When we walk past some shoes that have just been taken off or socks that have not been washed for a long time, I believe most of us will feel a foul smell. The smell may be unbearable for humans, but it is a unique message for cats**. When cats smell stinky feet, they tend to open their mouths with a frightened expression. However, this behavior is not due to their desire to be smoked, but rather to a behavior called the "split-lip olfactory response" to perceive the smell more carefully.
First, we need to understand how the cat's olfactory system works. The cat's olfactory organs are mainly concentrated in the nose and mouth. They have many olfactory cells inside their noses that are able to sense a variety of odor molecules. However, unlike the human olfactory system, the cat's olfactory system also has a special organ – the vomeronasal apparatus. The vomeronasal apparatus is located at the base of the anterior teeth in the upper arch of the cat's mouth, where it connects to the nostrils. Through this organ, cats are able to absorb odor molecules and transmit this information to the brain.
When we smell a strong smell, we usually feel it with our nose. Cats, however, have another way of sensing scents – the split-lip olfactory response. When cats smell stinky feet, they will open their mouths ajar and lift their upper lip to allow the smell to enter the vomeronasal apparatus in front of their nasal passages. In this way, they are able to perceive the smell through a different path than the nostrils sniffing it. This behavior is known as the "split-lip olfactory response".
The split-lip olfactory response is a special way for cats to perceive odors, which can help cats more accurately judge the smell information of their surroundings. In this way, cats are better able to adapt to their living environment and react accordingly. For example, cats may become more vigilant when they smell an unfamiliar odor or choose to avoid the area.
In conclusion, cats open their mouths when they smell stinky feet not because they want to be smoked, but because they adopt a behavior called the "split-lip olfactory response" to perceive the smell more carefully. This behavior is part of the cat's olfactory system, which helps them to more accurately judge the smell information of their surroundings. So, the next time you see a cat open its mouth when it smells stinky feet, try to understand the behavioral mechanism behind them, which will make you more aware and appreciative of their lives.