Page 49 - Mammal (DK Eyewitness)

PAW LICK
People who have been licked by a
cat recall the harsh, sandpaper-
rough tongue, with its tiny
papillae (bristles). The human
tongue bears these, but they are less
stiff and brushlike. The tongue
“combs” the fur, while the
cat’s small incisor teeth
work like tweezers to
nibble and pick off
broken and loose hairs,
dead skin, clinging dirt,
and parasites. As grooming
continues, the cat becomes more
contented and relaxed. The front paws are
usually “washed” toward the end of the
session, since they have been used to
clean other areas, such as the face.

Cat lies at full stretch as it Rasping tongue
becomes contented “combs” fur

Fur is still damp
from grooming

Back leg sticks up
behind head
THE END RESULT
One clean cat. The fur is
still slightly damp from
saliva, but it soon dries
and fluffs up. Grooming
helps to spread waxy and
oily skin secretions over
the skin and hair, forming
a semi-waterproof barrier
that repels germs.
Frequent use of strong
shampoos tends to wash
these natural secretions
from human hair.
Mammals should
be clean, but not
too clean!

REAR-END ACCESS
This is one of the most characteristic poses of a cleaning
cat, with one leg held up in the air to gain access to the
abdominal and anal areas. Any bits of feces and
dampness from urine are removed.

4

(c) 2011 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.