Smells Your Cats Can’t Stand: Scents to Avoid Having In Your Home

Cats Have a Strong Sense of Smell

Cats have a highly sensitive sense of smell. A cat's nose has approximately 200 million scent receptors compared to around 6 million in humans.

In addition, cats possess an exceptionally keen sense of smell, due to the numerous air passages in their noses and sinuses that allow them to capture scents effectively. They have a unique organ called the Jacobson’s organ, located on the roof of their mouth, which enhances their ability to process smells.

"They have a more efficient way of inhaling scents," explains Jessica Bell, DVM, a veterinarian and associate professor at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. When you see your cat sniffing with its mouth open, it’s using the Jacobson’s organ to analyze a scent more thoroughly.

This enhanced sensitivity plays a critical role in a cat’s daily life and survival, aiding them in communication, hunting, and navigating their environment.

While wild cat ancestors likely had the ability to identify toxic substances by smell alone, domestic cats may retain some of this instinct. However, it’s important not to rely on them to detect dangerous odours themselves.

Do Cat Repellent Sprays Actually Work?

Cat deterrent sprays can be effective because they use scents that cats find unpleasant (but are safe) to keep them away from certain areas. These odors are usually not noticeable or bothersome to humans.

Keep in mind that deterrent sprays might not offer a long-term solution.

For example, if a cat is scratching furniture instead of their scratching post you could provide a more interesting alternative like a different textured or shaped scratching post or maybe a cat tree. If possible, try placing it close to where they are scratching the furniture to get them to use that instead. In most cases you will want to resolve the underlying issue of their behaviour.

Top 15 Smells That Offended Your Cat's Nose:

1)      Citrus Smells

Cats are highly sensitive to citrus scents like lemons, limes, and oranges, which can irritate their olfactory system, making them one of the smells cats dislike most.

2)      Spicy Smells

While cats don't inherently hate spicy smells, ingredients like cayenne and chili peppers contain capsaicin, which causes discomfort and makes them avoid the scent.

3)      Essential Oils

Such as peppermint and tea tree, are toxic to cats, whether through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation, and can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

4)      Household Cleaners

Strong-smelling cleaners with vinegar, bleach, or ammonia can irritate a cat's respiratory system and may be toxic if ingested, so it's best to use pet-safe products.

5)      Other Pets' Smells

Cats, especially territorial ones, may react strongly to the scent of other animals, including dogs or other cats, as they perceive it as a threat to their territory.

6)      Perfumes and Colognes

Cats find strong perfumes and colognes overwhelming, as their heightened sense of smell makes these scents far more intense for them than for humans.

7)      Citronella

Though citronella is often used as a mosquito repellent, its strong smell is off-putting to cats, much like other citrus scents.

8)      Laundry Detergent and Softeners

Cats prefer familiar scents, and freshly laundered items can remove their own comforting scent, making them feel less secure.

9)      Dirty Litter Boxes

Cats dislike dirty or full litter boxes because it offends their cleanliness and instinct to eliminate away from their living area, leading them to seek alternative spots if the box isn't clean.

10)   Menthol

Unlike catnip, which triggers a unique chemical response, synthetic menthol found in products like cough medicine is unpleasant to cats and lacks the appeal of natural mint.

11)    Scented Litter

Cats prefer unscented litter without additives, as strong perfumes in litter can be off putting and may lead to avoidance of the litter box.

12)   Smoke

Smoke from cigarettes, vapes, cannabis, or barbecues can harm cats' respiratory systems and cling to their fur, making it important to keep them away from smoky environments.

13)   Bananas

While bananas are non-toxic to cats, the ethyl acetate emitted by the peels can produce a strong smell that acts as a natural repellent.

14)   Spoiled Meat

Cats are instinctively good at identifying spoiled meat and will avoid it, though some may develop food aversions even to fresh meals if they're picky eaters.

15)   Trauma-Related Smells

Cats can associate certain smells with stressful experiences, like vet visits, leading to defensive behaviours; cleaning carriers and creating positive associations at home can help reduce anxiety.

 

Have you ever seen your cat sniff something then they turn slowly to you, their mouth is open and they have a weird look on their face? I've seen my girls, Pippen and Axel, do that more than a few times and it never fails to make me laugh.

Is there something your cats really love to smell and get really excited about? For both my kitties it's vegetables, especially if they are in a bag. For example, carrots!

Let me know what your kitties love, and hate, to smell.

Chat soon! :)

(Information gathered from PetMD.com)