Is Your Cat Sticking Its Tongue Out? Cat Blepping Explained

Part of the appeal of cats is that they are complex, interesting creatures. They often display endearing, strange, or perplexing behavior that might not make sense to humans. One such behavior is “blepping,” or sticking out their tongues. In this article, find out why cats blep, whether it’s normal or not, when to be concerned, and more.

Is it Normal for Cats to Stick Their Tongues Out?

Yes, it’s normal for cats to stick out their tongues in most cases. Some breeds, like Persians, have flat faces, and they might be more prone to this behavior because of their facial structure. Older cats might stick their tongue out or blep because they are missing teeth and have a hard time keeping their tongue in. It might be that the cat simply forgot to put its tongue back in after drinking or grooming themselves.

What is Blepping?

You might hear the word “blep” or “blepping” if a cat is sticking out its tongue. It’s a term that has become popular on social media, and there’s no real explanation for how the slang came to be. It’s been used for about 10 years or so to explain a cat that is sticking out its tongue. “Blep” kind of sounds like the motion of sticking out your tongue, so it might have come from that, although there’s no concrete definition.

There’s usually an explanation as to why they are sticking out their tongues, although it’s cute to think that they’re just doing it because they want to seem extra adorable. Different breeds might be more inclined to blep, but it’ll be down to the individual cat and its behavior, lifestyle, and health. For example, a Siamese might do it because they are deep in curiosity, while a Maine Coon might do it because they have a longer-than-average tongue. Scottish Folds might do it because of their facial shape.

Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongues Out?

There is usually a reason a cat is blepping. Possibilities include:

1. They are relaxed. Cats in a deep sleep or deep state of relaxation might loosen their jaws, which would allow their tongues to slip out. Laid-back, easygoing cats like Ragdolls might blep because of this. 
2. They are grooming themselves. If a cat starts grooming and gets interrupted, they might forget to put their tongue fully back in their mouths. Playful breeds like Cornish Rex might have this happen. 
3. They are on a scent. Cats have an extra scent organ on the roof of their mouth that helps them smell things and determine what they are. If a cat is analyzing a scent, they might open their mouths to draw the scent in and stick out their tongues. This is known as the flehmen response, and cats of any breed, including Bengals, do it. 
4. They’re hot. While all dogs use their tongues for temperature regulation, not all cats do. Cats of any breed may pant to cool off.  
5. They are having dental problems. This can particularly be the case in senior cats. If they have dental issues or pain, they might hold their tongues out. Breeds with dental issues, such as Scottish Folds might also do this.

Is a Cat Sticking Its Tongue Out a Cause for Concern?

Most of the time, a blepping cat is harmless. It can be an issue, though, if you see any of these signs in your cat:  

1. Respiratory issues: Open-mouth breathing or excessive panting can be normal if cats are stressed and if the incident is brief. Otherwise, it is not considered normal behavior. Your cat could have a breathing issue, especially if it’s a flat-faced breed.
2. Dental issues: If your cat isn’t eating, has bad breath, and is bleeding, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as tooth disease or pain. Senior dogs are more inclined to blep, but breeds with dental issues, such as Maine Coons, could also be more prone to doing it. 
3. Anxiety: Cats that are stressed might stick out their tongues. Sensitive breeds like Russian Blues could be more inclined to do it. 
4. Neurological issues: It’s rare, but a cat sticking its tongue out might be a sign of neurological issues, especially in senior cats. 
5. Poisoning: If your cat is drooling and their tongue is sticking out, they could have ingested something they shouldn’t have. Call your vet immediately.

It might feel intuitive to think that a cat hanging its tongue out is thirsty, but there is no link to blepping and hydration. If you notice your cat’s tongue is sticking out and any of the above symptoms, call your vet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Tongues

Why Do Cats Sleep With Their Tongue Out?

When cats are in a deep sleep, they might stick their tongue out. This is because their facial and jaw muscles are so relaxed, their tongue slips out slightly. It’s normal behavior in healthy cats.

Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Playing?

Your cat could stick its tongue out while trying to concentrate, or if they are excited, just like a child might do. It’s common in high-energy breeds and is normal behavior on its own.

What’s the Difference Between a Blep and a Mlem?  

A “blep” is when a cat sticks its tongue out. A “mlem” is when a cat licks its lips or nose. Both are normal, adorable cat behaviors.

Is it Normal for Kittens to Stick Their Tongues Out?  

Kittens might stick out their tongues because they are teething, learning to groom themselves, or exploring the world around them with their tongues. It’s normal kitten behavior.

What is the Cat Flehmen Response?

The flehmen response relates to a cat and scents. When cats are trying to determine the smell of something, they curl their upper lip, bare their teeth, and inhale. This helps transfer the scent to an organ on the roof of their mouths that helps them determine and process a scent.

Conclusion

If your cat is sticking out its tongue and blepping, it's most likely a harmless behavior. They could be in a deep sleep, be curious about a scent, or be trying to cool themselves down. You should call your vet if blepping is happening with other symptoms, such as panting or drooling.

For more expert tips on caring for your cat, explore our other understanding cats articles.