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What smells do cats like?

by Dr. Nara Crockett
What smells do cats like?

Do you love cats, but still feel like your home lacks that special something? Well, why not give your home a feline-friendly scent? Cats have an excellent sense of smell, so it’s important to know what scents your furry friend prefers. But what smells do cats like?
Cats have a strong sense of smell, which is why they can be drawn to certain smells. But not all smells are created equal, and cats have different preferences. A few scents that cats love include catnip, olives, non-citrus fruit, and plants like honeysuckle. Dr. Evans, a veterinarian, said that these are some of the smells that cats tend to gravitate towards.

Valerian root is another scent that cats enjoy. According to Hudson, a certified pet behaviorist, this smell induces a similar euphoria to catnip. So, if you’re looking for something to freshen up your home and make it more cat-friendly, these scents might be just what you’re looking for.

But it’s not all just about the smells that cats like. There are also other scents that cats respond to in different ways. For instance, some smells help to calm cats, while others can be toxic and cause a range of health problems, such as skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and even death. Furthermore, cats can also be annoyed by certain smells.

So, if you want to make your home as cat-friendly as possible, it’s important to know the different smells that cats like and dislike. But how can you tell which smells cats like and which ones they don’t? Keep reading to find out more about what smells cats like and how to make your home more feline-friendly!

What smells do cats like?

It’s no surprise that cats have sensitive noses and can detect odors more easily than humans. But what smells do cats actually like? While we may not be able to understand feline preferences, there are some scents that cats are known to enjoy.

Catnip

The most well-known cat-attracting scent is catnip. Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria, is an herb from the mint family that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for cats. Cats are attracted to the smell of catnip, which triggers a euphoric reaction in cats.

When cats sniff catnip, they experience a burst of energy followed by a feeling of relaxation. They may start to roll around, meow, purr, and even drool. The effects of catnip typically last for about 10 minutes, after which the cat will no longer respond to it.

Fruit

Cats may also be drawn to the smell of certain fruits. According to Dr. Julie Evans, veterinarian and founder of VetEvolve, cats love the scent of non-citrus fruits such as olives, bananas, and grapes. Cats may also be attracted to the smell of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons.

Herbs and Spices

In addition to catnip, certain herbs and spices can also attract cats. For example, cats are drawn to the smell of valerian root, which induces a similar euphoria to catnip. Other herbs and spices that cats may be drawn to include fennel, lavender, and chamomile.

Plants

Cats may also be attracted to the smell of certain plants. According to Dr. Evans, cats love the scent of honeysuckle, as well as other plants such as jasmine, rosemary, and basil.

Essential Oils

Another way to attract cats is to use essential oils. While some essential oils can be toxic to cats, there are some that are safe for cats to inhale. According to Dr. Evans, cats are particularly attracted to the scent of lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm essential oils.

How to Use Smells to Attract Cats

Now that you know what smells cats like, you may be wondering how to use them to attract cats. One way to do this is to use cat-friendly air fresheners. You can purchase air fresheners that contain essential oils or herbs and spices that cats like.

You can also use dried herbs and spices to attract cats. Simply sprinkle these around the house and they will be drawn to the scent. You can also use essential oils in a diffuser or in a spray bottle to attract cats.

Another way to use smells to attract cats is to create an herbal tea blend. This blend can be used to make a spray that you can use to attract cats. Simply mix together dried herbs and spices that cats like, such as valerian root, chamomile, and lavender.

Cats have sensitive noses and are attracted to certain smells. Cats love the smell of catnip, non-citrus fruits, herbs and spices, plants, and essential oils. You can use these smells to attract cats by using cat-friendly air fresheners, drying herbs and spices, and creating an herbal tea blend.

By understanding what smells cats like, you can create a pleasant atmosphere for your feline friends. And with the right smells, you can make your home a haven for cats!

What smells calm cats?

The smell of certain essential oils can be used to soothe cats and help them relax. Cats are known to be sensitive to smells, so this can be a great way to help them feel more relaxed in times of stress or anxiety. But it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of using essential oils around cats, as some of them can be toxic and potentially even fatal.

What Essential Oils are Safe for Cats?

