2007-01-10 16:53:53 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
they usually are smelling something foul!!! its their uuuggghhh... lol
2007-01-10 16:57:51 · answer #1 · answered by candyas 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is a behavior, similar to a grimace, which is known as the Flehmen Reaction. This is when your cat smells something, opens his mouth slightly, then wrinkles his nose and curls back his upper lip. In so doing, he is drawing in air, capturing the scent, and transferring it to a small, specialized sac known as the Jacobson's organ, an organ located in the roof of the mouth that sends signals about the scent to the brain. The Flehmen Reaction most often occurs in response to the scent of urine, though it can occur with other scents too.
2007-01-11 01:06:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have always noticed the same response with all my eleven cats; it is almost like they are breathing it in to examine it furthur, but I think Purina has the best answer.
Great Question!
2007-01-11 00:59:22 · answer #3 · answered by Scojo 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they open their mouth cuz they have these like tiny tiny tiny tubes behind their front teeth and they want to get in depth of the smell cuz tht halps them smell more
2007-01-11 01:23:42 · answer #4 · answered by Murr;; Fang 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it's called vomeronasal reception, they're tasting and smelling at the same time.
2007-01-11 00:56:54 · answer #5 · answered by gimmenamenow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its because they found something foul, that smells good to them.
2007-01-11 01:18:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Olfactory overload.
2007-01-11 00:57:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know but it is hilarious, we laugh at ours
2007-01-11 00:57:35 · answer #8 · answered by monica4rd 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