Cats often stick out their tongues, often to the delight of their owners. You may notice your cat sticking out their tongue while sleeping, which can be alarming.
There are many reasons why a cat may stick out their tongue while sleeping, from cute to reasons of concern. Here are four possible reasons why your cat may be sleeping with its tongue out.
The 4 Reasons Why Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Sleeping
1. Your Cat is Relaxed
Many cats mainly stick out their tongues while sleeping for relaxation. There is usually no cause for concern if your cat is sound asleep and has its tongue hanging out a bit. This is just a sign that your cat is comfortable.
2. It is a Racial Trait
Some cat breeds have tongues that extend quite a bit, such as the Burmese, Himalayan, and Persian. This usually has to do with the shape of your cat’s face and the wrong bite, which causes the tongue to stick out. This is rarely a problem if your cat can still chew, eat, and close his mouth normally while awake.
3. May Have Dental Issues
If your cat has dental problems, they may stick out their tongue while sleeping. This could be because something is preventing your cat from fully extending his tongue or closing his mouth properly, which can affect eating. There is also a blockage in the top of your cat’s mouth or throat. If you suspect this, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.
4. Your Cat Has a Big Tongue
If your cat has recently been sleeping with his tongue out, it could indicate that something has caused his tongue to become inflamed, such as an insect bite or exposure to something toxic. You can examine your cat’s tongue to see if it looks swollen or abnormal.
Are There Other Reasons Cats Can Stick Their Tongue Out?
Besides sleeping, your cat may stick out their tongue for other reasons. Flehmen’s response is one of those reasons. When your cat smells something in the air, it sticks out its tongue, and rubs its face. This is to get more information about what they smell in their environment, which they do by transferring the scent to Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. They essentially “taste the air”.
Cats may also stick out their tongues if they experience nausea or motion sickness. It is often accompanied by flicking of the tongue and excessive licking of the lips, as well as other symptoms such as impotence or vomiting.
Certain health conditions, such as neurological disorders, can cause your cat’s tongue to stick out. It usually occurs with abnormal tongue movements, odd movements, and excessive fixation. Respiratory infections and blockages can also cause your cat to stick out its tongue to make breathing easier, which is often accompanied by signs such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and blue gums.
When to Call a Vet
In most cases, your cat sticking out its tongue while sleeping is nothing to worry about—especially if they’ve been doing it as long as you’ve had it. As with other quirks, if you notice your cat suddenly sleeping with its tongue out or other abnormal behavior such as difficulty breathing, abnormal gait, loss of appetite, or drooling, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet for a checkup.
Conclusion
When cats sleep, they often relax and stick their tongues out. This is usually not a cause for alarm, but there may be other reasons why your cat is sticking out their tongue, such as health conditions. If you are concerned about your cat’s behavior or notice other signs, scheduling an exam with your veterinarian is best.
Featured Image Credit: Soja Som, Shutterstock
