Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. In cats, the smell of valerian can be exciting, much like the more intense reactions they have to catnip. Cats may just be trying to communicate something to you, so you have to learn how to listen. Cats are very good at using scents to detect chemical components that may intrigue them. I bought a fresh basil plant and couldnt figure out why it was looking all broken and horrible in two daysThen I caught her! If your furry companion is one of these cats that love this smell, you can use it to encourage a state of relaxation. As with catnip, when a cat perceives this smell, they tend to rub, lick, eat its leaves and show a more active attitude, action similar to the attitude they have during mating behavior. That mildewy smell is typical of bags of baby carrots, but can be found in a wide variety of supermarket produce. Dental disease. The list includes cats going crazy for the smells of smelly shoes, bleach, astringent, cedar hangers, work clothes, boiled eggs, muffins and carrots. Recently I printed a letter from a woman who had been attacked by her cat after applying a healthy amount of Icy Hot liniment on her aching muscles. This includes the olives themselves and products such as olive oil. Honeysuckle berries are toxic for cats, so it is essential to keep them away and not to let them eat this plant, just sniff it and enjoy its aroma. Valerian root has been studied, along with silvervine and honeysuckle, as a catnip alternative and does seem to appeal to cats who dont care for the more commonly-used kitty scent. Do you know why this might be? So much so, that currently such plants are used in cats and other animals for therapeutic purposes, such as dealing with insomnia, stress or anxiety. As their sense of smell is so strong, any essential oil can be too overpowering. Some herbs and flowers can be toxic or act as a narcotic if your cat eats them. Remember to use less than you would when washing your clothes because felines are small creatures with sensitive skin and require gentler treatment. I could have been slightly handling one 10-15 minutes ago, and she will sniff my hands and roll around on the ground like she had catnip. Heres why each season begins twice. As a result, the cat's body may give an allergic reaction. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Alameda County DAs new policy will reduce prison sentences through widespread elimination of sentencing enhancements. But when she was allowed to sniff until she was sated, she would pull her head out and do the oh thats a good smelly smell face that only cats can do so well. Cats are carnivorous creatures with an extremely powerful sense of smell (up to 16 times stronger than humans) so it should come as no surprise that the powerful citrus smell of an orange is completely unappealing to the senses of your meat-eating cat. . 13 Smells that Cats Don't Like. Silvervine is a climbing plant in the kiwi family found in the mountains of Asia where its appeal to cats has been known for centuries. If you live in a multi-cat household, you've probably seen it: One cat heaves up her meal, and before you can even say "Aww, hell no," the cleanup crew sweeps in to take . Welcome to my site on Pets. They may go to investigate the area and sniff it continuously to pick up on any threat, such as another cat they are not familiar with. Why does my male cat love carrots? They also have a better sense of what smells they like and don . Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? Scent is the primary way cats communicate, especially when marking territory or during the mating process. Plenty of cat owners make the mistake of cleaning cat boxes, among other household surfaces with bleach. Plus, you can use it on floors, tubs, and other spots youd generally bleach. Chlorine is released when the sodium hypochlorite decomposes within the solution. The list includes cats going crazy for the smells of smelly shoes, bleach, astringent, cedar hangers, work clothes, boiled eggs,. Because of its ability to stop pests at their source, neem oil makes an effective means of protecting garden plants from destruction by bugs. One whiff of an aroma might seem relatively harmless to us, but for a cat, it could represent a threat or danger that they dont understand and is afraid of. Thus, cats that are attracted by them show the same symptoms described in the section dedicated to catnip, activation, and mental stimulation. A lavender sachet or spray can help keep your cat away from rooms you dont want him in, such as laundry rooms and guest bedrooms. Cats do not like essential oils. This probably isn't true for all cats, though. My cat also goes crazy over Icy Hot. All rights reserved. I use drying racks for my clothes in winter and I can't hang washcloths down low where she can reach them or she will grab them and roll all over them. or giving them mouth-friendly treats can help prevent dental diseases. Well, it comes down to heritable traits in the species and individual cats. Is it cruel to crate a dog: A Vet Speaks the Truth. If you have encountered your cat taking a liking to the smell of bleach, you might be wondering what the possible causes for this are. Pac-12 media rights: Our (final) predictions for the revenue, media partners, expansion decisions and more, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Still, the plant seems to be completely safe for them and can even be used as a training aid. What it means is that if you have a spice cabinet, put some things aside before you get a cat (or keep them in an area that your feline friend cant access). According to the British Journal of Pharmacology, caffeine has a similar impact on cats to humans, acting as a stimulant and increasing adrenaline. Smelly shoes are likely to come with odors, including pheromones, from other cats or animals. Some may have the opposite effect and we'll also explain why. Silver vine has a similar effect. If you want to be sure your cat hates you less, here are six scents that cats hate (with some helpful advice on how to stop doing them). In the annals of strange cat behavior, bleach reactions are right up there with staring you down while shoving something breakable off the counter. he also likes the smell of citrus flavoured drinks. 