Some of the safest essential oils for cats are lavender, cardamom and spearmint. These oils have calming properties that can help to reduce stress in your cat. It is important to use these oils in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to ensure that your cat does not experience any side effects.

Which Essential Oils Should be Avoided?

When using essential oils around cats, there are some that should be avoided. Peppermint and lemon oils should be avoided as they can be very irritating to cats. Cats can also be sensitive to the compounds found in tea tree oil, so it is best to avoid using this around them.

What Other Scents Can Help Calm Cats?

In addition to essential oils, there are a number of other scents that can be used to help relax cats. Some of these include citrus scents, such as lemon, orange, tangerine, mandarin, grapefruit, lime, and bergamot. Other scents that can help cats to relax are pine, chamomile, and lavender.

How to Use Scents to Calm Cats?

There are a few different ways that you can use scents to help calm cats. One of the easiest ways is to use a diffuser. This can be filled with the essential oils or other scents that you would like to use, and the scent will be released into the air. You can also use scents in a spray bottle. Make sure to dilute the essential oils or scents in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before using in a spray bottle. Another option is to put a few drops of the essential oils or scents on a piece of cotton or a cloth and then place it near the cat’s bed or favorite spot.

Safety Precautions

It is important to be aware of the potential risks of using essential oils around cats. It is best to use essential oils in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to ensure that your cat does not experience any side effects. You should also be aware of the possible risks associated with certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil, which can be toxic to cats. It is also important to keep essential oils away from your cat’s eyes, nose, and mouth.

Using the right scents can help your cat to relax and feel more comfortable. Lavender, cardamom, and spearmint are some of the safest essential oils to use around cats, but it is important to follow safety precautions and avoid certain essential oils, such as peppermint and lemon. Other scents, such as citrus scents, pine, chamomile, and lavender can also be used to help calm cats. Be sure to use these in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to ensure your cat’s safety.

Can cats sense a good person?

Cats are known to be independent, often aloof creatures, but the truth is that they can be quite sensitive and intuitive when it comes to humans. Many cat owners will tell you that their feline friends can sense when something is wrong in the household, or even when a stranger is nearby. But can cats sense a good person?

The answer is yes, cats can sense a good person. Cats have an uncanny ability to pick up on a person’s emotions, and they can tell the difference between someone who is kind and caring and someone who is not. Cats can even bond with people who are good to them, forming strong and lasting relationships.

How Do Cats Know When Someone Is Good?

Cats have highly developed senses that allow them to detect subtle changes in their environment. They use their vision, hearing, smell, and even their whiskers to assess their surroundings and the people in it. Cats can also sense a person’s energy and emotions, which can tell them whether or not someone is good or bad.

Cats will typically become more alert and attentive when they sense a good person. They may also purr or rub up against the person, which is their way of expressing contentment. On the other hand, cats may hiss or act distant when they sense a person who is not a good fit for them.

How To Bond With Your Cat?

If you want to form a strong bond with your cat, you should start by treating them with kindness and respect. Speak to them in a gentle voice and give them plenty of love and affection. Spend time with them every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. Playing with them or giving them a treat can also help build the bond between you and your cat.

It’s also important to get to know your cat’s individual personality. Each cat has their own unique preferences and needs, so it’s important to pay attention to what they like and don’t like. Knowing your cat’s individual personality will help you to bond with them better and make them feel more comfortable around you.

Cats can sense a good person, and they can become incredibly loyal and loving if treated with kindness and respect. If you want to bond with your cat, start by getting to know their individual personality, speaking to them in a gentle voice, and spending time with them on a regular basis. With a little effort, you can build a strong and lasting bond with your feline friend.

What scents are toxic to cats?

Cats are known for their keen sense of smell, but certain scents can be toxic to them. Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to cats. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

It’s important to understand why these scents are toxic and what precautions can be taken to keep cats safe. Knowing which scents are toxic to cats can help pet owners take steps to ensure their cats’ safety.

Which Scents are Toxic to Cats?

Certain scents, including essential oils, can be toxic to cats. These include oils of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang. Keep in mind that these scents can be found in many common household products, such as air fresheners, cleaning supplies, and even pet products.

