What do cats have on their tongues?

Cats have tiny, backward-facing spines called papillae on their tongues. These papillae are made of keratin, the same material that makes up human fingernails. They are sharp and pointed, which helps the cat to:

* Groom themselves: The papillae act like a comb, helping to remove loose fur and debris.

* Lap up liquids: The backward-facing spines create a suction effect, allowing the cat to easily drink from a bowl or puddle.

* Consume meat: The papillae help to scrape meat off bones and tear through tough tissues.

The papillae are also responsible for the "rough" feeling of a cat's tongue.