Why Do Cats Leave Their Tongue Out?

If you've ever caught your cat sitting peacefully with the tip of their tongue sticking out, you may have wondered what on earth they're doing. This adorable expression, often called a “blep”, can make for a great photo, but is there actually a reason behind it? In many cases, a cat leaving their tongue out for a few moments is completely normal. They may simply have forgotten to put it back in after grooming, become distracted or be enjoying a particularly relaxed moment. However, if your cat's tongue is regularly hanging out, or you notice other changes in their behaviour, it can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right. Understanding the difference between a harmless blep and a potential health concern can help you know when your cat needs attention.

What is a cat blep?

A “blep” is the informal term commonly used to describe a cat leaving the tip of their tongue poking out of their mouth. It isn't a medical term, but cat owners have embraced it because it perfectly describes that funny little expression. Some cats will briefly stick their tongue out while grooming, eating or investigating something before simply forgetting to retract it. Others seem to do it when they're completely relaxed, particularly when they're resting or sleeping. If your cat occasionally does this and otherwise appears happy, healthy and comfortable, there's generally no reason to panic.

Cats sometimes forget to put their tongue away

Cats spend a considerable amount of time grooming themselves. Their tongue is an important grooming tool, covered in tiny backward-facing structures called papillae that help them remove loose hair and debris from their coat. After a particularly enthusiastic grooming session, your cat may pause, become distracted by something or simply settle down before retracting their tongue. The result is the classic tongue-out expression that cat owners find so entertaining. You may notice it happening when your cat is relaxed or sleepy. Some cats seem particularly prone to blepping, and it may simply be part of their individual personality.

Relaxation can cause a tongue-out moment

Cats often become extremely relaxed when they feel safe and comfortable. When a cat is deeply relaxed or falling asleep, the muscles around their jaw and mouth can loosen slightly, allowing the tip of the tongue to slip out. This is particularly common when a cat is sleeping. If you've ever found your cat curled up in an unusual position with their tongue poking out, there's a good chance they're simply very comfortable. As long as your cat returns to normal when they wake up and isn't showing other unusual signs, occasional tongue-out behaviour is generally not something to worry about.

Your cat may have something stuck in their mouth

Sometimes a tongue-out cat is trying to deal with something in their mouth. Cats can get pieces of food, grass or other material caught around their teeth or tongue. If your cat suddenly starts repeatedly sticking out their tongue, licking their lips, pawing at their mouth or struggling to eat, check whether there is an obvious problem, but don't attempt to pull something out if it appears stuck or could cause injury. If you think your cat has something lodged in their mouth, or they appear distressed, contact your veterinarian.

Dental problems can cause tongue-out behaviour

Dental disease is common in cats, and discomfort in the mouth can sometimes result in unusual behaviours. A cat experiencing dental pain may drool, paw at their mouth, have bad breath, drop food while eating or become reluctant to eat hard food. They may also lick their lips more frequently or hold their mouth differently.

Some cats can develop dental problems without showing obvious signs because they are very good at hiding discomfort. Regular veterinary dental checks are therefore important. If your cat's tongue-out behaviour is accompanied by changes in eating, drooling, bad breath or signs of mouth pain, arrange a veterinary examination.

Older cats may be more prone to dental issues

As cats age, dental problems can become more common. An older cat that suddenly starts leaving its tongue out more frequently should be monitored closely, particularly if this is a new behaviour. Age itself doesn't mean a cat's tongue should hang out, so don't automatically assume that a new change is simply part of getting older. Changes in eating habits, grooming, weight or behaviour should be discussed with your veterinarian. Regular check-ups become increasingly important as your cat ages, allowing potential problems to be identified before they become more serious.

Could a tongue-out cat be overheated?

Cats don't normally pant like dogs, so noticeable panting or breathing with the mouth open shouldn't simply be dismissed as normal behaviour. If your cat has their mouth open, is panting heavily, is drooling or appears distressed, particularly in hot weather, they may be overheated or experiencing another health problem.

Move your cat somewhere cool and quiet and seek veterinary advice promptly if they are showing signs of heat stress or breathing difficulty. Cats can be particularly vulnerable to heat, especially those with certain medical conditions, flat-faced breeds and cats exposed to very hot environments. A relaxed cat briefly blepping while sitting comfortably is very different from a cat sitting with its mouth open and breathing rapidly.

When should you worry about your cat's tongue?

Occasional tongue-out behaviour is usually very different from persistent or sudden changes. Pay attention to what else is happening at the same time. You should contact your veterinarian if your cat's tongue is frequently or continuously hanging out and this is unusual for them, particularly if you notice difficulty eating, excessive drooling, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, lethargy or changes in behaviour. Open-mouth breathing, significant breathing difficulty or signs of severe distress should be treated as urgent.

The important thing is to look at your cat as a whole rather than focusing on the tongue alone. A relaxed cat with a tiny tongue sticking out while asleep is very different from a cat showing multiple signs of illness.

Should you put your cat's tongue back?

If you spot your cat enjoying a little blep, there's no need to push their tongue back into their mouth. In most cases, they'll retract it naturally when they need to. Instead, simply observe your cat and enjoy the moment. If the behaviour is unusual, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, that's when it's worth investigating. Avoid poking around inside your cat's mouth or attempting to remove anything unless you know it is safe to do so. Cats can become stressed when their mouths are handled, particularly if they are experiencing pain.

Keep an eye on changes in behaviour

One of the best things you can do as a cat owner is become familiar with what is normal for your individual pet. Some cats are natural bleppers, while others may never stick their tongue out at all. If your cat has always occasionally slept with their tongue poking out and is otherwise healthy, it's likely just one of their quirky habits. But if a previously normal cat suddenly develops frequent tongue-out behaviour, changes in appetite or other unusual symptoms, it's worth speaking with your veterinarian.

At Woonona Petfoods, we love helping pet owners understand the little behaviours that make their cats unique. From nutritious cat food and treats to dental-care products and everyday essentials, our team can help you find products to support your cat's health and wellbeing. So, the next time you catch your cat sitting there with their tongue poking out, don't automatically worry. It may simply be a classic cat blep, one of the many funny little quirks that make living with cats so entertaining.