In the TikTok video, users have speculated that the cat may be imitating birds or tasting them.
A cat's strange behavior in a viral TikTok video has puzzled internet users.
In the clip, which has been viewed 8.6 million times, the cat can be seen making a chirruping noise and seemingly sucking its teeth while making a kissing noise.
According to cat behavioral consultant and author Pam Johnson-Bennett, the cat is exhibiting the flehmen response, a technique also used by goats, tigers, and horses to analyze scents through the vomeronasal organ or Jacobson's organ.
Located inside the nasal cavity and opening into the roof of the mouth, this organ allows animals to determine if the scent they are smelling is a threat, a friend, a potential mate, or a female in heat.
In the clip, which has been viewed 8.6 million times, the cat can be seen making a chirruping noise and seemingly sucking its teeth while making a kissing noise.
According to cat behavioral consultant and author Pam Johnson-Bennett, the cat is exhibiting the flehmen response, a technique also used by goats, tigers, and horses to analyze scents through the vomeronasal organ or Jacobson's organ.
Located inside the nasal cavity and opening into the roof of the mouth, this organ allows animals to determine if the scent they are smelling is a threat, a friend, a potential mate, or a female in heat.
Credit: Mr.Pet/TikTok
The flehmen response involves collecting the scent in the mouth and using the tongue to flick it to the specialized organ for further analysis.
When a cat opens its mouth in a grimace and curls its upper lip, it is providing maximum exposure for the scent to travel through the vomeronasal organ.
In the TikTok video, users have speculated that the cat may be imitating birds or tasting them. However, Johnson-Bennett explains that the flehmen response is typically used to analyze pheromones from other cats, particularly those found in urine.
It can also be used for other scents that require further investigation. The video has received over 1.9 million likes and has sparked discussion among viewers.
When a cat opens its mouth in a grimace and curls its upper lip, it is providing maximum exposure for the scent to travel through the vomeronasal organ.
In the TikTok video, users have speculated that the cat may be imitating birds or tasting them. However, Johnson-Bennett explains that the flehmen response is typically used to analyze pheromones from other cats, particularly those found in urine.
It can also be used for other scents that require further investigation. The video has received over 1.9 million likes and has sparked discussion among viewers.
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