WONDER #1293: Why Are Cats’ Tongues Rough?

Question 1 of 3

The small, hook-shaped growths that point toward the back of the mouth on a cat’s tongue are called what?

1. tongue hairs
2. feline hooks
3. papillae
4. rough spots

Question 2 of 3

Papillae can cause cats to swallow their own loose hairs, which can lead to what problem?

1. hair balls
2. upset stomach
3. naked cats
4. mange

Question 3 of 3

If a cat lapped at a bowl of water for one minute straight, how many times would its tongue lap at the water?

1. 60
2. 240
3. 73
4. 1,000

Check your answers online at https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-are-cats-tongues-rough.