Cat, wierd tongue habbit?

Question

Does anybody know why my cat has started this wierd thing with her tongue like she constantly sticks it out and does a licking motion with it but is not washing. It seems slightly nervous but she is 10 now and has never done anything like that before. And last night when she had her eyes shut and appeared to be a sleep i noticed how making a sucking noise and then realised her tongue was comming out and she was doing it while she was asleep. :(
Could it be to do with fur in the mouth. I feel so sorry for her.

Thankyou for all the replies so far that was so quick and helpfull! Yes she defintly does need a check up i agree i have mentioned it several times to her 'head owner' lol my mum but i will defintly take her.
Yes her tongue does sometimes hang over mouth too.

Answer 1

Sounds like a dental problem. You should really take her to see the vet as she could be in pain.

Answer 2

10 years to a cat is past middle age and nearing the 60 year age mark. It would be a good idea for a checkup. It could be the start of something or even a slight stroke. She could have symptoms that she is showing that way for some entire different reason. Cats are the #1 animal for hiding their illnesses. When I think my cats are doing something that is not their normal routine or behavior, I always get them a vet checkup. These are my best friends and they can't tell me what is wrong or how they are feeling so It's up to me to do the best I can for their health care. I always take the precautionary moves. I'd rather be safe than sorry later.

Answer 3

Sounds like she needs a dental. She needs to be seen by a vet now , especially at 10 yrs old, as the risk of anaesthetic increases with age.

Most cats at some time, over the age of 5yrs, require a dental.

You can try to look at her teeth yourself to check if her gums are red and if she has tartar built up on her back teeth. The back teeth can actually double in size, due to this build up of tartar, if left. This makes it difficult for the cat to close its mouth and eat property.

This condition will also make her breath smell through gingivitis and eventually she will stop washing her self and stop eating.

Show your parent this answer to your question and I am sure they will take her along for the vet to have a look.

All the best to your cat, you obviously care very much about her.

Answer 4

You should definitely take her to the vet. I agree that it could be a dental problem.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a sudden behavior change, especially in an older cat, can indicate the onset of medical problems. Cats are very good at hiding diseases.

I recommend getting bloodwork done at least every year. It can be expensive, but it's like a peak inside of her organs. The bloodwork can show you problems are occuring or will occur before they become serious.

Answer 5

When Dandy started doing something similar with her tongue, it was because she'd cracked a tooth. Her tongue was protecting it from airflow, which was painful when it touched the nerve. Later, she left her tongue slightly protruding nearly all the time when she lost that tooth and its neighbor. (She was very old by then, nearly 18.)

The odd licking and the sucking suggests she has a dental problem and needs to see the vet.

Answer 6

Because she's so old she's proberly missing some teeth & that's why her toungue is sticking out, If she is is comfortable & not in pain then You shouldn't worry too much about it!

Answer 7

Looks like you've got your answer. Yes try to get her to the Vet best of luck to you......

Answer 8

Maybe she has the same thing as Gordon Brown, he does that weird sucking thing with his mouth as well.