November 05, 2023
Why Does My Cat Have His Mouth Open? 6 Possible Reasons
Cats have a way of making peculiar faces that can leave us humans perplexed. When you catch your cat holding their mouth open, it might appear as if they're upset, frustrated, or disgusted. However, unlike similar human expressions, our feline friends have a distinct reason for this behavior. Cats possess remarkable sensory abilities that surpass ours, and this open-mouthed expression is just another way they navigate their world. Let's delve into the fascinating world of the Flehmen reaction and why does my cat have his mouth open.
Understanding the Flehmen Reaction
The Flehmen reaction, or Flehmen response, is a behavior unique to certain mammals, including cats. When a cat encounters an intriguing scent, they sometimes open their mouth to engage in a prolonged, thorough sniff.
By drawing air through their open mouth, cats can analyze the scent using a specialized organ known as Jacobson's organ or the vomeronasal organ.
Located in the upper jaw, just above the roof of the mouth, Jacobson's organ has a tiny duct that funnels the inhaled air for detailed examination. In essence, your cat possesses a sense that combines aspects of taste and smell, allowing them to "taste smell" using their mouth.
Why Does My Cat Have His Mouth Open? 6 Possible Reasons
Identifying a Unique Scent
Cats employ the Flehmen response to identify and understand intriguing scents better. This behavior is especially crucial for various scenarios:
Urine Identification: Cats use this method to detect pheromones in urine, allowing them to mark territory and communicate with other cats, indicating their gender and age.
Mother and Kittens: Mother cats employ this response to track and locate their kittens while transmitting pheromones through their milk, creating an inborn mapping system.
Female in Heat: Female cats release pheromones when in heat to signal males, who use the Flehmen response to locate potential mates.
Food: Cats can discern more details about potential prey or nearby meals through this response, aiding in hunting and detecting safe or dangerous food.
Dental Disease
In some cases, cats may open their mouths due to pain, particularly if they're suffering from dental issues. This behavior helps prevent their teeth from touching, which can be painful, while promoting airflow over wounded or inflamed gums. Common dental diseases in cats include gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption.
Gingivostomatitis
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis results from painful inflammation in the back of the mouth and gums, triggered by an abnormal immune response to dental plaque. Signs include red, bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating, and more, requiring prompt veterinary attention.
Verbalization and Communication
Cats communicate using various vocalizations, and they may partially open their mouths when preparing to vocalize, which could result in silence or a specific noise.
Aggression Biting
An open mouth can also be a sign of aggression or a warning. It often occurs when a cat is agitated or displeased, and it may be a precursor to biting. Other aggressive signals include hissing, tensing, growling, and fidgeting.
Health Problems Trouble Breathing
Cats might open their mouths to breathe if they have difficulty breathing through their nose due to allergies, infections, or nasal tumors. In cases of sudden respiratory distress, heart or lung disease, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), or chest injuries can lead to open-mouth breathing, warranting immediate veterinary attention.
Conclusion
In summary, the Flehmen response is another remarkable aspect of feline behavior, allowing cats to delve deeper into their environment through their incredible sense of smell. While this behavior is usually harmless and natural, if it accompanies symptoms like panting or other concerning signs, it's advisable to seek prompt veterinary evaluation. Understanding your cat's behavior can help ensure their well-being and enhance the bond you share with your furry companion.