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What smells do cats dislike?

by Dr. Nara Crockett
What smells do cats dislike?

Do you ever wonder why your cat runs away whenever you get near them with a lemon? Or why they seem to avoid certain scents like pepper, curry, and cinnamon? It’s no secret that cats have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, so it’s important to be aware of the smells that cats don’t like.

Cats may not be able to tell us what scents they don’t like, but there are some common smells that cats are known to dislike. Citrus smells like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are widely reported as being repugnant to cats. Other scents such as lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme, and rue can also be unpleasant for cats. Then, there are smells like banana and mustard which can be too strong for cats. Furthermore, smells like pepper, curry, and cinnamon can be too spicy for cats. Mint, wintergreen, and menthol may also be unpleasant for cats. Additionally, cats may not like the smell of pine and, of course, the smell of a dirty litter box.

While cats may be sensitive to certain smells, it’s important to note that they may not be universally disliked by all cats. Some cats may even find certain smells to be pleasant. If you want to know more about what smells cats don’t like, keep reading this blog post for more information.

What smells do cats dislike?

Cats are known for their acute sense of smell, which can be 10 to 100 times more sensitive than ours. This heightened sense of smell helps cats detect potential dangers, such as predators, and even detect the presence of other cats. But there are some smells that cats find unpleasant and even repulsive. Here’s a look at some of the strongest smells that cats dislike and why.

Citrus

Cats have an intense dislike for citrus scents. The tangy scent of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit is widely reported as being repugnant to cats. These citrus fruits are so potent that many cats will run away when they catch a whiff of their strong scent. Some pet owners use citrus scents to deter cats from certain areas of the house.

Lavender, Geranium, and Eucalyptus

Lavender and geranium are both known to have calming effects on humans, but cats find them repulsive. The same can be said for eucalyptus, which cats despise. These scents are so strong that cats may start to salivate excessively or even vomit if they get too close.

Rosemary, Thyme, and Rue

Rosemary, thyme, and rue are all herbs that cats find unappealing. These herbs are often used by humans in cooking, but cats tend to stay away from them due to their strong, pungent scents. Cats may even display aggressive behavior when they encounter these smells.

Banana and Mustard

Banana and mustard are two smells that cats find particularly unpleasant. The scent of banana can cause cats to become disoriented and anxious, while the smell of mustard can cause cats to become agitated and aggressive.

Pepper, Curry, and Cinnamon

Cats have a strong dislike for the smell of pepper, curry, and cinnamon. These spices are often used in cooking, but cats can detect their scent from a long distance away and may even attempt to flee the area.

Mint, Wintergreen, and Menthol

Mint, wintergreen, and menthol are all smells that cats find unappealing. These scents are so strong that cats may salivate excessively or even vomit if they get too close.

Pine

Pine is a smell that cats find particularly unpleasant. The strong scent of pine can cause cats to become disoriented and anxious, and they may even display aggressive behavior when they encounter it.

Dirty Litter Box

Last but not least, cats hate the smell of a dirty litter box. This is because cats are very clean animals and the smell of a dirty litter box can be extremely offensive to them. If a litter box isn’t cleaned regularly, cats may avoid it altogether.

In conclusion, cats have an acute sense of smell and can detect a variety of odors. There are some smells that cats find particularly unpleasant, such as citrus, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme, rue, banana, mustard, pepper, curry, cinnamon, mint, wintergreen, menthol, pine, and a dirty litter box. It’s important to keep these smells away from cats to keep them comfortable and happy.

Do cats hate the smell of lemon?

Cats are known for their keen sense of smell, which can be up to 14 times stronger than a human’s. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that cats don’t like the strong, acidic smell of citrus fruits, like lemons, limes and oranges. As a matter of fact, many cats are repelled by the strong scent of these fruits.

Why Do Cats Hate Citrus?

The sour scent of citrus fruits, like lemons, limes and oranges, is too much for cats. This is because cats have a heightened sense of smell and the acidic aroma of citrus is too intense for them to handle. Some cats may even try to avoid the area where the citrus aroma is present.

