Seamus Hammond
Cats have an acute sense of smell, with noses nearly as sensitive as dogs, and they can be particular about the scents they like and dislike. Cats can enjoy a variety of smells, including herbs such as catnip, silver vine, and valerian, as well as certain essential oils like lavender and helichrysum. They may also find the smell of perfume interesting, as they can detect scents that humans cannot. Cats may react to certain smells by rolling around in ecstasy or becoming more playful and energetic. Their sense of smell is so important that scent enrichment is recommended to keep indoor cats happy and healthy, introducing them to new scents and fresh air through open windows or scent-rich items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cats' sense of smell | Very strong |
| Cats' reaction to perfume | Unknown, but they can smell strongly |
| Cats' favourite scents | Catnip, silver vine, valerian, lavender, ginger, herbs, food, flowers, fresh air |
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What You'll Learn
Cats have a strong sense of smell
Cats' sense of smell is so strong that they can detect when their fellow felines have been to the vet, and they will sniff them upon their return. They can also pick up on the scent of their owners' perfume or cologne and know when their owners have been holding another cat. Cats may also be attracted to the smell of their owners' perfume and enjoy sniffing it.
Cat owners should be cautious when introducing new scents to their cats, especially if they are prone to urine marking, as this may encourage the behaviour. It is recommended to try out new scents one at a time and to mix up the offerings to discover what the cat enjoys. Fresh air is a simple way to provide a novel olfactory experience for cats, who may enjoy pressing their noses to an open window to take in the outdoor scents.
Cats' strong sense of smell can be utilised for their happiness and wellbeing through a practice called scent enrichment. This involves introducing smell-treats, such as empty paper takeaway containers or bouquets of cat-safe flowers, to provide cats with an enjoyable olfactory experience. Scent enrichment can be a fun, inexpensive, and effective way to keep indoor cats happy and healthy, as it provides them with the sensory stimulation they may be missing by not going outdoors.
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Cats can smell perfume on people
Cats have a strong sense of smell, and they can recognize their owners' scents. In a study published in the journal PLOS One, Dr. Uchiyama and his team found that cats respond differently to the scents of their owners than to the odors of strangers. This indicates that cats can identify their owners' unique smells.
While cats can recognize their owners' scents, wearing perfume around them is generally safe. According to Dr. Bruce, a cat veterinarian, there is no need for significant concern when wearing perfumes or body sprays around cats. Once the perfume is dry on your skin, it is not a problem for your cat. However, it is recommended to avoid spraying perfume directly in front of your cat to prevent them from inhaling the mist.
Cats can acquire a perfume-like smell through various ways. Scented lotions or oils applied to the skin can be transferred to a cat when petting them. Air fresheners, candles, and other scented products in the home can also contribute to a cat smelling like perfume. These products release scent particles that can settle on a cat's fur. Additionally, cats may pick up scents from surfaces they lie on, such as freshly cleaned floors or furniture.
To minimize the impact of perfumes and scented products on your cat, there are several precautions you can take. Apply perfumes and scented products away from your cat, and avoid spraying them in areas frequently accessed by your cat. Use pet-safe or unscented cleaning products to reduce your cat's exposure to harmful chemicals. Regular grooming and bathing your cat with pet-safe shampoo can also help keep their coat clean and free of any accumulated scents or contaminants.
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Cats can be attracted to certain scents
Cats have an incredible sense of smell, with their olfactory receptors being roughly fourteen times more concentrated than in humans. This means that cats can detect even the faintest of scents, and certain smells can attract them.
Cats are attracted to the scent of their owners, feeling comforted by their smell. This is because cats create a community scent by transferring their scent to their owners and taking on some of their owner's scents. For instance, cats often enjoy sleeping on their owner's clothing, as they are attracted to and soothed by the scent.
Cats are also attracted to the scent of meat and fish, as these aromas are incredibly attractive to them due to their carnivorous nature. They may also be attracted to the smell of yeast, with some cats occasionally enjoying the taste of bread. In addition, silver vine, a plant native to Japan and China, often attracts cats with its irresistible scent, eliciting a similar response to catnip.
