Have you ever farted with your cat nearby and wondered if they found the scent stinky too? Kidding aside, if you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably observed your cat strangely disliking certain smells, some of which may smell good to you (no, we’re not talking about the farts. Ha!), or at least not unpleasant.
The fact is, "Cats have an exceptional sense of smell due to numerous air passages and a special organ called Jacobson's organ in their mouths," explains Dr. Jessica Bell, DVM, veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
They explore their surroundings primarily through scent allowing them to detect prey, familiar scents, and even potential threats.
They dislike certain smells, often reacting by backing away. According to Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Chief Veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary, this aversion to certain smells may be rooted in survival, or it may also be because a cat’s olfactory receptors are 40 times stronger than ours, allowing them to inhale scents much better.
So what smells do cats hate?
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What Smells Do Cats Hate
Being aware of smells that cats hate can help you avoid these scents and ensure a more pleasing environment for your feline friend. Meanwhile, other scents are non-toxic but may still repel cats. Dr. Greenstein shares that some pet parents can use these scents (as long as they aren’t toxic) to deter their cats from going to certain areas in the home such as kitchen counters.
While cats have preferences for certain smells that they like and dislike, their system isn’t without loopholes, notes Dr. Greenstein. For instance, many cats are drawn to toxic lilies, which can be dangerous, highlighting the importance of monitoring our cats. In relation to this, gadgets like the Petcube Cam are useful tools to ensure safety and to make sure that you won’t miss a thing.
Below are some of the smells that cats hate:
Citrus Fruits
Cats dislike the acidic smell of citrus fruits. The reason for this is that the oils from these citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and lime, are toxic to them. These fruits are included in ASPCA’s list of plants that are toxic to cats.
In a Reddit discussion, one user shared that cats strongly dislike the sour scent of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. Their sensitive noses find these smells overwhelming, similar to how some people react to an excessively strong perfume in a room.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus can be harmful and even toxic to cats due to VOCs. According to Dr. Lindsay K. Merkel, associate professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases released by various products that can be detected by a cat’s olfactory receptors, signaling them to avoid such scents.
Symptoms of distress include a watery nose, drooling, and breathing issues. If these occur, move your cat to fresh air. Pheromone diffusers are safer and can help calm them.
Certain Plants and Herbs
Cats have a strong aversion to certain scents that can help deter them from specific areas. Plants like lavender, marigolds, rue pennyroyal, lemon thyme, and Coleus canina, can be effective natural deterrents when planted in gardens or flowerbeds.
Ground Coffee
Ground coffee also repels cats due to its strong aroma. While some people use coffee grounds as a deterrent, cats might ingest them unintentionally. Since caffeine can be toxic to cats, it’s best to keep it away from them.
Vinegar
Vinegar can be used for cleaning and to keep cats away from certain areas. However, care should be taken as it may not always discourage them from marking territory. In some cases, they may attempt to overpower the strong scent that they may find unpleasant.
A Dirty Litter Box
Finally, a dirty litter box can be a major issue. Cats are sensitive to the scent of their urine, which they use for marking territory. If they feel their space is compromised, they may urinate in inappropriate places. To prevent this, ensure you have one more litter box than the number of cats and clean them daily. By understanding these scents, cat parents can create a more harmonious environment for their pets.
What Smell Do Cats Hate to Pee and Poop On
After cleaning, some suggest using scents to deter cats from returning to a spot. Cats generally dislike certain odors such as those listed above. Note that when choosing scents for the said purpose, ensure it is safe and non-toxic for cats.
Also, remember that while unpleasant smells like vinegar and peppermint may deter cats from peeing and pooping in certain places, it won’t solve the issue unless the underlying cause is addressed. Always consult a veterinarian to rule out medical reasons before tackling behavioral problems.
FAQs
Do cats like the smell of lavender?
While some of us find lavender fragrant and calming, our feline friends do not. Where possible, they will avoid lavender plants since they hate the smell. This is for good reason as lavender is considered toxic to cats.
Do cats like the smell of vinegar?
Most cats dislike the smell of vinegar because of its strong scent. Its sour scent will surely keep our feline friends away.
Conclusion
Knowing which scents cats dislike helps pet owners ensure their feline friend’s safety and comfort, deter unwanted chewing and prevent behavioral issues. You can also use these scents to keep cats away from certain areas or objects. However, remember to always choose nontoxic products that won’t harm your cat.
Incorporating scents that cats love, like catnip, basil, cat thyme, and non-toxic flowers in your home, can provide them with stimulation and calm. You don’t have to eliminate your favorite coffee habit or toss your citrus cleaner, but airing out those scents with an open window will help. Your cat will thank you for it.
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