Antonio Mcgowan
Cats have an extraordinary sense of smell, with up to 200 million odour-sensitive cells in their noses, compared to just 5 million in humans. This means that cats experience their environment through smell in ways that are far beyond our human capabilities. Many fragrances are unsafe for cats, and it is important to be cautious when introducing new scented products into your home. Some essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus oils, are toxic to cats and should be avoided. However, there are also fragrances that are safe for cats, such as apple and ocean breeze scents. Interestingly, there are also perfumes on the market that are designed to smell like cats, such as Alkemia's Kitten and the Falling Leaves and Fyrinnae's Kitten Tummies.
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What You'll Learn
Cat-friendly perfumes
Cats have an acute sense of smell, with up to 200 million odour-sensitive cells in their noses, compared to 5 million in humans. This means that any added fragrance that is strong to a human is overwhelming to a cat.
Many fragrances are unsafe for cats, and it is always best to use caution with new candles and air fresheners in your home. However, there are some cat-friendly perfumes and scents available.
Some natural fragrances are safe for cats. Apple fragrances, for example, are generally safe, as long as they do not contain other toxic ingredients. Ocean breeze scents are usually safe for cats, as they are designed to be mild and non-irritating.
Some essential oils are toxic to cats, but lavender can be used sparingly and in well-ventilated areas. Other pet-safe essential oils include rosemary, chamomile, and frankincense.
There are also some cat-inspired perfumes available. These include:
- Alkemia's Kitten and the Falling Leaves, which is said to smell like kitten fur and fallen leaves, with a touch of sweetness.
- Fyrinnae's Kitten Tummies, which is described as a little sweet and a little dusty-musky, like burying your face in cat fur.
- Demeter's Kitten Fur.
- Kayali's Kitten Musk 41.
- YSL's Babycat, a boozy, incensy vanilla.
- Annick Goutal's Chat Perché, which translates to "perched cat".
- Katy Perry's cat-themed perfumes, Meow and Purr, which are fruity florals.
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Scents that are harmful to cats
Cats have a highly sensitive sense of smell, with up to 200 million odour-sensitive cells in their noses, compared to 5 million in humans. This means that even a mild scent that is pleasant to humans can be overwhelming to cats.
Many fragrances are unsafe for cats, and it is always best to use caution with new candles and air fresheners. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts used for their strong scents and therapeutic properties. They are popular in aromatherapy for humans, but many can be toxic to cats. Essential oils and liquid potpourri contain chemicals that are rapidly absorbed orally or through the skin. Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils as they have a lower number of certain liver enzymes necessary to metabolize these oils.
Some essential oils that are harmful to cats include:
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Cinnamon
- Citrus fruits (lemon, orange)
- Vanilla (when combined with other ingredients)
If you believe your cat has ingested or come into contact with essential oils or liquid potpourri, immediately call your veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison control centre.
To create a safe and comfortable environment for your cat, opt for unscented or natural products with mild ingredients. Some alternatives to traditional air fresheners include:
- Baking soda
- Activated charcoal
- Vinegar-based fresheners
- Pet-safe brands that use non-toxic ingredients
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Natural alternatives to air fresheners
Conventional air fresheners can contain harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances that contribute to indoor air pollution, so it's a good idea to opt for natural alternatives. Here are some natural alternatives to air fresheners that will leave your home smelling fresh and inviting:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular natural air freshener that effectively absorbs and neutralizes odours. Simply place bowls of baking soda around your home, especially in odour-prone areas like the kitchen or bathroom. You can also create a homemade air freshener spray by mixing baking soda with water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil, such as lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a natural way to scent your home and purify the air. Experiment with different combinations, such as mixing floral scents with citrus oils or creating a blend of tea tree, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Use essential oil diffusers to fill your home with a fine mist of fragrant essential oils mixed with water vapour.
Simmering Pot
Fill a small saucepan with water and add ingredients like citrus peels (lemon, orange, lime), cinnamon sticks, cloves, or herbs. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer. This method releases the essential oils from the ingredients, filling your home with a warm, inviting fragrance while also disinfecting the air.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee has odour-fighting properties and can be used in various ways. Place bowls of fresh ground coffee or baked coffee beans around your home to absorb odours. You can also sprinkle coffee grounds at the bottom of a new garbage bag to combat trash odours.
