Why Do Cats Lick Their Lips After Smelling Something?
Have you ever noticed your cat taking a whiff of something and then licking its lips right after? While it might seem like a quirky or even amusing behavior, lip licking after sniffing is actually part of a cat's complex communication system and sensory exploration. In this detailed article, we'll explore the physiological and behavioral reasons behind this feline action.
The Role of the Vomeronasal Organ (Jacobson's Organ)
One of the primary reasons cats lick their lips after smelling something is to activate their vomeronasal organ, also called Jacobson’s organ. This specialized part of their sensory system is located on the roof of their mouth and helps them detect chemical cues known as pheromones. When a cat licks its lips or the object it smelled, it transfers these chemical compounds to the organ, interpreting the scent signals in more detail.
- Enhanced Scent Detection: Licking helps carry scent molecules from the tongue to Jacobson’s organ.
- Pheromone Processing: It's especially common after smelling other animals, which carry pheromones on their fur or skin.
Flehmen Response: A Related Behavior
In conjunction with lip licking, cats may show what’s called the Flehmen response — a grimace-like facial expression where the cat curls back its lips and opens its mouth slightly. This allows more scent particles to reach the vomeronasal organ.
Communication and Territory
Scent plays an enormous role in how cats communicate and mark their territory. When a cat licks its lips after sniffing furniture, another animal, or even a human, it may be:
- Assessing territory boundaries by detecting scent markers
- Identifying other animals' presence through pheromone traces
- Gauging hormonal states such as whether a female is in heat
Signs of Stress or Anxiety
While lip licking is often part of normal sensory processing, it can also be an indication of stress or anxiety. In unfamiliar surroundings or after smelling something unusual or unsettling, a cat may lick its lips due to:
- Nervous behavior triggered by a strange scent
- Internal conflict or overstimulation
- Discomfort after detecting another animal's scent
It's important to look at the context. If the behavior is frequent and accompanied by hiding, hissing, or loss of appetite, it may be worth consulting your vet.
Food Anticipation and Salivation
Sometimes, lip licking after sniffing occurs simply because your cat has smelled food. In these cases, the scent starts the salivation process and lip licking is an involuntary response — much like how a human might salivate when tempted by a favorite dish.
Observing for Additional Clues
To determine why a cat is licking its lips after sniffing, observe the surrounding circumstances and behavioral cues:
- Context: Was the cat near food or another animal?
- Body language: Does the cat look relaxed, alert, or stressed?
- Frequency: Is this a one-time behavior or a recurring pattern?
When to Be Concerned
Although this behavior is usually harmless, excessive or compulsive lip licking might indicate medical issues like nausea, dental problems, or oral discomfort. Watch for symptoms like:
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Bad breath or gum swelling
In these cases, a veterinary consultation is advisable to rule out underlying health problems.
Summary
In most situations, cats lick their lips after smelling something as part of their natural compulsive behaviors aimed at interpreting scent information. This intriguing behavior connects closely with their vomeronasal organ and is essential for understanding their environment. Pet owners should view this as an opportunity to better appreciate the complex sensory world their feline companions navigate daily.
