How do cats lick themselves? - briefly
Cats use their rough tongue to groom themselves, removing dirt and loose hair. The papillae on their tongue act like tiny hooks, effectively catching and pulling out debris.
How do cats lick themselves? - in detail
Cats are known for their exceptional grooming habits, spending up to half of their waking hours licking and cleaning their fur. This meticulous self-grooming routine not only keeps them clean but also helps regulate their body temperature and promotes social bonding within colonies. The process involves several unique adaptations that allow cats to effectively lick themselves, even in areas that seem difficult for humans to reach.
The cat's tongue is covered in tiny, backwards-facing hooks called papillae. These hooks are designed to remove loose hair and dirt from the fur. When a cat licks its fur, these papillae gently comb through the hair, pulling out any debris or dead skin cells. The saliva produced during grooming helps to moisten the fur, making it easier for the tongue to glide over the surface and for the papillae to catch any loose particles.
Another key factor in a cat's ability to lick itself is the flexibility of its spine and the range of motion in its neck and shoulders. Cats have an impressive 30 vertebrae in their spines, compared to humans who have only 24. This increased number of vertebrae allows cats to twist and turn their bodies in ways that humans cannot, enabling them to reach all parts of their body with their tongue. Additionally, the cat's collarbone is not attached to its ribcage, which provides even more flexibility for reaching different areas during grooming.
Cats also use their paws to assist in the grooming process. They will often lick their paw and then use it as a miniature washcloth to wipe their face or other hard-to-reach areas. This practice is particularly common after meals, as cats tend to get food on their faces while eating. The combination of their flexible spines, specialized tongues, and dexterous paws allows cats to maintain a high level of cleanliness with minimal effort.
In summary, the cat's unique anatomical features—including its hooked papillae, flexible spine, and dexterous paws—enable it to effectively lick and groom itself. This meticulous self-care not only keeps cats clean but also plays a significant role in their overall health and well-being.