The spines on a cat’s tongue can scrape the meat off the bones of its prey. Large feline predators have taken advantage of this feature to enjoy their meals with the utmost ease.
To survive, the bodies of various animal species have undergone numerous bizarre evolutions. For instance, cats are well-known for their habit of using their tongues to groom their fur.
However, few people realize that a cat’s tongue is covered in dense, soft spines that can appear quite intimidating upon closer inspection.
Close-up of the spines on a cat’s tongue.
Research indicates that the tip of a cat’s tongue, as well as those of most large feline species such as tigers, lions, and leopards, features these mechanical spines that do not have taste receptors; they are evenly distributed across the upper surface of the tongue.
These spines can protrude and may undergo keratinization over time. Consequently, after a prolonged period, these spines can accumulate bacteria, leftover food, saliva, and create a certain thickness.
These spines can effectively scrape meat off the bones of their prey. Large feline predators have exploited this advantage to relish their meals effortlessly.
Additionally, these tongue spines are controlled by the muscles of the tongue, allowing them to be managed while grooming or caring for their young, ensuring they do not cause harm while enhancing sensory perception.
When not intending to attack or harm humans, their tongues are completely harmless.
At this point, many might wonder if cats or other large felines, when licking humans, could cause scratches on human skin. In reality, some people believe that a mere lick could potentially cause bleeding from scratches inflicted by large feline predators.
However, no one has tested this theory, as such occurrences would only happen if these predators were in a hostile state, such as when hunting or eating.
On the contrary, when not intending to attack or harm humans, their tongues are completely harmless. This has been proven by tiger owners, who report that they have been licked by their tigers without sustaining any injuries.