Some cats may also be attracted to certain perfumes. For example, one cat was reported to have shown interest in Dusita Issara perfume, sniffing the wearer's arm for a long time. Another cat seemed confused by Zoologist Squid perfume. However, it is important to note that potent scents like perfume should be used in moderation, as too much exposure can reduce their novelty and effectiveness. Always monitor your cat's reactions to ensure they are enjoying the experience and not becoming overwhelmed.
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Cats can be repelled by certain scents
Cats have a heightened sense of smell thanks to the many air passages in their nose and sinuses that help collect scents. They also have a special organ called the Jacobson's organ, located on the roof of their mouth, which allows them to inhale scents better.
Understanding what smells cats dislike can help create a more pleasant environment for them and deter them from going into certain areas. According to certified cat behaviour consultant Joey Lusvardi, CCBC, citrus oils can be overpowering to a cat's sensitive olfactory system and cause irritation. Citrus is also listed by Dr Denton as a safe substance that can be diluted and used as a deterrent. Other scents that cats dislike include lavender, menthol, mint, wintergreen, and strong spicy aromas like pepper, curry, and cinnamon. Cats also instinctively know to beware of the potent spray of a skunk. Coleus canina, also known as the "scaredy cat plant," gives off a distinctive skunk smell and is also a dog repellent.
While some cats may enjoy the smell of mint, which is closely related to catnip, ingesting it can make them feel nauseous and sick. Mint and its relatives, such as wintergreen, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats. Vicks VapoRub®, minty cough medicine, and lip balms are also scents that cats tend to avoid.
If you're trying to keep cats out of your yard, Lusvardi recommends using coyote or fox urine, which is often available at home and garden stores. However, using scent deterrents won't solve underlying behavioural issues, such as scratching furniture.
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Cats can smell diabetes
Cats have a remarkable sense of smell, which is about 14 times stronger than that of humans. They can detect subtle biochemical changes in the human body, which can indicate the presence of certain diseases. This ability has led to numerous reports of cats sensing their owners' diabetes, even before the owners themselves are aware of it.
One such story involves a cat named Patches, who could detect when her owner, 17-year-old Michael Opiela, had low blood sugar. Michael, who has Type 1 Diabetes, noticed that Patches would meow persistently at him during these episodes, and her behaviour would only cease after his blood sugar levels were stabilised. Another cat, Pudding, rescued his owner Amy Jung from a potentially life-threatening diabetic seizure by jumping on her chest, swatting her face, and biting her nose, alerting her son who then called for help.
While these anecdotes suggest that cats can indeed smell diabetes, scientific studies on this topic are scarce. However, experts agree that animals possess advanced olfactory systems capable of sensing hormonal changes in humans. Dr. Michael Yafi of the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center supports this idea, stating that animals' olfactory systems can detect various hormonal changes in the human body.
The ability of cats to detect diabetes in their owners is not just a coincidence but rather a testament to their keen sense of smell and their attunement to our mammalian traits. This special connection between cats and humans highlights the potential for cats to be trained as therapy animals, providing invaluable support to individuals living with diabetes and other health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cats have super sensitive noses and can smell perfume. However, it is important to note that essential oils can be dangerous for cats as they metabolize them differently.
Cats, like humans, have individual preferences when it comes to scents. Some common smells that cats like include ginger, herbs, and food-inspired smells. Cats also tend to enjoy the smell of flowers and plants, such as roses, sunflowers, and grass.
While cats can enjoy a variety of scents, it is important to use caution when introducing new smells. Essential oils, in particular, should be avoided as they can be harmful to cats. Instead, try using cat-safe plants and flowers, or sprinkling cat-safe herbs on a carpet or towel for your cat to enjoy.
Cats are sensory creatures with an acute sense of smell. Their sense of smell is almost as sensitive as that of dogs, and they rely on it to navigate their environment and gather information.
Cats may react positively to a scent by rolling in it or begging for treats when they smell something yummy. You can also observe their body language and behaviour to determine if they are relaxed, happy, or playful in response to a particular scent.