What Are The Effects Of Citrus On Cats?

The strong smell of citrus fruits can cause adverse reactions in cats. Cats may experience anxiety, nausea, and even headaches as a result of the strong scent. In extreme cases, ingesting citrus fruits can be toxic to cats, so it’s important to keep citrus fruits away from cats.

Can Cats Eat Citrus?

No. Citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, and oranges, can be toxic to cats. They contain substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats. Ingesting even small amounts of citrus fruits can be dangerous for cats, so it’s best to keep them away from cats.

What Can Cats Eat Instead Of Citrus?

Cats can eat a variety of other fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, carrots, and spinach. These foods are safe for cats and can provide them with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s important to feed cats a balanced diet and to make sure they get enough water.

Cats don’t like the strong, acidic smell of citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, and oranges. This is because cats have a heightened sense of smell and the acidic aroma of citrus is too intense for them. Ingesting citrus fruits can be toxic to cats, so it’s important to keep citrus fruits away from cats. Cats can eat a variety of other fruits and vegetables, like apples, bananas, carrots, and spinach, which are safe for cats and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

What are cats afraid of?

Cats are known for their independent nature, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be scared of anything. In fact, cats may be more scared of certain things than we think. While cats may not show their fear like dogs do, they still can be startled and scared by certain things. So, what are cats afraid of?

Loud noises

In the home, cats are often scared of noisy household appliances, especially if they didn’t become accustomed to them as young kittens. Vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, printers, washing machines and hairdryers are common culprits. Cats may also be frightened by loud noises outside, such as fireworks or thunder. If your cat is scared of loud noises, they may hide, run away, tremble, or hiss. It’s important to be mindful of loud noises when you own a cat and try to provide them with a safe space to retreat to.

New people and animals

Cats can be wary of new people and animals in their environment. When introducing a new person or animal to your cat, it’s important to do so slowly and give your cat time to adjust. Cats may also be scared of unfamiliar animals, such as dogs, or even strange cats in the home. Be sure to provide your cat with a safe area to retreat to if they feel threatened.

Changes

Cats can be scared of changes in their environment, such as a new person or animal moving in, a rearranged living space, or even a new piece of furniture. Cats are creatures of habit, so any disruption to their routine can be unsettling. If you make changes in the home, try to do so gradually to help your cat adjust.

Sudden movements

Cats can also be scared of sudden movements, especially if they’re unexpected. If you move too quickly or make a loud noise, your cat may become startled and scared. Try to move slowly and speak softly to reduce the chances of startling your cat.

Being picked up

While some cats may enjoy being held, others may be scared of it. If your cat isn’t used to being picked up or held, they may become fearful. Respect your cat’s boundaries and never forcefully pick them up.

Cats are often scared of loud noises, new people and animals, changes in their environment, sudden movements, and being picked up. If your cat is scared of something, it’s important to respect their boundaries and provide them with a safe area to retreat to. Be patient with your cat and try to be understanding of their fears.

What smell do cats hate to pee on?

Cats have incredibly sensitive noses, so it’s no surprise that there are certain smells that cats simply can’t stand. If you’re looking for an effective way to deter your cat from marking their territory in your home, you may want to consider using a smell that cats hate to pee on.

One of the most effective smells for keeping cats away from certain areas is peppermint. Peppermint has a strong, minty aroma that cats find unpleasant. It has been used for centuries to deter cats from entering certain places. Additionally, peppermint is known for its healing properties, making it a great choice for keeping cats away from areas where they shouldn’t be.

To use peppermint as a deterrent, you can mix it with other essential oils or extracts. One of the most common combinations is peppermint essential oil and warm water. To make this solution, mix 16 ounces (about 500 ml) of warm water with 10 drops of peppermint essential oil or two tablespoons of peppermint extract. Once you have your mixture, spray it onto the areas that you think your cat may have urinated or marked.

It’s important to note that this solution will not be effective if the area has already been soiled. You must use it as a preventative measure. Additionally, you must be sure to re-apply the solution every few days. This will ensure that the scent remains strong and that it continues to deter your cat from entering the area.

