Features of manul photography. International Cat Tongue Awareness Day

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Pavel Burov

Last week, I had the chance to make a photographic pilgrimage to the very heart of manul civilization. To Novosibirsk.

I had to work quite hard to manage to select and process photos of our beloved fluffballs in time for the holiday. A reminder: today is International Cat Tongue Awareness Day (International Cat Tongue Awareness Day)†

A photograph of Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo
Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 25, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov

On this day, people all over the world delight in especially funny cat faces. And they look closely to see whether the pet is sticking out its tongue because of the heat.

A photograph of Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo
Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 26, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov
A photograph of Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo
Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 23, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov

Or is it because of especially tasty food?

A photograph of Snezhinka in Novosibirsk Zoo
Snezhinka in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 25, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov
A photograph of Grey in Novosibirsk Zoo
Grey* in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 23, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov

Or a yawn?

A photograph of Leon in Novosibirsk Zoo
Leon in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 23, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov
A photograph of Grey in Novosibirsk Zoo
Grey* in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 25, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov
A photograph of Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo
Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 25, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov

Or is the kitty even keeping up with its drinking regimen?

A photograph of Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo
Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 26, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov

Or is it from an excess of feeling?

A photograph of Grey in Novosibirsk Zoo
Grey* in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 22, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov

Or maybe it isn’t a manul at all?

A photograph of a Pallas's cat in Novosibirsk Zoo
A photo of a Pallas's cat in Novosibirsk Zoo
Hilary the kitten, an adorable leopard cub

In any case, we love cat tongues, and on this wonderful holiday, International Cat Tongue Awareness Day, we thank all kitties for the tongues they show us.

All the kitties!

A photograph of Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo
Gabi in Novosibirsk Zoo, June 25, 2026
Author: Pavel Burov

† International Cat Tongue Awareness Day is such a secret holiday that you won’t find any mention of it even in search results. To tell the truth, I just made it up.

Comments 15

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  1. i
  2. Анна
  3. helga ingvar
  4. Pavel Burov
  5. Pavel Burov
  6. helga ingvar
  7. mnamosyna (rachael)
  8. Maeko Ushiro

    I often find posts saying "(Today is) Tongue out Tuesday" on some zoos' social media accounts. It would be wonderful if International Cat Tongue Awareness Day is established✨

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  9. Pavel Burov
    Pavel BurovAuthor

    Maeko Ushiro,

    A photograph of a Pallas's cat

    Ahaha. There are mentions of International Cat Tongue Awareness Day in Internet search results from now on.

    FEEL TEH PAWAR OF MANULUZATION!

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  10. Vika Malyshko, Manulization

    Ahaha, Pavel, this is exactly the tear-off calendar we need! So, it’s settled! July 2 is International Cat Tongue Awareness Day! 👏🏻

    A photograph of Katun in Novosibirsk Zoo
    Katun* in Novosibirsk Zoo, November 4, 2025

    And thank you for the wonderful photos and the great post! It really lifts the spirits 😻

    P.S.: by the way, Gabi is in the last photo too ☺️ Should I fix it?

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  11. Pavel Burov
  12. Pavel Burov
  13. Pavel Burov
  14. anna_yu
  15. Vika Malyshko, Manulization