Tomcat cheeks refers to the pronounced jowls or cheeks seen in some male cats. They are caused by hypertrophy or enlargement of the masseter muscles on either side of the jaw. This gives male cats, especially unneutered tomcats, the appearance of having chubby, swollen cheeks.
In this article, we will explore the causes and purpose of tomcat cheeks in male cats. We’ll look at how territory marking, mating displays, reactions to scents, aggressive displays, temperature regulation, and other factors can all contribute to tomcat cheeks. Understanding the triggers and variability behind this phenomenon will help cat owners better interpret this unique feline feature.
Anatomy
Cats have a complex set of facial muscles that allow them to make a wide variety of expressions. The most prominent muscles involved in creating the “Tomcat cheek” appearance are the buccinator and zygomatic muscles.
The buccinator muscle runs along the side of the mouth and controls cheek movements. When a cat flexes this muscle, it pulls the lips and cheeks outward, exposing the teeth. The zygomatic muscle connects the corner of the mouth to the cheekbone area. Contracting this muscle lifts the lips and forms the characteristic Tomcat cheek shape (1).
In addition, cats have strong temporalis muscles along the side of the head that attach to the lower jaw. Flexing these temporalis muscles allows cats to open their mouths very wide when displaying the Tomcat cheek expression (2).
So in summary, by coordinating contractions of the buccinator, zygomatic, and temporalis facial muscles, cats can make their cheeks expand outward and draw their lips back dramatically when exhibiting the classic Tomcat look.
Territory Marking
Tomcats will often develop enlarged jowl muscles as they mature, which create the distinctive “Tomcat cheeks.” According to What Are Tomcat Jowls (Cheeks) In Male Cats?, these enlarged cheeks are used as a visual signal for territory marking and mating displays. When a tomcat rubs his cheeks on objects, he deposits pheromones that mark the area as his territory.
As explained on the VCA Hospitals website, cats have scent glands on their cheeks that they use to mark territory. Cheek rubbing, also called bunting, is one way cats mark areas with their scent. The tomcat’s enlarged jowls allow him to deposit more scent when bunting, allowing him to mark his territory more thoroughly.
According to Orange County, NC, rubbing and bunting are normal territorial behaviors for cats. Tomcats use their cheek glands to send visual and olfactory signals about their territory to other cats.
Mating Display
One of the primary reasons male cats develop pronounced jowls or “cheeks” is for mating displays to attract female cats. According to cats.com, tomcat jowls are an indication to female cats that the male is a viable mate. The jowls contain scent glands that release pheromones attractive to females when the tomcat rubs his cheeks on objects. The pronounced jowls also allow rival males to see the tomcat’s size and strength from a distance.
When courting a female cat, the tomcat will approach with his cheeks and jowls enlarged and rub them against the female. As explained by CatBandit, this allows the scent glands in his cheeks to release pheromones designed to encourage mating. The male may bite the scruff of the female’s neck as a show of dominance. The tomcat’s sizable cheeks protect his neck during mating fights with rival males.
Reaction to Scent
Tomcat cheeks are often a reaction by male cats to interesting scents, especially pheromones from female cats in heat. When a male cat encounters a fascinating odor, he may perform what is called the flehmen response. This involves curling the upper lip to facilitate passing air over the vomeronasal organ in the roof of the mouth. Detecting pheromones triggers facial muscles to contract and the jowls to puff out. The exaggerated cheeks make the tomcat appear studlier and more intimidating to potential competitors. Unneutered males often have permanent tomcat cheeks as the testosterone activates the flehmen response more frequently. After neutering, the cheeks often deflate as testosterone levels drop and the cat no longer needs to advertise sexual prowess and mating availability.
Aggressive Display
Tomcats often use their enlarged cheek area as a visual display of aggression towards other cats, especially during territory and mating disputes. When threatened, tomcats will turn their heads to expose their full cheek size and sharp teeth, arch their backs, and flatten their ears in an attempt to appear as large and intimidating as possible. This aggressive posturing is meant to intimidate rival males and protect the tomcat’s territory and access to females. The exaggerated cheek size makes the tomcat’s head appear bigger and emphasizes its teeth and formidable bite. According to Tomcat Jowls / Cheeks in Male Cats, tomcats tend to be more territorial and aggressive towards other male cats if they have not been neutered.
The tomcat’s enlarged cheeks are part of their natural mating anatomy and instinctual aggression patterns. However, responsible neutering can reduce territorial behaviors and overly aggressive displays in male cats.
Nursing Kittens
Tomcat cheeks provide an advantageous structure for nursing kittens. The enlarged cheeks give kittens something to press against while nursing, allowing them to attach properly to the nipple and get a good milk flow. Kittens often press their paws against the father cat’s cheeks for leverage while nursing. Without the support of tomcat cheeks, kittens may have more difficulty properly nursing from the mother. Additionally, the enlarged cheeks protect the kittens’ heads and bodies while they are nursing.
According to an article on cats.com, “Tomcat cheeks create a cushioned area against which kittens can press while nursing from their mother.” This allows them to better position themselves and exert the force needed to extract milk from the mother cat’s nipples.https://cats.com/what-are-tomcat-jowls-cheeks-in-male-cats The cheeks also “act as shields to protect the kittens’ vulnerable skulls and necks during nursing.”
Temperature Regulation
The enlarged jowls or “Tomcat cheeks” on male unneutered cats play an important role in temperature regulation. The jowls contain fat pads and blood vessels that can expand and contract to help dissipate heat. According to Daily Paws, during hot weather, the jowls help cool the tomcat by radiating heat. The increased surface area of the enlarged jowls allows more heat to dissipate. Conversely, in cold weather the jowls can conserve heat by constricting the blood vessels.
Some sources suggest the tomcat’s jowls can vary in size depending on the ambient temperature. For example, the jowls may become more pronounced on hot days to maximize heat dissipation. However, more research is still needed to fully understand this temperature-dependent fluctuation.
Individual Variation
While tomcat cheeks are most common in unneutered male cats, there is some individual variation between cats. Some male cats may develop more prominent tomcat cheeks than others, even if they are from the same litter. Similarly, some neutered males may retain some cheek fullness, while others may have very deflated cheeks post-neuter. The degree of cheek enlargement depends on factors like genetics, and the cat’s natural hormone levels and sensitivity to testosterone.
There is also some variation between female cats. While females do not exhibit the dramatic cheek growth seen in males, some intact females may naturally have slightly rounder or fuller cheeks. After spaying, female cheeks tend to deflate, but not to the same degree as a neutered male. The differences in cheek shape between neutered males and females has to do with the larger impacts of testosterone.
Overall, the most prominent tomcat cheeks will be seen in unneutered males with high testosterone levels. But cheek fullness across male and female cats can vary based on genetics, neuter status, age, and other individual factors. Understanding the range of normal variation can help owners better interpret their cat’s unique facial features.
Conclusion
In summary, tomcat cheeks are an anatomical feature of cats related to scent glands in their cheeks and jaw area. When activated, these glands release pheromones that have several functions related to cat communication and behavior. Displaying enlarged tomcat cheeks can signal a cat’s territory, advertise sexual readiness for mating, indicate aggression toward other cats, help bond mother cats with nursing kittens, and may aid in temperature regulation. However, not all cats display pronounced tomcat cheeks, as there is natural variation between individuals. The distinct tomcat cheeks are an interesting example of how anatomy evolves to facilitate chemical communication and social dynamics in the feline world.