Why Does My Cat Open His Mouth After Smelling? [Causes & Remedy]

As any cat owner will tell you, cats are endlessly fascinating creatures, often leaving us with more questions than answers when it comes to their behavior. One curious and sometimes puzzling action that cats exhibit is opening their mouths after sniffing something, almost as if they’re tasting the air. This odd habit, known as the Flehmen response, might leave you wondering what’s going on in your cat’s mind and whether it’s something to be concerned about.

In this article, we will delve deep into the reasons behind why cats open their mouths after smelling things, exploring the biological and evolutionary significance of this behavior. We’ll also examine the common causes, when it might signal a health issue, and how you should respond as a responsible cat owner. Whether your cat has been doing this for years or has recently started, understanding this behavior can deepen your bond with your feline friend and help you navigate when it’s time to seek professional advice.

Why Does My Cat Open His Mouth After Smelling?

To truly understand why cats open their mouths after sniffing, it’s important to look at how their sense of smell works. Cats have an incredibly strong olfactory sense, far superior to humans, which they rely on to interpret the world around them. When a cat detects a scent, it’s not just processing it like we do—it’s actively investigating it in detail.

The specific behavior of opening the mouth after sniffing is linked to a specialized organ called the Jacobsen’s organ or vomeronasal organ (VNO). Located on the roof of the mouth, this organ detects pheromones—chemical signals that carry information about other animals, potential mates, territory, and even emotions. When a cat opens its mouth and pulls back its lips in a manner that might seem like a grimace or a sneer, it is actually engaging in the Flehmen response. This response allows them to direct these scent molecules toward Jacobsen’s organ, where they can be processed in more detail.

This reaction is most commonly seen when cats encounter particularly strong or novel smells, such as the scent of other animals (including potential mates), or even in response to food or environmental changes. It’s part of a cat’s natural repertoire for understanding its environment and the creatures within it.

Common Reasons

Cats may open their mouths after sniffing for several reasons, ranging from natural instinctive behavior to emotional responses. Let’s explore the most common triggers:

1. Pheromone Detection: As mentioned, cats are highly sensitive to pheromones, which are chemical signals that convey information about another animal’s age, sex, health, or emotional state. For example, if a cat smells the scent of another cat, especially one from a different territory or a potential mate, it may open its mouth to investigate these pheromones more deeply.

2. Curiosity or Novelty: Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they use their sense of smell to explore their surroundings. A new smell—whether it’s a new pet, a foreign object, or a new environment—can trigger the Flehmen response as they try to gather more information about the unfamiliar scent.

3. Food and Taste: A cat may also open its mouth after smelling food or treats. This behavior could be a sign that your cat is preparing to "taste" the smell of food in the air, even before it takes a bite. This is especially true if the food is particularly enticing.

4. Territorial Behavior: Cats are territorial animals, and the Flehmen response can also be triggered by the smell of other cats in their territory. This helps them assess whether the intruder is a threat or simply a passing visitor.

5. Mating Behavior: If your cat is unspayed or unneutered, the Flehmen response might be more pronounced when smelling the pheromones of a nearby mate. This is often seen more in cats during breeding season.

When To Be Concerned

While the Flehmen response is a normal and instinctual behavior, there are situations where it could be a sign of something more serious. As a cat owner, it’s essential to know when to differentiate between normal behavior and when you should be concerned.

1. Excessive or Persistent Mouth Opening: If your cat is consistently opening its mouth in a way that seems excessive or is accompanied by other unusual behaviors (like drooling, gagging, or signs of discomfort), it might not be just the Flehmen response. This could indicate a problem with the cat’s mouth or nasal passages.

2. Signs of Illness: If your cat appears to be sniffing more than usual, especially if the mouth-opening behavior is coupled with sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of an upper respiratory infection or a dental problem. Cats with dental disease or oral infections may also exhibit a similar behavior, although usually with added symptoms like bad breath or difficulty eating.

3. Change in Behavior: If your cat is suddenly engaging in the Flehmen response in an unusual way, or if it seems unusually stressed or aggressive, it could be related to anxiety, hormonal changes, or even an injury that is affecting how it smells or processes scent.

4. Disorientation or Distress: Cats that are repeatedly opening their mouths and showing signs of disorientation or distress might be dealing with something more serious like neurological problems or even poisoning. If your cat’s behavior seems out of character, particularly if it’s a sudden change, it’s time to investigate further.

How To Respond As A Cat Owner

Understanding the Flehmen response can help you know how to react when you see your cat engaging in this behavior. For the most part, this is a harmless and normal action, and there’s no need to intervene unless it’s accompanied by concerning symptoms.

1. Observe and Understand: If your cat is simply sniffing and opening its mouth, it’s likely just trying to process an interesting scent. You can watch the behavior with curiosity and enjoy observing how your cat interacts with its environment.

2. Provide a Comfortable Environment: If your cat seems to open its mouth frequently around certain scents, ensure that it’s in a safe and stimulating environment where it feels comfortable to explore. This includes providing them with places to smell new objects, windows to look out of, or even cat-friendly plants they can interact with.