If your cat is already marking in certain areas of your home, it is important to also address any potential underlying issues that may be causing the behavior. Cats may mark their territory for a variety of reasons, including feeling anxious or stressed. If this is the case, it is important to address these issues and create a safe, secure environment for your cat.

In addition to using peppermint to deter cats from marking, there are other smells that cats hate. Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges have strong scents that cats find unpleasant. You can also use vinegar as a deterrent. The sour smell of vinegar is unpleasant to cats and will help keep them away from certain areas.

It’s important to remember that cats have incredibly sensitive noses and they can detect even the slightest scent. If you are using a smell to deter your cat from marking or entering a certain area, it is best to use a scent that is strong but not overpowering.

Using a smell that cats hate to pee on can be a great way to deter them from marking in certain areas of your home. Peppermint is one of the most effective scents for this purpose, but there are other smells that cats find unpleasant as well. As long as you use a scent that is strong enough to deter your cat but not overpowering, you should be able to keep them away from certain areas.

Do cats hate the smell of cinnamon?

Cats are known for their sensitive noses and their aversion to certain smells. Many pet owners have noticed that strong aromas like pepper, curry, and cinnamon seem to ward off cats. So, the question remains: do cats really hate the smell of cinnamon?

The answer is yes, cats do dislike the smell of cinnamon and other strong spices. Cats have a superior sense of smell, which means they can be sensitive to strong, pungent aromas. When a cat smells something it doesn’t like, it will typically turn its head away, sneeze, or even leave the room.

What causes cats to dislike cinnamon?

Cats are sensitive to smells because they have a powerful sense of smell. Their noses can detect odors better than humans, and they can easily detect odors that we can’t even smell. This heightened sense of smell also means that cats are more likely to be sensitive to strong aromas like cinnamon.

Cats also have an instinctive aversion to anything that smells unfamiliar. Cinnamon is a spice that is often used in cooking, but it’s not something cats would typically encounter in the wild. As a result, cats may be apprehensive when they smell it and may avoid the area where the smell is coming from.

Are there any benefits to using cinnamon around cats?

While cats may not like the smell of cinnamon, there are some benefits to using it around cats. For instance, cinnamon can help keep fleas away from cats. Fleas are a common problem for cats, and cinnamon has natural flea-repelling properties. Sprinkling cinnamon around your home could help keep fleas away from your cat.

Cinnamon can also be used to help keep cats away from certain areas. If you have an area of your home that you’d like to keep cats away from, sprinkling some cinnamon in that area could help. Cats dislike the smell of cinnamon, so they’ll likely stay away from the area.

What other smells do cats dislike?

In addition to cinnamon, cats also dislike the smell of citrus and menthol. Citrus smells like lemons, oranges, and limes, and menthol smells like peppermint and eucalyptus. These smells are all strong and pungent, and cats typically don’t like them.

Cats also don’t like the smell of vinegar. Vinegar is a sharp smell that cats find unpleasant, so if you’re looking for a natural way to keep cats away from an area, you can try spraying some vinegar in that area.

In conclusion, cats do dislike the smell of cinnamon and other strong spices. These strong smells can be overwhelming for cats, and they may avoid the area where the smell is coming from. While cats may not like the smell of cinnamon, it can be used to help keep fleas away from cats and to keep cats away from certain areas. Additionally, cats also dislike the smells of citrus, menthol, and vinegar.


It’s clear that cats dislike certain smells, but what’s also clear is that they like some smells, too. While it’s important to avoid anything that cats don’t like, it’s important to remember that cats’ tastes can vary. Some cats may not mind certain smells, while others may be more sensitive.

Therefore, when it comes to making sure your cat is happy and comfortable in their environment, it’s best to experiment with different smells and see what your cat likes and dislikes. You can do this by introducing these smells slowly, allowing your cat time to get used to them and figure out what they like and don’t like.

Cats are unique and have their own preferences, so it’s up to you to figure out what works for them. With the right smells and environment, your cat can become a happy, healthy member of your family.

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