Natural Sprays
Opt for natural, plant-based sprays that are free from harmful chemicals. Brands like Grow Fragrance offer sprays made with 100% plant-based ingredients, including scents like lavender, black currant rose, bamboo, and cedar citrus. These sprays can be used on fabrics, in the bathroom, or directly in the air.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles, such as those from Fontana Candle Co., are a natural alternative to scented candles. These candles are made with natural beeswax, coconut oil, essential oils, and wooden wicks, free from petroleum byproducts, fragrance oils, and harmful dyes. They provide a pleasant fragrance without the toxins commonly found in scented candles.
By choosing these natural alternatives, you can enjoy a beautifully scented home while also improving the indoor air quality and avoiding exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
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Pet-safe cleaning products
Cats have an acute sense of smell, with up to 200 million odor-sensitive cells in their noses, compared to 5 million in humans. This means that cats can interpret their environment primarily through their noses. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when introducing new fragrances into your home. Many scented products are safe for cats, and you can look out for products labelled ""pet-safe" or "cat-safe".
Some common household scents are harmful to cats. Essential oils are popular in aromatherapy for humans, but many can be toxic to cats. For example, peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and citrus oils can cause gastrointestinal upset, respiratory issues, and even central nervous system problems if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. Vanilla is not toxic to cats, but products containing vanilla may include other harmful ingredients.
It is best to use cleaning products specifically formulated to be safe for pets. These products are typically free from harsh chemicals and strong fragrances that could harm your cat. Some natural alternatives to chemical air fresheners include baking soda, activated charcoal, or essential oil diffusers with pet-safe oils such as lavender, used sparingly and in well-ventilated areas.
Some recommended pet-safe cleaning products include:
- Bottle Bright bottle cleaning tablets
- The Pink Stuff
- Dawn Power Wash
- Litter-Robot 4
- Aunt Fannie's vinegar-based cleaners
- Biokleen Multipurpose Cleaner
- Branch Basics The Concentrate
- Puracy laundry detergent
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Candles and incense
Cats have an acute sense of smell, with up to 200 million odour-sensitive cells in their noses, compared to 5 million in humans. This means that cats are very sensitive to smoke and strong scents.
If you want to use candles or incense in your home, it is recommended that you do so in a room that your cat does not have access to. Cats are naturally curious and may knock over candles or incense, causing a fire hazard or burns. Additionally, the smoke released by incense can irritate a cat's lungs, causing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, and watery eyes. It can also make cats feel lethargic and generally unwell.
If you must burn candles or incense in the same room as your cat, there are some precautions you can take. Firstly, always supervise your cat when burning candles or incense, and make sure they are out of their reach. Secondly, opt for natural, pet-safe candles made from soy, coconut, palm oil, or beeswax, and avoid paraffin wax candles, which can release toxic substances. When using incense, choose high-quality incense and burn it in a well-ventilated room.
There are also alternative ways to fragrance your home that are safer for cats. You can use an oil diffuser, reed diffuser, potpourri, or scented sachets. If using essential oils, only use pure essential oils without any aromatic herbs mixed into them, and be sure to research which oils are safe for cats.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are perfumes on the market that are designed to smell like cats, such as Alkemia's Kitten and the Falling Leaves, Fyrinnae's Kitten Tummies, and DSH Perfumes' Orion. These perfumes are described as having warm, musky scents that evoke the smell of kitten fur.
Yes, there are cat-themed perfumes available, such as Katy Perry's Meow and Purr, YSL's Babycat, and Annick Goutal's Chat Perché. These perfumes may not necessarily smell like cats, but they feature cat-related names or branding.
Scents like apple, ocean breeze, and vanilla are generally considered safe for cats, as long as they are used in well-ventilated areas and do not contain other toxic ingredients. Natural fragrances like lavender, soy or beeswax candles, and baking soda can also be used sparingly.
Many essential oils are toxic to cats, including peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus (lemon, orange), and cinnamon oils. Other harmful scents include cedarwood and fragrances containing limonene and citronella. It's best to avoid using strongly scented products around cats.
