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Why do cats groom themselves with rough tongues?

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Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) with tufted ears and spotted fur walking through snow in a winter landscape. — feline The Eurasian lynx (*Lynx lynx*), a member of the family Felidae, can be found in forests that range from Scandinavia to far eastern Russia. It is the largest member of the genus *Lynx* and the third largest predator in Europe.

Cats possess tongues covered in backward-pointing, hook-like spines called papillae, which give the organ a raspy, sandpaper-like texture. These specialized structures serve several essential functions for the feline family:12

Cleaning and Maintenance: The spines act like a comb, allowing the cat to effectively remove loose hair, dead skin, dirt, dust, and other debris from its fur.32
Feeding: Beyond grooming, these spines are adapted to help the animal rasp flesh from bones and lap up liquids.21
Health and Regulation: Grooming helps distribute sebaceous oils across the coat, which provides water resistance. Additionally, the process stimulates blood circulation and helps regulate body temperature through the cooling effect of saliva.32
Survival: By keeping their fur clean, cats remove odors that could alert predators to their presence, helping them remain undetected in the wild.3

This fastidious grooming behavior is a fundamental aspect of feline biology, with cats dedicating a significant portion of their waking hours to maintaining their hygiene.32