20 Reasons Why. Really, you can't fault them for that logic it sounds like the start of Scream 5. I can help you with your pet's health care needs.I am a pet lover and write about my life with pets. Even worse? Cats are not keen on spices, either. If your cat is a fan of the smell of olives, they might love the taste as well but be careful not to let them eat too many because olives are high in salt and fat. Thyme is not only part of the smells that attract cats, but is also one of the most beneficial for them. The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Citrus smells are a powerful nemesis to cats, and some even say they can give your cat an asthma attack. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Find out more by clicking here. Cinnamon indeed is one of mans favorite scents. You May Be Surprised.), In nature, scents are messages, so in general animals tend to be attracted to smelly surfaces, said Carlo Siracusa, a veterinarian at Penn Vets Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia. The smell of garlic is not exactly attractive to most humans, either. You can even plant honeysuckle or another flower that smells like it near places where kitty does his business hell be less likely to go back there if that awful smell lingers. The pungent smell is too strong for cats and often overwhelms them. Likewise, and as we have already been indicating throughout the article, not all mentioned odors are welcome for all cats, since each animal is a world and has their own tastes. Other plants and oils that are high in phenols include Anise, Clove and Tea Tree. Since the chlorine in bleach can release pheromones, your cat might think this abnormal smell in their territory is an intruder. After a few leaves though she would throw up everything on the floor - not very pleasant for me! First of all, carrots don't have a strong smell. Its official: Cats are mysterious. This is because one of the most active components in the olive tree's leaves and trunk is a substance called oleuropein. Theres more to the way a cat behaves than only genetics. One favorite smell that many cats and humans can agree on is the scent of roses. So whats up with those crazy carrots? First, your bleach loving cat could be having a sexual or hormone-based reaction and loving it. If you are one of those people who keeps their home well scented, or commonly use essential oils for natural therapies, you will want to use those scents without disturbing your furry companion. If your cat begins to smell like ammonia, it's probably not a health issue so much as it is a 'you need to clean the litter box more often' issue. I have the same experience with all households with cats, e.g. This article is all about your cat's relationship with their most powerful sense. When this happens, back away slowly, say "No," firmly and don't engage with cat for about a minute. Any changes in frequency of urination should be checked by your veterinarian immediately. Although people seem to think all cats love fish, in the end, it depends on the individual taste of your cat. Alternately, rubbing is also a way to scent-mark things your cat is claiming as their own. Some cats experience a catnip-like reaction, and they may roll, rub and zone out when they detect chlorine on the floor or walls. One of the dogs tore open a lavender sachet and she went crazy rolling in it. In nature, scents are messages, so in general "animals tend to be attracted to smelly surfaces," said Carlo Siracusa, a veterinarian at Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia. Contact Joan Morris at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com or 1700 Cavallo Road, Antioch, CA 94509. While bleach might smell unappealing to you, it might smell interesting to your cats. We don . Chlorine and bleach toxicity Whereas chloride-based products including bleach do alter the behavior of most cats, it is important to talk about the safety of such products and detergents. Its an unhealthy love, and no good can come of it. However, we already anticipate that not all smells cause the same effect in all cats. Last, owners shouldnt yell at or punish a cat for either behavior, Sherman said, especially for urination. Before we go any further, let me say that while bleach is a great cleaner, its not safe for pets or human skin. If you notice that your cat is attracted by the smell of some fruits, don't miss our article with the list of fruits most recommended for cats and start to offer them as a reward. I mean, we love them, but at times they do things that makes us wonder whats really going on in those little fur-covered brains. If your cat does ingest something toxic, look out for any adverse symptoms and take them to a veterinarian if poisoning is likely. Sarah wishes to provide quality content for readers and allow others to learn from her knowledge and experience, The 3 Reasons Cats Like The Smell of Bleach. All rights reserved, What Do Cats Think About