3. Maintain Good Health: Regular veterinary checkups are key to keeping your cat in good health. Cats who are prone to dental issues, respiratory problems, or hormonal imbalances may exhibit changes in how they sniff or interact with smells. Ensuring your cat is up to date on vaccinations and is eating a balanced diet can help reduce health-related causes of excessive mouth opening.

4. Stimulate Their Senses: If your cat enjoys sniffing, consider enriching their environment with scent-based toys or puzzle feeders that engage their olfactory senses. It’s an enjoyable way for your cat to stay mentally active and entertained.

When To Consult A Veterinarian

While the Flehmen response is often harmless, there are certain signs that should prompt you to consult a veterinarian:

1. Unexplained Symptoms: If your cat exhibits other signs of illness, such as lethargy, poor appetite, or vomiting alongside the mouth-opening behavior, it’s time for a veterinary consultation. Conditions like upper respiratory infections, oral diseases, or even poisoning can cause these symptoms.

2. Dental Problems: Cats often hide pain, but if you notice that your cat is having trouble eating, is drooling excessively, or has bad breath along with the mouth-opening behavior, it could indicate dental problems or oral infections, which a veterinarian can assess and treat.

3. Behavioral Changes: If your cat’s behavior changes significantly (such as becoming more aggressive, withdrawn, or anxious), it could be a sign of stress, neurological issues, or even hormonal imbalances. A vet will help determine if there’s an underlying health issue.

4. Sudden or Severe Changes: If the Flehmen response seems to be sudden, overly intense, or accompanied by signs of distress, such as excessive coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing, a visit to the vet is necessary to rule out serious conditions.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of a cat opening its mouth after sniffing is a normal part of feline behavior, deeply rooted in biology and the need for sensory exploration. Known as the Flehmen response, it allows cats to process scents more effectively, particularly pheromones, which are vital to their understanding of the world. In most cases, this behavior is harmless and a sign of curiosity or interest. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on any accompanying symptoms that could signal a health problem.

As a cat owner, being aware of your cat’s behavior and knowing when to consult a veterinarian will help ensure your feline friend stays happy and healthy. While the Flehmen response is usually just a quirky and fascinating part of being a cat, understanding its significance can deepen your connection with your pet and help you provide the best care possible.

FAQs

Why Does My Cat Open His Mouth After Smelling Something?

When a cat opens its mouth after sniffing, it is often exhibiting a behavior called the Flehmen response. This allows the cat to bring scents into a special organ called the Jacobsen’s organ or the vomeronasal organ, which helps them analyze pheromones and other chemical signals in their environment.

Is The Flehmen Response Common In Cats?

Yes, the Flehmen response is quite common in cats. It is a natural behavior that helps them detect and interpret pheromones, which are chemical signals related to territory, mating, and other social cues.

Does My Cat Open His Mouth Only When He Smells Food?

No, cats can open their mouths after smelling a variety of scents, not just food. The behavior is especially noticeable when they are sniffing something interesting, such as another animal’s scent or urine, as they attempt to gather more information through their Jacobsen’s organ.

Can The Flehmen Response Help My Cat In Hunting?

Yes, the Flehmen response can aid a cat in its hunting behavior. By processing scents more efficiently, it helps them detect the presence of potential prey or identify territorial markers from other animals.

Should I Be Worried If My Cat Opens His Mouth After Smelling Something?

In most cases, there is no cause for concern if your cat opens his mouth after smelling something. It is a natural, instinctual behavior. However, if your cat seems to be repeatedly showing signs of distress or if the behavior is accompanied by other health issues, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian.

What Other Animals Exhibit The Flehmen Response Besides Cats?

Other animals that exhibit the Flehmen response include dogs, horses, elephants, and even some species of big cats like lions and tigers. It is typically used by animals to detect and process chemical signals in their environment.

Is The Flehmen Response Different In Male And Female Cats?

While both male and female cats can display the Flehmen response, males may exhibit it more frequently, especially during mating seasons. This is because they are more actively detecting pheromones related to mating behavior and territory.

Can My Cat Open His Mouth Due To A Medical Issue After Smelling Something?

It’s unlikely that a cat’s mouth opening after smelling something is linked to a medical problem. However, if your cat is showing other signs like drooling, a lack of interest in food, or appears to be in pain, you should consult a vet to rule out dental or respiratory issues.

How Long Does The Flehmen Response Last In Cats?

The Flehmen response usually lasts only a few seconds. During this time, the cat will typically open its mouth, curl its lips, and stare at the source of the scent. Once the analysis is complete, the behavior stops.

Can The Flehmen Response Help My Cat Identify Other Animals In The Neighborhood?

Yes, the Flehmen response allows your cat to gather valuable information about other animals in the area. By analyzing pheromones and other chemical cues, cats can identify the presence, species, and even the emotional state of nearby animals.