CAPS: A cat's 'sandpaper' is there for a reason

Dear Reader, in the past I have mentioned my visiting kitty named Patches. She is adorable and has a very cute little tongue. I noticed it because she constantly flicks her tongue while grooming her hair. Although cute, her tongue feels like sandpaper.

I wondered why her tongue is so rough, so I did a bit of research. Cats have filiform papillae on their tongues, which are firm, rear-facing barbs. The barbs or “little spines” act like a comb for the fur when grooming. Interestingly, the spines on the tongues of big cats like lions and tigers are the same size and shape as domestic cats’ tongues, but their tongues are larger.

When cats groom they are actually combing their hair. Along with grooming, they can also regulate their body temperature using their tongues to cool down. Cats constantly groom to alleviate their scent. In the wild, they are prey for many predators and their scent can give away their hiding places.

Another unique feature of cats’ tongues is the shape. The tip of the tongue curling backward creates a hollow shape similar to a spoon. When drinking, the cat runs her tongue across the water creating a column of water that they can catch on their tongue. Using surface tension, they curl the tip of their tongues to collect water until there is enough to swallow. It is delightful to watch!

Is it OK to have a cat lick you? Rumor has it that a cat’s mouth is cleaner than ours. Cats have about 200 types of bacteria in their mouths and humans have about 700. Bacteria in a cat’s mouth are similar to humans, so I guess you can feel OK when your furry friend gives you a smooch. Look out for the mistletoe or you will get a sandpaper kiss!

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have eight adorable four- to seven-month-old puppies. There are four girls and four boys.

We also have eight fluffy kittens ages four to seven months. There are five boys and three girls in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes. Call 775-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

• Volunteers for Walmart Days in 2023. This is one day a month 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Folks to sign up for free money for CAPS with the AmazonSmile Program details following.
• Fancy Feast kitten wet food.
• Cat litter (clump) for our guests’ comfort.
• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

• All of the folks who delivered food, harnesses, toys, and supplies for our guests. You are our Santa.
• Telegraph Coffee and Tap for hosting our Santa photos. You are purrfect!
• Everyone who had photos with Santa. Ho, Ho, Ho!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

• December Holiday: Snuggle with your furry friend day is Dec. 14.
• Register in the AmazonSmile program, a website operated by Amazon. Customers enjoy the same selection of products, low prices, and shopping features as on Amazon.com. The only difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization selected by you.
• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV, 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
• Over the Rainbow: If you would like your pet remembered send his/her name and a short description to Kathleen Williams-Miller a CAPS volunteer, at jkwmil@outlook.com.