I remember when we had to take him in the car, he was very upset and his mouth was open throughout the whole trip, so I am thinking that he is somehow uncomfortable when he does this. What do you thin?
2006-10-26 15:35:32 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, he had just smelled something, Thanks all
2006-10-26 16:08:54 · update #1
Was it right after he smelled something? My cat will be really intent on sniffing something and her face stays screwed up for a bit after.
2006-10-26 15:42:30 · answer #1 · answered by apuleuis 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi there...cats have a special scent organ located in the roof of their mouth, called vomeronasal organ, most oftenly known as the Jacobson's Organ. It is located inside the mouth, just behind the front teeth, and connects to the nasal cavity. It analyzes smells - and is the reason why you will sometimes see your cat "sneer" or hold open their mouth when they encounter a strong odour.
Here's a website on this: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1313&articleid=167
2006-10-26 23:17:45 · answer #2 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stress makes cats pant a little bit, they often have their mouths open when they're anxious. When they're too hot they will pant out of their mouths too. Also when my cat had a chest infection and a cold she breathed out of her mouth, her nose was blocked. Sometimes when they smell something they open their mouths and it's really funny, or sometimes they just forget to close their mouths, like sometimes they forget to put their tongues back in after they've been cleaning. If you're worried call the vet for advice.
2006-10-26 22:46:07 · answer #3 · answered by NikC 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Was he open-mouth breathing? he could be overheated - which is not good for cats... Or was his mouth just slightly open - this is called the Flehmen Reaction and is what cats do when they smell something interesting and want more of it.
If you have any concerns, ask your vet.
Hope this helps...good luck :-)
2006-10-26 22:43:02 · answer #4 · answered by EJ 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your cat may have something wrong with the muscles in his jaw, making it more comfortable to leave his jaw slack.
Also, he might have something wrong with his nasal passages making it difficult to breate. Cats usually just breathe through their mouths, but if they have a blockage, or need more air for whatever reson, they will breathe through their mouth (just like people).
If he does this often or looks like he is out of breath while resting, I'd suggest definitely taking him to the doctor.
2006-10-26 22:49:47 · answer #5 · answered by citizenhipster 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, I used to have 5 cats and here's my opinion. It could be he has a tooth problem or perhaps he's just getting a little extra air. I'd take him to the vet just to rule out anything medical and they could also answer your question better than anyone on here.
2006-10-26 22:38:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
He/she is absolutely appalled at the audacity of the resident mouse to put his little thumbs in his ears, waggle his fingers and give your cat a raspberry.
Too much of this and he/she may lose their self-confidence in their role of rodent-catcher and, ultimately, may need feline counselling. You could help restore his/her self-esteem by holding the mouse down while encouraging your cat to give the offending mouse a sharp rap on his little nose.
2006-10-26 22:41:47 · answer #7 · answered by WindWalker10 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Car trips for a cat are unatural for them it could be he's car
sick.
2006-10-26 22:42:07 · answer #8 · answered by thresher 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe he had breathing problems... when animals cant breath from the nose, they open their mouths wide so they can breath from there...
2006-10-26 22:58:27 · answer #9 · answered by Unknown 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He is in awe.
2006-10-26 23:12:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