Have you ever ever seen your cat pull a face as in the event that they’ve simply smelt essentially the most disgusting factor ever? Eyes closed, mouth broad open, lip curled in, neck prolonged—it’s an expression that definitely resembles repulsion. That is really a pure reflex often known as the Flehmen response (generally known as the Flehmen grimace or response too). And, curiously, it has nothing to do with detecting a foul odor.
Moderately, it’s a approach that cats (and another species) have developed with the intention to course of sure pheromones. So, what’s it, and why do cats do it? First, we have to perceive the aforementioned pheromones.
Cat Communication and the Position of Pheromones
Pheromones are messenger molecules that cats use to speak with one another. They’re chemical substances which are secreted exterior of the physique in fluids like urine and sweat. Primarily, pheromones are a hidden type of communication. Sure species use them as alerts from one particular person to a different.
Examples of ways in which cats use pheromones embrace:
- Rubbing their cheeks onto issues
- Urinating on objects and surfaces to “mark their territory”
- Emptying the contents of their anal glands when they’re burdened or fearful (these are two scent glands on both facet of the anus)
- Butting their head towards somebody, which identifies her or him as “secure”
What Is the Flehmen Response in Cats?
The Flehmen response is a traditional behavioral response that cats “carry out” after they detect sure pheromones. In day-to-day life, cats are continuously responding to stimuli; these stimuli may be odors, pheromones, sounds, tastes, and extra. Through the use of the Flehmen response, cats are in a position to course of smells and pheromones, after which entry the data it may be telling them.
The purpose of the Flehmen response is to deliver the air holding the scent or odor over one thing known as the vomeronasal organ (additionally known as the Jacobson’s organ). When cats carry out the Flehmen response, two small ducts behind the incisor enamel of the highest jaw open up. The opening of those ducts permits the scent or pheromone to journey to the vomeronasal organ.
This organ is a small little bump on the roof of the mouth that processes pheromones and hormones—not simply these of different cats, but in addition potential predator and prey species. It perceives the scent as one thing greater than only a scent, however lower than a vibration.
From right here, the alerts journey to the odor heart of the mind, after which to the hypothalamus. It is a crucial and busy a part of the mind that may affect reproductive hormones and habits.
We’ve damaged the pathway down into a number of steps, however in actual time the entire course of happens in seconds, or much less. Your cat can then resolve what to do with the acquired info. They could run or they may do nothing; they may urinate or sleep; or they may go on the lookout for a possible mating accomplice.
What Does the Flehmen Response Look Like?
If you happen to haven’t caught your cat really finishing up a Flehmen response, you’re most likely questioning what this exceptional and curious face-pulling really appears like.
Your cat will assume a facial features as if they’ve smelt one thing very disagreeable. They normally maintain their mouths broad open and curl their higher lip. This exposes the higher entrance enamel, often known as the incisors. Whereas they do all of this, cats are inhaling to transmit the scent to that vomeronasal organ of their mouth.
In some situations, cats will stretch their neck out or maintain their head at a humorous angle to optimize the processing of the scents and odors. Your cat will solely maintain this pose for a minute or much less, earlier than resuming their regular expression and actions. If the messages aren’t tremendous clear, they might carry out the Flehmen response a second or third time.
What Causes the Flehmen Response in Cats?
It will appear logical that the Flehmen response is an involuntary or instinctive motion, however cats really must resolve to do it. The Flehmen response is a voluntary motion taken by cats when they’re uncovered to an attention-grabbing odor or pheromone of one other animal (usually one other cat).
The Flehmen response is often utilized by male cats smelling feminine cats’ urine to evaluate if she is able to mate. Nonetheless, it may be utilized by any cat after they come throughout a scent that they deem worthy of additional investigation.
Do I Must Be Apprehensive Concerning the Flehmen Response?
No—the Flehmen response is completely regular cat habits. Regardless of its unusual look, there may be nothing to fret about, and your cat is just not in any discomfort or ache. Your cat will usually be completely calm.
The Flehmen response must be distinguished from cats which are respiratory with their mouth open for a chronic time frame. These cats will usually be in misery and have labored or fast respiratory. Open-mouth respiratory definitely is regarding and warrants a go to to the veterinarian.
Conclusion
Many different animals exhibit the Flehmen response, together with horses, giraffes, lions, tigers, and extra. Some individuals could have a vomeronasal organ, however they don’t seem to be useful in individuals; in different phrases, they’re a remnant of evolution that we don’t use.
We hope this text has helped you perceive this distinctive habits out of your feline!
Featured Picture Credit score: Bea Llonador, Shutterstock
