We cat owners have all seen it...you’re laying on the couch,
minding your own business, when the cat jumps up and takes a big whiff of your
feet. Your cat then opens its mouth and grimaces as if your feet are the worst
smell it has ever encountered. Really makes you feel self conscious, doesn’t
it?
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| A cat exhibiting the flehmen response. Photo credit: fabcats.org |
When this happens, you are seeing your cat’s Jacobson’s
Organ (or vomeronasal organ, if you want to get fancy) in action. This organ is
located on the roof of the mouth right behind the front teeth, and is connected
to the nasal cavity. Many types of animals actually have this organ, even
insects and reptiles. There are several theories about the use of the
Jacobson’s Organ, but the most common theory is that the organ helps to sense
pheromones and chemical compounds. Your cat accesses this organ through the
“flehmen response”; this is where the cat opens its mouth and literally inhales
the scent.
Cats generally utilize their Jacobson’s Organ when they
encounter a scent that is unusual to them (like your sweaty feet.) Basically,
your cat is trying to figure out what this scent means. Is it related to
reproduction? Is it a scent marking? Is it food? The Jacobson’s Organ is not
quite smelling, but it’s not quite tasting either. It’s a different sense
altogether (one that science suggests humans lack.)
The Jacobson’s Organ is just another amazing way our cats
become familiar with their surroundings, locate suitable sexual partners, and
avoid danger.
