Your cat’s tongue is covered in tiny, backward-facing barbs called papillae. These barbs act like a brush to help your cat groom its fur and remove dirt and debris. They also help your cat to lap up water and food.

The papillae are made of keratin, the same material that makes up human fingernails. They are very strong and durable, and they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This is important because your cat uses its tongue to groom itself constantly.

In addition to helping your cat to groom itself, the papillae also help to keep your cat’s teeth clean. When your cat licks its teeth, the papillae help to remove plaque and tartar. This can help to prevent your cat from developing dental problems.

The papillae on your cat’s tongue are also responsible for giving it that sandpapery feeling. When you pet your cat, you may notice that its tongue feels rough against your skin. This is due to the papillae.

The papillae on your cat’s tongue are a very important part of its anatomy. They help your cat to groom itself, keep its teeth clean, and lap up water and food.