Sudden Cat's Open-Mouthed Confusion When Sniffing: What

Sexual Sniff Reflex

When cats employ their vomeronasal organ to sniff out and analyze scents, they often display a perplexed expression similar to the one depicted above. This behavior is known as the sexual sniff reflex.

Not all scents elicit this puzzled reaction, however. Common triggers include the urine of female cats, catnip, mugwort, human sweat, and the scent of human feet, among others.

Controversies Surrounding the Vomeronasal Organ

① The Vomeronasal Organ

This auxiliary olfactory sense organ can grant animals a sort of sixth sense. It plays a crucial role in reproduction and social interactions for many mammals.

PS: For many mammals, this organ is vital for both breeding and social bonding!

② The Mention of the Vomeronasal Organ Brings Up the Concept of Pheromones

Some people refer to the sensation of detecting pheromones through the vomeronasal organ as a human sixth sense. Yet, many others remain skeptical or undecided.

PS: Pheromones, or information pheromones, are a series of chemical signals that include information about gender and reproductive cues.

③ The Search for Human Sixth Sense Continues

The prevailing theory suggests that the human vomeronasal organ may not have a functional role, and humans might perceive pheromones through other means.

PS: According to encyclopedia data, a study of 564 adults found that 70% did not have a functional vomeronasal organ, while the remaining 30% had one that was highly degenerated.

This is why many cats mark their territory with urine during estrus. Whether it's a female cat in heat or a male cat seeking a mate, they use urine to convey messages.