Cats can sneer slightly in the conventional sense but often what is regarded as a feline sneer is anything but. It is a very specific action designed to taste smell. And many animals have this ability and they have very similar actions and behaviors in this regard. Unlike humans who rely heavily on visual information, animals such as the cat use their specialist sense of smell to great effect. Their sense of smell is like our eyes.
Some other animals which employ the Flehmen reponse
During this behavior, an animal curls back its upper lip, exposing its front teeth, and inhales with its nostrils usually closed. Interestingly, it often gives the appearance that the animal is looking spiteful, grimacing, or even smirking. Here are some animals that exhibit the Flehmen response:
- Horses
- Tigers
- Buffalos
- Tapirs
- Lions
- Giraffes
- Goats
- Llamas
Picture of a tiger operating the Flehmen response
RELATED: Snow Leopard’s Flehmen Response on Camera Trap Video
