Why does a cat stick out its tongue when it hears a hairbrush? - briefly
A cat sticks out its tongue when it hears a hairbrush because the sound is often associated with grooming activities. The sound triggers an instinctive response in cats, preparing them for potential self-grooming or interaction related to their fur care.
Why does a cat stick out its tongue when it hears a hairbrush? - in detail
When a cat hears the sound of a hairbrush, it often sticks out its tongue as a reflex action triggered by the high-pitched frequency of the brush against hair. This behavior is deeply rooted in a cat's natural hunting instincts and sensory perceptions.
Cats are highly sensitive to sounds, particularly those within the ultrasonic range, which humans cannot detect. The sound produced by a hairbrush running through human hair often contains frequencies that fall within this range. Cats have evolved to associate such high-pitched noises with the movements of small prey, such as birds or rodents, which they instinctively hunt.
When a cat hears these ultrasonic frequencies, its predatory instincts are activated. The tongue extension is part of the cat's "flehmen response," a behavior observed in many animals that involves curling back the upper lip to expose the teeth and drawing air over the vomeronasal organ (VNO), also known as Jacobson's organ. This organ, located on the roof of the mouth, is responsible for detecting pheromones and other chemical signals.
In the case of a cat hearing a hairbrush, the tongue extension might not be directly related to pheromone detection but rather serves as a preparatory action. The cat's body prepares for potential hunting or defensive behavior by extending its tongue to gather more information about the environment and any potential threat or prey.
Additionally, cats may also associate the sound of a hairbrush with positive experiences, such as grooming sessions with their owners. In this context, the tongue extension could be a form of anticipatory behavior, where the cat is prepared for interaction and attention from its human companion.
In summary, a cat sticking out its tongue when it hears a hairbrush is a complex response driven by both evolutionary instincts and learned associations. Understanding this behavior provides insights into the intricate sensory world of cats and their profound connection to their environment and human companions.