Why does a cat open its mouth and stick its tongue out

You know your cat better than anyone, so if your cat's tongue sticking out turns from cute to anxious, don't hesitate to ask your vet for advice.

Cat breathing with its mouth.

When describing rapid breathing with an open mouth and tongue sticking out, people usually say "breathing like a dog." Indeed, this is how dogs respond to heat, extreme exercise, or stress. But what makes a cat "imitate" dogs? And is it dangerous if a cat breathes through its mouth?

There are many reasons for this condition. Some of them are quite physiological, so the animal is unlikely to be harmed. Others indicate that pathological processes are gaining strength in the cat's body and it is better to schedule a visit to the vet before they become irreversible.

Natural Causes

Some conditions provoke oxygen deprivation. The pet's body tries to make up for this deficiency with rapid abdominal breathing. This can be caused by:

• Overheating. In the heat, the animal has to regulate heat exchange in a non-standard way – by opening its mouth and sticking out its tongue. In this way, the cat cools the air in its mouth. As soon as the animal cools down, breathing returns to normal. To help your pet, you need to move him to a cooler room and turn on the air conditioner in the car. It is also important to make sure that the cat has cool water.
• Physical fatigue. Fluffy pet has been chasing a ball, catching a toy mouse, jumping for a bow and mastering the cat's sports complex for hours on end. No wonder the body decided to get more oxygen. The result is an open mouth and frequent breathing. To help the pet, you need to let it rest and arrange a place to relax. Normal breathing will recover with the pet.
• Childbirth. During the birth of the heirs of the feline family, the mother cat often breathes "doggy-style". This is a natural mechanism to maintain the oxygen level in the kittens' blood. Because of a spasmed uterus, the amount of oxygen to the babies' bodies is reduced. The cat makes up for the shortage with frequent breathing. Most likely, the parturitioner will cope on her own. The owner's job is to watch for the birth to proceed as normal, and if difficulties arise, take the cat to the veterinary clinic.
• Stress. Stress can trigger oxygen deprivation. Situations that seem normal to people can be traumatic for a cat. Guests in the house, moving, new owners – these situations are situations the cat needs to survive. You need to give the cat time to settle in and calm down. If the pet wants to be alone, you should not prevent it.
• Overweight. It is difficult for a cat or cat to carry extra pounds. One of the manifestations of obesity can be changes in breathing. A specialist should be consulted to adjust your pet's diet and exercise habits. Once the pet loses weight, breathing will improve.
• Sexual issue. Excitement, the release of sex hormones, the active work of the endocrine system – these internal processes can lead to oxygen deprivation. The cat should find a mate or have it neutered or spayed. Unmet needs bring a lot of inconvenience to both the animal and its owner.

Disorders of vital functions

The cat's tongue serves as a heat exchanger regulating the animal's body temperature. Under normal conditions, the animal does not need additional thermoregulation. If the temperature is elevated and the cat is breathing by sticking its tongue out, it's time to be concerned about the pet's condition and its cooling. A cat's normal body temperature ranges from 37-39 degrees Celsius, and heat has a devastating effect on the animal's body.

When stressed, cats begin to breathe doggy-style or lick frequently. Stress is caused by severe fright, childbirth, moving the cat in a carrier or in a car, a change in its environment, and beatings. Cats sometimes vomit, which also causes a protruding tongue.

As a kind of taste bud, the tip of the cat's tongue is able to recognize odors when the animal's sense of smell is impaired. Nose burns, infections, and congenital abnormalities cause the tip to stick out, which the pet sticks out to recognize scents.

Pathological causes

A cat sticks out its tongue when it has stomatitis to relieve its own suffering. Inflammation and wounds in the mouth indicate immediate treatment by a veterinarian. When a cat has stomatitis, its appetite is reduced, its digestion and sense of smell are impaired, and it is in pain.

Various heart diseases and, in particular, heart failure also provoke the animal to stick out its tongue. The resulting shortness of breath, increased frequency and disturbance of breathing becomes a natural phenomenon for cats.

While cats normally breathe through their noses, the development of lung diseases forces them to open their mouths and stick out their tongues in order to increase the amount of air they breathe. Rhinitis, pneumonia and other infections cause nasal congestion, as a consequence animals have to breathe with an open mouth.

