According to LadBible, citing Exploration Junkie, a lion's tongue is about 50 times rougher than a domestic cat's, often resembling sandpaper to the touch.

Cat tongues often feel like sandpaper. A poem below may offer one reason: CAT KISSES Sandpaper kisses on a cheek or chin, that is the way for a day to begin. Sandpaper kisses, a cuddle and a purr— I ...