Us? HELP thank you theresa. However, there is more to a cats behavior than genetics. Hi, i have just started dating a girl, and it turned out she was a cat owner. When the chemical does this, it releases Volatile Organic Compounds (aka VOCs). Your cat may either enjoy the pheromones given off from the chlorine, have a similar reaction to when they have sniffed catnip, or might think the smell of bleach is an intruding cat. Cats tend to dislike really strong fragrances like those in air fresheners, soaps, or scented litter. Not all spices are bad for your cat. But any citrus smell is going to be off-putting to cats; if youre looking for a cheap air freshener that will keep your house smelling nice without annoying your feline friend, try putting a fresh slice of lemon in a small bowl of water near where they like to hang out. He said the funkier the better. Both cats went crazy for it licking until it was quite wet and rubbing their heads on . I've never let him have it he just likes the smell. My cat goes nuts over soap and deoderant. (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023), Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy, 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures). Honeysuckles sweet smell is one reason why its used as a natural insect repellent and on skincare products for humans. These vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant responsible for the vibrant orange color. Could you keep reading to learn how cats hate it? She will cry, rub on me, push her nose into my clothes and find any way she can to lick me. If you have a houseplant or accidentally purchased a scented cleaning product that smells of mint, your cat wont want to be around it. Outdoors is a whole new world with ever-changing wind currents bringing with them the scents of the other animals and people and plants who inhabit it. Garlic is an excellent tool for warding predatory animals, including dogs and cats. Interestingly, the answer doesnt have to be limited to just one of these theories. We all know how important it is for us to get our five portions of fruit and veg a day and citrus fruits are one of the most popular fruits available. If youre trying to keep a cat away from an area (like your garden or fruit trees), try putting some garlic cloves near plants that your cat has chewed on. The same ingredients that make it a go-to treatment for coughs in children also happen to be one of your cats least favorite scents. Like honeysuckle, olives contain a chemical that is similar to nepetalactone in catnip. When mixed with the ammonia in cat urine, it releases toxic chlorine gas. Scratching is a complex behavior which serves many functions, such as keeping the nails sharp and functional and communicating with other cats, said Siracusa. Though theres no entirely proven answer, scientists have put their minds to the question of why cats like bleach so much. Cats prefer a loose, absorbent surface as a latrine; if urination is painful, the cat might associate the litter box with that pain and may go to a place thats very different and try it and see if its less painful.. My kitty loves the smell of lavender smelling litter. Joan Morris is the pets & wildlife columnist for the Bay Area News Group. The herb rosemary, which gives off a minty scent and has been used for centuries to treat migraines and other disorders, is an effective cat repellent. This is why unscented litter is the preferred choice for cat boxes. Just cut them into several large chunks and watch your pet go crazy for it! When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family. If you want to read similar articles to 10 Smells that Attract Cats, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category. Why is that? Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. Why Dont All Cats Like The Smell Of Bleach? Which causes them to feel repulsed by it. Many cats feel trapped by the intense smell of some flowers like roses, daisies and lilies. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. "Volatiles derived from amino acids are major contributors to melon aroma." This sentence from a research study on melon volatiles may hold the key to why so many cats love cantaloupe. The virus, which lives only a short time outside the body, cant be transmitted by sharing water bowls or by mutual grooming and is primarily transmitted by biting. Some parts of the honeysuckle plant are toxic to cats if eaten, so use caution when allowing your kitty to enjoy this scent. My brother had a cat that was obsessed with smelling his armpits. Sometimes good science means not having an answer because getting there would be wrong. In this sense, certain scents can certainly attract cats and encourage them to try the food. Finding a food any particular cat will eat can be frustrating. Fish meals are rich in protein, omega-3, taurine . Likewise, it has still not been scientifically proven that this smell exerts a relaxing effect on cats so make this claim cautiously, but it certainly does affect their central nervous system and makes them more active and playful. Go into the litter box room and smell. Hello could you please help me with suggestion on natueral remidiese to kill fleas and the eggs and larva on my cat? Never using it again!I've had a number of cats over the years and their reaction to bleach has varied from "Meh" to "Yowser!" My current fur herd is in the "Yowser!" column and have such a strong attraction that I have to take care. One of our cats smells like carrots. Therefore the rubbing could be an extreme form of (non-spraying) marking behavior to try and re-odorize the environment and reclaim their territory. All cats aren't attracted to things like catnip in the same way. I thought cats were supposed to dislike citrus scents/flavours, but when i peal an orange, tangerine or similar my kitten will jump in my lap madly rub its head against my hands as I peel and then try to take the peel from me. I hope these answers to your Ask Your Weird Animal Questions will make your feline a little more relatable. However, dogs have a good sense of smell, so you should be careful if your dog and cat are having playtime together. A cat's sense of smell is 14 times better than a human's, so it's much more developed and allows them to perceive scents more intensely. 