Strenuous play or high heat causes cats to pant without sweating using their tongue.
Panting
Some cats relax their jaw while dozing allowing their tongue to slide out naturally.
Sleeping
Injuries, oral diseases, nausea, or neurological issues might make sticking tongue out instinctual.
Medical Reasons
Early separated kittens self-soothe sucking tongues mimicking nursing.
Comfort Nursing
Tongue protusion relieves tooth abscess pressure.
Dental Discomfort
Conditions like feline Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome increase tongue length and flexibility.
Connective Tissue Disorder
Extending tongue adds surface area to dissipate body heat.
Cooling Effort