Expert: Tina - 6/18/2007

Question
Everytime time I jingle something metal-like for eg. keychains, both my cats open their mouth and stick their tongue out. I don't know if you would understand how they do it, but they stick their tongue out really far out, then stick it back into their mouth. It happens in both my cats, and I have no idea if its normal or something serious. So please help me if you can and tell me whats up with them!! (My thought about it is that they're annoyed from the noise or something because they do the same thing when I use tape)

Answer
Hi Hala,

It might be that your cats' ears are hurting from the noise, if it's very loud. I think you are right, it is their way of saying "ouch stop that!" Sometimes a high pitched noise can tickle the inside of an ear, so they might stick their tongues out because of that tickling sensation. Either way, try to avoid making these noises around your cats since they appear to be distressed by it.