It’s important to note that the toxicity of these scents will vary based on each cat’s individual sensitivity. Some cats may be more sensitive to certain scents than others.

What are the Symptoms of Exposure to Toxic Scents?

If a cat is exposed to a toxic scent, the symptoms can vary depending on the type of scent and the amount of exposure. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Skin irritation: If the scent is applied directly to the cat’s skin, it can cause irritation, redness, and swelling. The cat may also experience hair loss or scabbing.
  • Respiratory distress: Inhaling a toxic scent can cause the cat to experience coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. The cat may also experience wheezing or a runny nose.
  • Gastrointestinal upset: If the cat ingests a toxic scent, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite.
  • Lethargy: Exposure to a toxic scent can cause the cat to become lethargic and weak.
  • Seizures: In extreme cases, exposure to a toxic scent can cause seizures.

If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to a toxic scent, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately.

How to Prevent Exposure to Toxic Scents

The best way to keep your cat safe from toxic scents is to avoid using products that contain them. Be sure to read the labels of all products before using them around your cat.

If you must use products that contain toxic scents, you should take precautions to prevent your cat from coming into contact with them. For example, you can use an air purifier to help remove the scent from the air. You can also use a fan to help disperse the scent.

It’s also important to keep all products that contain toxic scents out of reach of your cat. If your cat is allowed outside, be sure to keep them away from areas where these scents are present.

It’s important to understand which scents are toxic to cats and how to prevent exposure. Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to cats. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to a toxic scent, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately. To prevent exposure, avoid using products that contain toxic scents and take precautions to keep your cat away from areas where these scents are present. By taking these steps, you can help ensure your cat’s safety.

What smell annoys cats?

Cats are sensitive creatures, and one of the many ways they can be easily disturbed is through smell. While humans may appreciate the scent of flowers and fragrant oils, cats may not share the same sentiment. In fact, many smells that humans find pleasant can be quite offensive to cats.

The sense of smell is important to cats, and it has a direct effect on their behavior. If a cat smells something unpleasant, it can cause them to become agitated, fearful, or even aggressive. This is why it is important to be aware of the smells that cats find annoying.

Orange and Lemon Peels

Cats dislike citrus smells, and orange and lemon peels are among the most pungent and offensive to them. The strong odor of these fruits can cause cats to become uncomfortable, agitated, and even aggressive. If you are planning to use citrus fruits in your home, it is best to keep the peels away from cats.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a popular spice used in many dishes, but it is also a smell that cats find off-putting. The spicy aroma of cayenne pepper can irritate cats and cause them to become agitated. Therefore, it is best to avoid using cayenne pepper around cats.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds have a strong, bitter smell that cats find unappealing. The smell of coffee can cause cats to become nervous and stressed, so it is best to keep coffee grounds away from cats.

Pipe Tobacco

The smell of pipe tobacco can be quite offensive to cats. The pungent aroma of pipe tobacco can cause cats to become agitated and fearful. Therefore, it is best to avoid using pipe tobacco around cats.

Many essential oils can be irritating to cats, including lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and mustard oil. The strong aroma of these oils can cause cats to become uncomfortable and even aggressive. Therefore, it is best to keep essential oils away from cats.

Overall, cats are sensitive creatures that can be easily disturbed by certain smells. As such, it is important to be aware of the smells that cats find offensive and keep them away from cats. Orange and lemon peels, cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, and various essential oils are among the smells that cats find annoying. Keeping these smells away from cats can help ensure that they are happy and relaxed.


We hope this blog post has provided you with some insight into the smells that cats enjoy. From catnip and olives to honeysuckle and valerian root, there are plenty of scents that cats can appreciate. Not only does having these fragrances around your home make it more enjoyable for your furry friends, but it can also create a more pleasant atmosphere for yourself.

Furthermore, not all air fresheners are created equal. Be sure to read the ingredients and avoid any that contain citrus or other ingredients that may be harmful to cats. With a few simple changes, you can make your home a more welcoming environment for both you and your cats.

Remember, cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, so what may seem pleasant to us may not be so pleasant to them. Make sure to research the scents and find ones that will make both you and your feline friend happy. With a little bit of effort, you can make your home cat-friendly and smelling great.

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