Surprising Reasons Behind The ‘Blep’ You Need to Know!

If you’ve ever caught your Maine Coon sitting peacefully with its tongue poking slightly out, you’re not alone. This amusing behavior, often referred to as a “blep,” is common in cats, especially in relaxed or distracted moments.

However, while it often appears humorous and harmless, there are instances when it can indicate something more serious.

So why do Maine Coons stick their tongues out?

Why Maine Coons Stick Their Tongues Out

Let’s explore all the possible reasons behind this quirky feline trait and establish when you should be concerned.

1. Your Maine Coon Might Simply Be Relaxed

One of the most common reasons a Maine Coon sticks its tongue out is that it’s completely relaxed.

When a cat’s jaw muscles loosen, usually when it’s dozing off or in a calm, contented state, the tongue may naturally slip forward and protrude slightly from the mouth.

This isn’t a cause for concern and typically resolves once the cat becomes alert again.

Owners often witness this during naps or just after grooming. It’s usually a short-lived behavior that disappears once the cat shifts position or becomes active again.

2. Grooming Can Lead To “Tongue Lag”

Maine Coons are meticulous groomers. After an intense grooming session, it’s common for them to momentarily forget to retract their tongue!

This “tongue lag” can happen when the grooming process is interrupted, perhaps they hear a noise or get distracted, and they pause mid-lick, leaving the tongue hanging out slightly.

It’s completely harmless unless the behavior becomes frequent.

3. Dental Problems Are A Possible Cause

Unlike blepping due to relaxation, tongue protrusion that happens regularly or is accompanied by other signs may point to a dental issue.

Dental disease, such as gingivitis, a cracked tooth, resorptive lesions, or oral ulcers, can make it uncomfortable for your cat to close its mouth properly.

This can result in the tongue being left outside the mouth more often than usual.

You should examine whether your cat also shows signs of bad breath, drooling, reluctance to eat, or pawing at the mouth.

If any of these symptoms occur alongside tongue protrusion, a veterinary dental check-up is advised.

4. Your Maine Coon May Be Overheating

Although not common, cats, especially large, heavily furred breeds like Maine Coons can overheat in warm environments.

When this happens, they may stick out their tongue in an attempt to cool down, similar to panting in dogs.

While this is not their primary method of temperature regulation, it can be a signal that your cat needs to cool off.

If you observe your cat panting with its tongue out, ensure they have access to fresh water and a cooler spot in the house. Prolonged panting or open-mouthed breathing may require emergency veterinary care.

5. A Foreign Object Might Be Stuck

Another reason your Maine Coon might stick its tongue out is discomfort caused by a foreign object.

This could be something as simple as a piece of kibble stuck in the gums, a stray hair caught between the teeth, or even a bit of string or fluff that got lodged in the mouth during play or grooming.

If your cat’s tongue is out and they’re pawing at their mouth or seem unusually irritated, try gently checking their mouth or consult a veterinarian to safely investigate further.

6. Jaw Or Tooth Abnormalities Cause Tongue Protrusion

Some Maine Coons may have structural abnormalities such as:

• Missing teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites

These issues may make it difficult for the cat to keep its tongue inside its mouth, particularly when resting.

It’s more common in senior cats, especially those who’ve had teeth extracted or suffered dental trauma.

Most cats adapt well to these anatomical quirks, and as long as they’re eating and behaving normally, it’s not usually a concern.

7. The Flehmen Response: “Tasting The Air”

When Maine Coons encounter an intriguing scent – like another cat’s pheromones or a new environment they may open their mouth slightly, curl their lips, and even stick their tongue out.

This is called the Flehmen response, a normal feline behavior used to direct scent molecules toward the vomeronasal (Jacobson’s) organ.

This behavior may appear odd or humorous, but it’s completely natural and often accompanied by a wide-eyed or intense expression.

8. Side Effects Of Medication Or Sedation

After surgery or when under the influence of sedatives or strong pain medication, cats may stick their tongue out involuntarily. This is temporary and should resolve once the medication wears off and full muscle control returns.

If the tongue remains out for longer than expected post-procedure, check with your vet to rule out any complications.

9. Neurological Conditions (Rare)

In rare cases, sticking the tongue out can indicate a neurological problem, such as damage to the facial nerves or a mild seizure.

This could be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Head tilting
• Uncoordinated movement
• Facial drooping

These signs should never be ignored and warrant immediate veterinary evaluation.

10. Heatstroke Or Respiratory Distress

While uncommon, tongue protrusion along with panting, drooling, or labored breathing can be a red flag for serious conditions like:

• Heatstroke
• Upper Respiratory Distress

Maine Coons are generally hardy cats, but their thick coats make them more vulnerable to overheating, especially in warmer climates.

If you suspect heatstroke, immediately move your cat to a cool, shaded area, provide water, and contact your vet as quickly as possible.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While most tongue sticking is harmless and even endearing, persistent or sudden changes in behavior should never be ignored.

If your Maine Coon seems distressed, is drooling excessively, or you notice additional symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or poor appetite, schedule a veterinary exam promptly.