Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Sleeping? 4 Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons

Cats stick their tongues out often, usually to the delight of their owners. You may even notice your cat sleeping with their tongue out, which can be alarming.

There are a few reasons for your cat to be sticking their tongue out, ranging from relaxation to dental disease. Here are the four possible reasons your cat may sleep with their tongue out.

The 4 Reasons Why Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Sleeping

1. Your Cat Is Relaxed

Many cats mainly stick their tongues out while sleeping because they’re relaxed. There’s usually no cause for concern if your cat sleeps deeply and has their tongue sticking out a little bit. It’s just a sign that your cat is at ease.

2. It’s Breed-Related

Some flat-faced cat breeds, known as brachycephalic breeds, may have limited space in their mouths, causing their tongues to stick out slightly. These breeds include the Burmese, Himalayan, and Persian cats. While this can be a normal feature for these cats, it’s essential to monitor their respiratory health, as the shape of their heads can sometimes lead to breathing issues.

If you notice signs such as noisy breathing, labored respiration, or any other difficulties, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for guidance to ensure your cat’s well-being.

3. There May Be Dental Issues

If your cat has dental issues, they may stick their tongue out while sleeping and during normal daily life. It could be because something is preventing your cat from holding their tongue in place, like oral pain or even a tumor in their tongue. Something could also be trapped at the top of your cat’s mouth or throat. If you suspect this, you must make an appointment with your vet.

4. Your Cat Has an Inflamed Tongue

If your cat has only recently been sleeping with their tongue out, it could indicate that something has caused their tongue to swell, such as an insect bite or exposure to something toxic or caustic. You can try to open your cat’s mouth and check your cat’s tongue to see if it looks swollen or abnormal.

Are There Other Reasons Cats May Stick Their Tongues Out?

Aside from sleeping, your cat may stick their tongue out for other reasons. The Flehmen response is one of those reasons. When your cat smells something in the air, sticks out their tongue, and scrunches their face up. This is to get more information about what they are smelling in their environment, which they do by transferring the scent to the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth so that it can travel to their brain. They’re essentially “tasting the air”.

Cats may also stick out their tongues if they are experiencing nausea or motion sickness. This is often accompanied by flicking the tongue and licking the lips excessively, as well as other signs like drooling, reduced appetite, or vomiting.

Some health conditions, such as neurological diseases, can cause your cat to stick out their tongue. This will usually happen with abnormal tongue movements, odd movements, and excessive grooming. Respiratory infections and blockages can also cause your cat to stick their tongue out to breathe more easily, often accompanied by signs like gasping for air, labored breathing, and blue-tinged gums.

When to Call a Vet

In most cases, your cat sticking their tongue out while sleeping is nothing to worry about—especially if they’ve been doing this as long as you’ve had them. Like other quirks, if you notice your cat suddenly sleeping with their tongue out or other abnormal behaviors like labored breathing, an 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 get so relaxed they stick their tongues out. This is usually not a cause for alarm, but there can be other reasons your cat is sticking their tongue out, such as health conditions. If you are worried about your cat’s behavior or notice other signs, scheduling an exam with your vet is best.

Featured Image Credit: Soja Som, Shutterstock