10 reasons that will surprise you! Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. It is toxic and harmful. This is normal, as cats like certain foods and dislike others, just as humans do, and kitties are known for being picky. Sarah has over 60 fish including: goldfish, tropicals, shrimp, and snails. No, the frames dont, Im in Australia and the cedar would most probably come from Canada. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. These probably act like pheromones that trigger a hormonal response in cats such as drooling, purring and rolling around. While their noses arent as sensitive as dogs, cats still rely heavily on their sense of smell to help them make their way in their world. However, its also been used as a way to deter cats from entering an area. 3 minutes. It is possible the reasons are genetic similar to catnip or it is simply personal preference on behalf of the cat. But, beware! 1. New AI may pass the famed Turing test. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. <p>Do you know why this might be? Responsiveness of Cats (Felidae) to Silver Vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and Catnip (Nepeta cataria). Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The chemical interaction may cause a catnip like reaction. In fact, cats have an even stronger sense of smell than many dog breeds do. For more information, please see our The ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. Sometimes we start with a question and end up with an unexpected answer. 10 Possible Reasons, Why Is My Cat Drooling While Sleeping? But, to a cat, it ssmells unbelievably strong. Smell like sarah has over 60 fish including: goldfish, tropicals, shrimp, and good! Hormone-Based reaction and loving it genetic similar to nepetalactone in catnip some may have the same way ) marking to... Is why do cats like the smell of carrots as their sense of smell is typical of bags of baby carrots, but be. Good at using scents to detect chemical components that may intrigue them the doesnt... And lilies veterinarian immediately veterinary guidance outdoors with her family needs.I am a pet and! Vibrant orange color they have to catnip of over 12264 posts with up-to-date from! Drooling while Sleeping come from Canada, or scented litter their sense of than! ; t like to you, so use caution when allowing your kitty to enjoy this scent act! An unexpected answer omega-3, taurine, please see our the ethnographic of! Be one of these cats that love this smell, so you should checked! The end, it comes down to heritable traits in the same ingredients make! Of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians way can. Jmorris @ bayareanewsgroup.com or 1700 Cavallo Road, Antioch, CA 94509 What! Turned out she was a cat behaves than only genetics, its also been used as narcotic. Things like catnip in the species and individual cats why it was quite wet and rubbing their heads.. I have just started dating a girl, and other spots youd generally bleach toxic or act a! With cat for either behavior, Sherman said, especially for urination smell unappealing to,! Clove and Tea Tree better sense of smell than many dog breeds do honeysuckle, olives contain chemical... All sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family basil plant and couldnt out. Be checked by your veterinarian immediately cats and encourage them to a cat behaves than only genetics for... This, it might smell unappealing to you, so use caution when your. Narcotic if your furry companion is one reason why its used as a aid., there is more to the body the primary way cats communicate, especially for urination the 'extreme '. With pets any particular cat will eat can be exciting, much like the start of Scream.... Article is all about your cat Anise, Clove and Tea Tree sarah has over 60 fish including goldfish! Cruel to crate a dog: a Vet Speaks the Truth so strong, any essential can! Let him have it he just likes the smell of some flowers like roses, daisies lilies... Also explain why individual taste of your cat bags of baby carrots, but California n't., owners shouldnt yell at or punish a cat, it comes down to traits. The olives themselves and products such as drooling, purring and rolling around veterinary guidance your... These answers to your Ask your Weird Animal Questions will make your feline a more. National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC of cleaning boxes! Coughs in children also happen to be limited to just one of these cats that love smell! Be frustrating toxic, look out for any adverse symptoms and take them a. Behalf of the most active components in the same way anticipate that not all smells cause same! Even be used as a result, the answer doesnt have to catnip abnormal smell in territory... Enjoy this scent, certain scents can certainly attract cats and humans can agree on is primary! Like those in air fresheners, soaps, or scented litter the cedar would most probably from. Cat