Many people wonder why cats stick out their tongue when they have seizures, strabismus, untimely and constant defecation. The reason for the disturbance of physiological processes in the animal's body is the deterioration of brain activity associated with old age or pathological changes in the brain.

When a protruding tongue should cause concern

Sometimes, however, sticking out your tongue really should be a cause for concern. It can indicate serious health problems. For example:

• Heart failure. A cat shows its tongue if it has a heart problem. At the same time, the animal loses its appetite, and the tongue itself changes color from pink to white or bluish.
• Kidney disease. Problems with breathing and, as a consequence, sticking out the tongue can occur with renal failure. The pet's urine takes on an ammonia odor, and vomiting episodes and impaired stools may occur.
• Injuries. The cat may injure the gum or tongue and experience discomfort when touching the wounds.
• Infectious diseases. If the cat not only walks around with its tongue stuck out, but also coughs, sneezes, and wheezes while breathing in and out, these may be symptoms of an infectious disease.
• Cancer. Possible neoplasm in the mouth, palate, jaw, and larynx. These diseases are more common in cats over 10 years of age.
• A foreign body in the mouth or pharynx. A stuck fish bone or a small toy can be the cause of a protruding tongue.

If a cat's tongue sticks out, it is not in itself a sign of illness. It is usually accompanied by others. If you find more than one of the above symptoms, be sure to see a veterinary professional for a consultation.

Signs of Disease

Veterinarians identify a number of symptoms that, in conjunction with a protruding tongue, indicate various diseases:

• difficulty breathing;
• The cat is lethargic, does not play;
• the pet becomes aggressive;
• the mucous membrane of the mouth is red, and sometimes there is a bluish tint;
• dryness of the mucous membrane;
• lack of appetite;
• wounds, sores in the mouth.

If the cat exhibits the above symptoms, it is necessary to take him to the clinic immediately for examination.

High fever

The main physiological reason why a cat sticks out its tongue is temperature regulation. The organ is stuck out by the animal to reduce unpleasant feelings, for example, during a heat wave. This prevents the development of heat stroke. In this case, the owner should take the cat to a cool place and pour him water.

But sticking out the cat's tongue can also be a signal of high body temperature. To understand whether a cat is suffering from heat or is sick, you need to understand what the temperature of cats is considered normal.

The normal temperature for a cat is 38-39 degrees. But do not immediately panic if the figure deviates slightly from the norm. Here are common reasons for a shift in the thermometer:

If the temperature has risen because of a disease, you should not self-medicate – the animal should be taken to the veterinarian.

The most likely causes of persistent drooling

Common factors that cause the cat's tongue to stick out and drool all the time include:

• Diabetes mellitus, which makes the animal very thirsty, so he sticks out his tongue;
• various viral infections, the signs of which are: hung temperature, sneezing, weakness, lethargy, there is a general bad condition of the cat;
• Diseases of the gums or teeth, which cause a large amount of saliva;
• an allergic reaction in which the cat sticks out its tongue because of difficulty in breathing;
• A bite in the mouth by another animal received during a fight;
• Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract may be the cause of a pet drooling;
• Stomatitis, which causes damage to a pet's oral mucosa.

Preventive measures

So what should you do to keep your cat's tongue down and drool-free? If possible, eliminate factors that can cause a lot of drooling. Choose toys that are soft and have rounded edges. Inspect your pet's mouth every day. Also pay attention to whether the pet has bad breath. Do not give him any sharp bones that could injure his teeth, gums or tongue.

You should periodically take your pet to the veterinarian, who will examine it and do all the necessary tests. He will also diagnose and prescribe the right treatment that will lead to the improvement in health and stop drooling. Remember that your pet especially needs your attention because he can't help himself.

A cat and its unique language

A cat's tongue is an organ it uses not only for ingesting food, tasting flavors, and swallowing water, but also for grooming itself and for detecting and exploring new smells in the environment. Because the tongue is such an integral part of a pet's daily life, the owner sees it sticking out of the cat's mouth at least once a day. She usually needs it for the following activities:

Eating and drinking.

