Cats have a keen sense of smell that plays an important role in their lives. Their sense of smell is approximately 14 times stronger than humans. Understanding what scents cats enjoy can help strengthen the bond between cats and their owners. Certain smells make cats happy and relaxed while others may cause anxiety or irritation.
Smells Cats Enjoy
There are several types of smells that tend to have a positive effect on cats:
Catnip
Catnip is well-known for attracting cats. Many cats enjoy rolling in, rubbing against, and eating catnip. It has a minty, herbaceous scent that activates pleasure receptors in a cat’s brain. This causes a temporary euphoric state for about 10 minutes before wearing off. However, not all cats are affected by catnip – genetics determine whether they will respond to it or not.
Valerian
Valerian is a flowering plant that also elicits a euphoric reaction in cats. It contains actinidine which is similar to the chemical in catnip. Valerian has a strong, sweet, earthy fragrance. Dried valerian root can be used to make toys, treats, and sprays that provide temporary delight and relaxation for cats.
Chamomile
The sweet floral aroma of chamomile can have a soothing, calming effect on cats. It acts as a mild sedative and reliever of anxiety or stress. Chamomile can be used in toys, treats, sprays, or diffused into the air. It may help relax anxious cats in stressful situations like vet visits or road trips.
Lavender
Lavender has a light, clean scent that many cats respond positively to. It gives off a calming vibe which helps to mellow cats out. You can find lavender in sprays, diffusers, toys and treats. Use it sparingly though, as the intensity of the fragrance can be off-putting to some cats.
Cat Pheromones
Synthetic pheromones replicate smells and hormones that provide comfort and security to cats. Feliway is a popular brand that makes pheromone sprays and diffusers. It mimics feline facial pheromones to help reduce anxiety and calm stressed cats. Using pheromone products can help relax cats in situations that create nervousness or fear.
Catmint
Catmint is similar to catnip and elicits the same euphoric reaction in many cats. It has a minty scent with hints of oregano. Catmint contains nepetalactone which causes the high-like effect. Cats will rub, roll, and lounge on catmint. It can be used in toys, treats or garden plots to make cats happy.
Honeysuckle
The sweet nectar of honeysuckle flowers produces a scent that interests and attracts cats. They enjoy rubbing against and nibbling the flowers. Honeysuckle sprays and aromatherapy oils can be used to lift your cat’s mood and reduce anxiety. However, ingesting honeysuckle may cause digestive upset in cats.
Silver Vine
Silver vine is a plant native to parts of Asia that acts as an alternative to catnip. Around 1/3 of cats who don’t respond to catnip will react to silver vine. It elicits a response similar to catnip – rubbing, rolling, and temporarily acting “high.” Silver vine can be found in many cat toys and treats.
Smells Cats Dislike
While positive smells make cats happy, there are certain scents that have the opposite effect. Smells cats don’t like should be avoided when possible:
Citrus
Cats generally dislike the sharp, tangy smell of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. The strong citrus aroma is irritating to their sensitive noses. Spraying citrus oils may deter cats from scratching furniture or entering unwanted areas. However, it should be used sparingly.
Vinegar
Vinegar has an acrid, pungent scent that can be offensive and overwhelming to cats. They dislike the sour aroma. White vinegar can be diluted and sprayed in areas you want to discourage cats from being, but only use small amounts occasionally.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a very strong, medicinal fragrance that is quite potent for cats. The smell can cause respiratory irritation and sneezing fits if inhaled directly. Avoid diffusing eucalyptus oil around cats or applying it topically to them.
Peppermint
While humans may find peppermint invigorating, most cats do not like the sharp menthol smell. It can be extremely irritating to their sensitive nasal cavities. Cats should not ingest peppermint oil – it is toxic for them.
Perfume
Cats dislike heavy perfumes and colognes worn by their owners. The strong mix of fragrance notes is overwhelming and bothersome for them. Perfumes can contain chemicals toxic to cats that are absorbed through the skin. Avoid applying perfumes and colognes if you will be handling cats.
Citronella
Citronella has a strong, cloying lemon-lime scent that cats dislike. It is commonly used in insect repellents and candles designed to keep mosquitos away. The smell repels cats too, so citronella sprays or candles can be used to keep them away from areas.
Lilies
While lilies have a pleasant floral fragrance to humans, all parts of the lily plant are extremely toxic to cats. Even small ingestions can cause kidney failure. Avoid having lilies anywhere cats can access them – the smell alone makes many cats curious.
Using Smell to Enrich Your Cat’s Life
Integrating pleasing aromas into your cat’s environment can have positive effects on their mood and behavior. Here are some great ways to use cat-friendly smells to enrich your pet’s life:
- Grow catnip, catmint, and honeysuckle in your garden for your cat to rub against and nibble.
- Buy or make toys containing silver vine, valerian, catnip, or lavender.
- Purchase cat pheromone plug-in diffusers to help control stress and anxiety.
- Rub chamomile, lavender, or catmint on scratching posts and cat beds.
- Use Feliway wipes on carriers and in cars to help calm cats during transport.
- Feed treats enhanced with chamomile, catnip, valerian, or catmint.
- Use cat-safe aromatherapy oils like chamomile and lavender in diffusers.
- Spritz your cat’s toys and bedding with cat-friendly fragrances.
- Buy or make cat toys containing dried silver vine, catnip, or valerian.
- Plant catmint or catnip in pots for indoor cats to enjoy.
The Science Behind Cats’ Sense of Smell
Cats have an amazing olfactory system that allows them to perceive scents in ways humans cannot. Here are some facts about cats’ sense of smell:
- The feline nose contains around 200 million scent receptors compared to only 5 million in humans.
- The scent receptors have a large surface area covered in mucus to absorb odor molecules.
- Cats have a vomeronasal organ that detects pheromones and evokes behavior reactions.
- Scent molecules bind to proteins that send signals to the olfactory cortex in the brain.
- Cats use the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth to further analyze interesting smells.
- Specialized sinus cavities allow odors to linger longer for cats to interpret them.
- The scent genes in cats are estimated to be about 20 times more effective than in humans.
- Cats use flehmen behavior – an open mouth grimace – to channel scents to the vomeronasal organ.
- Scent rubbing on objects allows cats to mark territory and feel more secure.
This advanced olfactory system allows cats to gain a wealth of information from smells in their surroundings. They can identify food, mates, threats, and their own humans using scent cues. Understanding what fragrances cats enjoy can lead to happiness!
Conclusion
A cat’s keen sense of smell is one of their most valuable assets for navigating the world. Scents bring cats joy and relaxation or anxiety and irritation. Cat owners should provide fragrances that induce positive reactions in their pets. By using catnip, silver vine, chamomile, lavender, and pheromones, you can create an environment where your cat feels happy and reassured. Avoid scents like citrus, eucalyptus, and vinegar that may upset cats. Get to know your own cat’s scent preferences for their optimal happiness!