose hair off. The barbs also serve as a natural brush. In addition, these little prickly things on the tongue also help cats differentiate textures when eating. To learn more about your cat’s rough tongue and the way it feels and helps your cat taste, call your veterinary clinic Livonia, MI. Schedule an appointment today!