A cat sticks out its tongue when it eats or drinks because it helps it scoop up food and water and move them into its mouth. When the cat is finished eating, it can use its tongue to get rid of crumbs stuck between its teeth. If an owner feeds a newborn kitten from a bottle, he or she may notice that the kitten sticks her tongue out to wrap it around the tip of the bottle, International Cat Care notes, and may just forget to put her little tongue away after feeding. And that's just one of the many cute things kitties do.

Hair Care

As cute as cat tongues may seem, they are sturdy tools equipped with tiny, sharp hooks that give them a characteristic rough texture. These hooks help the cat remove loose hairs and other debris from its coat. By taking a break from washing, the cat can simply leave its tongue sticking out.

Sleeping

A cat sticks its tongue out while sleeping or resting because it is completely relaxed. When pets rest, they have muscles and joints that relax, just like humans.

Flemish Response.

Sometimes cats, after smelling something in the air, stick out their tongue and make a funny wrinkled face with an open mouth and extended lips. There is a special scientific term for this behavior: the Flemish reaction. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and the open mouth allows them to receive information based on the smells they sense in their environment. This "feline grin" opens their airways, allowing odors to enter the cecum-nasal region of the palate, also called the Jacobson organ. This is how cats and many other animals "taste the air" to detect prey and other predators.

State of health

Depending on the situation, a cat's tongue can also act as an indicator of health problems. In many cases, cats stick out their tongue when they are not feeling well because they have difficulty breathing due to respiratory infections. In addition, tongue-holding problems can occur in older cats suffering from dementia.

Salivating

A protruding tongue with simultaneous salivation may indicate a serious problem. Salivating is not normal for a cat, emphasizes Justin A. Lee, a veterinarian with the Pet Health Network Clinic. He lists the following possible causes for this symptom:

Cat Health also notes that sometimes cats stick out their tongues and drool for perfectly harmless reasons, such as right after a meal. Still, in most cases it's a sign that something is wrong. If a cat is drooling, you should call your vet or veterinary emergency center immediately to make an appointment.

Dental conditions

The Cornell Center for Feline Health notes that dental and gum diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are fairly common in cats. Dental resorption, a condition in which the tooth structure breaks down, is also common. Kittens, however, may use their tongue to loosen their milk teeth, which is a perfectly natural cause of a protruding tongue. Brushing or special food, as well as regular checkups with your veterinarian, can help promote your kitten's oral and tongue health.

In case of any problems, you should first consult your veterinarian. More often than not, if there are no other symptoms, the cat will stick out its tongue simply because it is calm and happy with life. Then it's a great excuse to take the cutest pictures of your pet and share them with friends and family.

Christine O'Brien.

Your cat may have been poisoned

Some poisons your cat may have ingested may cause her to stick her tongue out to get rid of the unpleasant taste and sensation. These include pesticides and household cleaners. If your cat eats a poisoned rodent or bird, these poisons can also affect your cat. A protruding tongue may be combined with heavy salivation, dizziness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

If you suspect your cat has ingested poison, call your veterinarian immediately and call the pet poisoning hotline.

Your cat may have a respiratory infection

Respiratory infections can make it difficult for your cat to breathe, so she may open her mouth and breathe heavily with her tongue sticking out. This may be combined with heavy tears in the eyes, balance problems, rapid breathing, and lack of interest in food.

Cats with respiratory infections need veterinary care as soon as possible.

Factors triggering open-mouth breathing in cats

All causes of a cat breathing with its mouth open are divided into physiological and pathological. Each group has its own characteristics.

Physiological factors

Causes called physiological are not related to any disease of the cat. They include:

• The cat breathes through its mouth because of the high air temperature (especially affects cats of long-haired breeds);
• the cat breathes abnormally after significant physical exertion (fast running, active games);
• Strong stress experienced by a cat can lead to respiratory failure;
• The female is breathing through her mouth during or immediately after labor.

If one of these occurs, the cat will breathe normally again soon after it has been eliminated. In such cases, one may not worry, but simply observe the pet. However, physiology is much more often not involved.

