The roughness is due to tiny, backward-facing spines called papillae. These papillae help cats with:
* Grooming: The papillae act like a brush, effectively removing loose hair, dirt, and debris from their fur.
* Eating: They help to scrape meat off bones and to hold onto food while eating.
* Drinking: The papillae create a capillary action that draws water into their mouths.
While all cats have rough tongues, the degree of roughness can vary depending on the breed and age of the cat.