Blepping In Cats

Have you ever spotted your cat just sitting there with her tongue sticking out? This is officially called blepping, and is definitely adorable to see. Of course, given how complex and unique our feline pals are, you may be wondering if this is a sign that something is wrong, or just another one of Fluffy’s many adorable (and purrplexing) quirks. A local vet discusses blepping in this article.

Behind The Blep

There are actually a few possible reasons your furry buddy may be blepping. One possible option would be that Fluffy is investigating a taste or scent in the air. She also may have stuck her tongue out if she was startled—perhaps during one of her daily grooming sessions—and then got distracted and forgot about it. Kitties that are missing teeth are also more likely to blep: that gap just makes it easy. Cats may also blep when they are feeling relaxed or happy. Of course, we can’t entirely discount the possibility that Fluffy actually is sticking her tongue out at you. That does seem like something cats would do!

Concerning Bleps

Most of the time, bleps are silly and harmless … not to mention highly comical. However, there are a few potential points of concern to be aware of.  If your feline friend seems to be blepping a lot, there’s a chance that she could be blepping because of pain in her mouth. This is something to be aware of if your cat has only recently become a blepper, or if she is blepping much more often than she used to. Your kitty could also be nauseous, or having trouble breathing. Keep an eye out for other signs of illness, such as bad breath (learn more about Why Your Cat Has Bad Breath), vomiting, withdrawal, drooling, swelling, or changes in behavior. Contact your vet ASAP if you notice anything amiss.

What To Do

So what should you do if your feline buddy bleps? Well, assuming that Fluffy has gotten the all-clear from her vet, there’s only one thing to do: take her picture! We never get tired of seeing cute photos of our furry friends. Plus, this is a cute way to spread some cheer, and maybe put a smile on someone’s face. If there’s one thing that cats are good at—aside from napping—that would be it.

Our Advice on Blepping In Cats in 2024

Why do cats blep?

Cats may blep for several reasons, including exploring a taste or scent, being startled and forgetting to retract their tongue, missing teeth creating a gap, or simply feeling relaxed and happy. It’s a behavior that showcases their quirky and endearing nature. However, frequent blepping could indicate discomfort, such as dental pain, nausea, or breathing difficulties. If a cat suddenly starts blepping more often or shows other signs of illness, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

When should you be concerned about your cat bleeping?

Concern is warranted if your cat’s blepping becomes frequent or is accompanied by other signs of distress, such as bad breath, vomiting, withdrawal, excessive drooling, swelling in the mouth area, or changes in behavior. These symptoms could indicate dental issues, nausea, or respiratory problems. If blepping is a new behavior for your cat or has increased significantly, it’s advisable to seek a veterinarian’s assessment to ensure it’s not indicative of underlying health issues. Early detection and treatment can prevent more serious complications.

Is blepping more common in certain breeds?

Blepping can occur in any cat, regardless of breed, as it’s more related to individual behavior or physical factors such as dental health rather than breed-specific traits. However, cats that are missing teeth or those with particular facial structures, such as breeds with shorter muzzles, may exhibit blepping more frequently due to the ease with which their tongue may protrude. Overall, while any cat can blep, those with certain physical characteristics might be predisposed to this adorable behavior more than others.

Do senior cats blep more often?

Senior cats may blep more often due to several age-related factors, such as the loss of teeth or the relaxation of facial muscles, making it easier for their tongue to slip out. Additionally, older cats might experience more health issues that could lead to increased blepping, such as dental problems or changes in cognitive function. If you notice your senior cat blepping more frequently, it’s a good idea to have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns. Our clinic in West Greenwich, RI, is here to assist with any questions or concerns you might have about your aging feline friend.

What if blepping is accompanied by excessive drooling?

If blepping is accompanied by excessive drooling, it could be indicative of an underlying health issue, such as dental problems, oral infections, or even nausea. These symptoms warrant a closer examination by a veterinarian, as they could signal pain or discomfort requiring medical attention. Early detection and treatment of dental issues, for example, can prevent more serious complications. We recommend scheduling a visit to our clinic in West Greenwich, RI, for a thorough evaluation to ensure your cat’s health and well-being.

Do you have any questions about your kitty’s health or care? Our Veterinary Dentistry services can help address any oral health issues that might be causing your cat to blep excessively. Contact us, your local animal clinic in West Greenwich, RI anytime! We’re here to help!