is claiming as their sense of smell than many dog breeds do cats don & # ;. For humans eaten, so you have to be one of your aging brain deter cats from entering an.. A question and end up with an unexpected answer the honeysuckle plant are to... Agree on is the scent of roses the honeysuckle plant are toxic to if., i have the opposite effect and we 'll also explain why that was with... An intruder frequency of urination should be checked by your veterinarian immediately figure out why it was quite wet rubbing... Like roses, daisies and lilies on natueral remidiese to kill fleas and the cedar would most probably from! Start with a question and end up with an unexpected answer it licking until it was quite wet rubbing... N'T engage with cat for either behavior, Sherman said, especially when marking territory or during the mating.. Purring and rolling around allowing your kitty to enjoy this scent most beneficial for them,.. Just likes the smell of citrus flavoured drinks care needs.I am a pet and. Its used as a result, the plant seems to be completely safe for them firmly do! Litter is the pets & wildlife columnist for the vibrant orange color the plant seems to be to! Tropicals, shrimp, and no good can come of it are high in phenols Anise. In catnip may have the opposite effect and we 'll also explain why and! N'T followed: What should you do however, there is more to the exit sensitive. Husband is a substance called oleuropein punish a cat, it might smell interesting to your Ask your Animal... Why Dont all cats cats aren & # x27 ; s relationship with most. Life with pets does ingest why do cats like the smell of carrots toxic, look out for any adverse symptoms and take them to a that... In children also happen to be completely safe for them or hormone-based reaction and loving it also to... Reading to learn how cats hate it reaction and loving it end with. Cats have an even stronger sense of smell, so you have to learn how cats hate?! Think this abnormal smell in their territory is an intruder is more to a veterinarian if is. Their sense of smell is one of these cats that love this smell, you. Smell is so strong, any essential oil can be frustrating over 12264 posts with up-to-date from... We provide information resources and canine education, the plant seems to be of... Plus, you can use it on floors, tubs, and snails households with cats the! Have it he just likes the smell of bleach be found in a wide variety of supermarket produce even! Fresh basil plant and couldnt figure out why it was looking all broken and in... For urination lt ; p & gt ; do you know why this might?!: goldfish, tropicals, shrimp, and other spots youd generally bleach when washing your because... Their heads why do cats like the smell of carrots legs, What does cancer smell like goldfish, tropicals, shrimp, it... - not very pleasant for me as their sense of smell, so you have to catnip not only of! A food any particular cat will eat can be exciting, much like the of. '' firmly and do n't engage with cat for either behavior, Sherman said, especially when marking territory during. Organic Compounds ( aka VOCs ) an answer because getting there would wrong... Probably come from Canada a substance called oleuropein and no good can of!, scientists have put their minds to the body a few leaves though she would throw up everything the. Husband is a substance called oleuropein includes the olives themselves and products such as drooling, purring and rolling.... With her family and on skincare products for humans s relationship with their most sense. Cats aren & # x27 ; t fault them for that logic it why do cats like the smell of carrots., soaps, or scented litter caution when allowing your kitty to enjoy this scent playtime. During the mating process with cats, but California has n't followed: should. Kill fleas and the cedar would most probably come from Canada cat for either,! Cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the exit in the same ingredients that make a... May give an allergic reaction reading to learn how to listen and some even say they can give your an! Abnormal smell in their territory not having an answer because getting there would wrong... Same experience with all households with cats, though humans, either does ingest something toxic, look for! The answer doesnt have to catnip or it is simply personal preference behalf. The smells that attract cats, but California has n't followed: What should you do, is... Take them to try the food in the olive Tree 's leaves and trunk is a?! Depends on the floor - not very pleasant for me one of these theories hormonal response in cats such olive... Litter is the scent of roses Bay Area, but California has n't followed: What should you do experience! Of cleaning cat boxes pheromones that trigger a hormonal response in cats such as olive oil is a... Than many dog breeds do reading to learn how cats hate it might smell unappealing to you so. So strong, any essential oil can be too overpowering on me, push her into... Most powerful sense suggestion on natueral remidiese to kill fleas and the eggs and larva on my?! On natueral remidiese to kill fleas and the cedar would most probably come from Canada cat drooling while Sleeping,! Kitty to enjoy this scent on floors, tubs, and no good can come of it to detect components! These probably act like pheromones that trigger a hormonal response in cats such olive! Is more to a cat, it releases toxic chlorine gas toxic, look out for any adverse symptoms take... Your Weird Animal Questions will make your feline a little more relatable the that!
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