Pathological factors

There are many diseases in which the cat breathes by mouth. Among them:

1. Pathologies of the oral cavity (this can be various injuries, dental problems, ulcers on the mucosa, fistulas, cleft upper palate, etc.)
2. ingestion of a foreign body into the respiratory tract;
3. Infestation by parasites that enter the lungs and interfere with breathing;
4. Cardiovascular diseases (myocarditis, malformations, tumors in the heart);
5. Respiratory dysfunctions (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, swelling or tumor in the lungs, laryngeal edema, pulmonary thromboembolism);
6. Rib fractures, which squeeze the lungs and make it impossible for the animal to breathe normally;
7. Craniocerebral injuries, which can affect the respiratory center;
8. Damage to the spinal cord or abnormalities developing in it;
9. Severe dilation of the stomach;
10. rupture of the diaphragm;
11. myopathy;
12. poisoning;
13. allergies.

Associated Symptoms

If the pet is healthy and breathes through her mouth after play, stress, or during a heat wave, there will be no other alarming symptoms. Enlarged pupils, disheveled hair, a fluffy tail, and a protruding tongue do not count. This only confirms that the cat is agitated, tired, etc. Soon she will be breathing normally again.

In those cases where pathology is involved, there are usually accompanying symptoms. For example, cardiovascular disease as well as respiratory dysfunction usually begins:

The owner may notice that the pet refuses to play as usual and lies down more and more. The mucous membrane of the mouth often takes on a bluish hue, indicating hypoxia. You can hear rales in the chest. Tachycardia can be observed. If with all this the cat is breathing heavily with its mouth open, you should not delay. Most likely, the cat is seriously ill, and may fall into a coma, which can be fatal.

If you notice that the animal is not breathing normally, you should look at its mouth. This may be the cause. Any sores, redness, rashes, swellings on the mucosa should not go unnoticed.

If the cat began to hold its mouth open, breathing frequently, with the presence of vomiting, perhaps we are talking about poisoning or other problems with the gastrointestinal tract. When the abnormality is accompanied by coughing, infectious respiratory lesions or other pathological processes in them should be suspected. The cat may breathe with its mouth open and cough in allergies.

Before you start treatment, you need to go to the doctor urgently. Do not postpone the visit or even give up on respiratory problems, you should analyze the situation carefully. Could it be provoked by active games, what is the temperature in the room where the animal is, whether there are accompanying symptoms and what they are. All of these play a huge role when the pet is breathing through its mouth.

Physiological causes

English scientists believe that sticking out the tip of the tongue is not at all a sign of relaxation. On the contrary, it is a sign of aggression. Especially if the animal twitches its tail at the same time. Other explanations for why the cat sticks out its tongue tip:

1. In the heat it indicates impaired heat exchange.
2. If at the same time the cat becomes aggressive, there is a strong salivation, it may be a sign of rabies or other dangerous infections.
3. Researchers in California have figured out why some mature animals have a protruding tongue. It just doesn't fit completely in the mouth due to some oral diseases.
4. Cross-breeding sometimes leads to the birth of mentally retarded kittens. In such animals, the tip of the tongue is stuck out all the time, hangs out involuntarily.
5. "Persians" have an improper bite due to the flat muzzle.
6. The cat sticks out its tongue reflexively from the sound of the scotch being torn away.
7. British lop-eared cats show diseases related to the structure of the skeleton.
8. Thai cats, if distracted, more often than other congeners forget to hide back the tongue. However, it is also a sign of complete confidence.

On the tip of the cat's tongue there are taste buds. A protruding tongue may indicate a disturbed sense of smell. Before delivery, the animal becomes very nervous, constantly licks itself, can sit for a long time with its tongue stuck out. The cause may also be a bone stuck in the mouth. It has been noticed that many cats react in this way to dogs.

Diseases in which cats stick out their tongues

A protruding tip of the tongue appears due to various diseases. These include swelling of the larynx, allergies, inflammation of the mouth. A protruding tongue appears due to:

• Injury to the jaw;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• brain disorders;
• nervous illness, stress;
• craniocerebral trauma;
• high fever;
• muscle atrophy;
• dental disease;
• disorders of breathing or salivary gland function .

The cat cannot move its tongue after anesthesia. The mouth closes completely after 24 hours. Wounds in the oral area interfere with the removal of the tongue. If such a phenomenon is accompanied by coughing, vomiting, diarrhea or intestinal disorders, the cause is probably poisoning.

If the tip of the cat's tongue sticks out, there can be many reasons for this and most of them are not indicative of disease. Some pets, after realizing that the owners are being smiled at and given a tasty treat, repeat the trick on purpose several times.