Unraveling the Mysteries of Strange Cat Behaviors

Blep

One of the most endearing behaviors, a cat's "blep" occurs when its tongue protrudes slightly from its mouth. While this sight may cause even the most devoted dog lovers to reconsider their loyalties, cats don't do it for applause.

Instead, they extend their tongues to explore their surroundings using their highly developed sense of taste. Their taste buds can detect pheromones from nearby cats and scents from potential prey. There are also more whimsical reasons for a blep. When in a relaxed state, a cat's jaw muscles loosen, allowing its tongue to relax or it may simply forget to retract its tongue.