Did you know that some cats, including the Siberian, tend to have rough feeling tongues? Unlike a dog’s slobbery lick of your face, a cat’s tongue feels like a course wash cloth scrubbing your cheek. If you notice your Siberian’s tongue feels rougher than usual or it looks swollen, call your vet as it may be an indication of an illness. In general, the center of a cat’s tongue has tiny, backward-facing barbs called filiform papillae. These barbs make it easier for cats to hold their prey as well as eat it. The barbs also serve as grooming tools for the cat to keep herself clean. The barbs help remove dirt and loose hair from the cat’s coat. A cat has additional types of barbs on the sides and back of her tongue. A cat has few taste buds and often relies on her sense of texture when eating. For additional information give your veterinarian Portland, OR a call. Learn more here.