Cats may not be blessed with the sophisticated sniffers of their canine counterparts , but they ’re still far well equipped to have the world through their olfactory organ than us humans . In fact , researchers figure a cat ’s sense of scent is about 14 sentence strong than ours , thanks to about 200 million super - powered scent receptor ( 1,2 ) .
Some smells , like mice or catnip , pull in cat-o'-nine-tails , while others can be upsetting or even harmful . But both are evolutionary examples of how cats ’ hypersensitised nose help them survive .
“ true cat apply their sense of look to aid them feel more secure in their environs , detect possible predator or danger , discover nutrient , locate mates , and distinguish conversant from unfamiliar cats , ” saysDr . Marci Koski , a license cat behavior and education consultant base in Vancouver , Washington .
Who knew there was so much to know about cat noses ? But these are n’t just gripping facts . Learning why a kat ’s sense of olfactory property is so powerful and what smells cats detest can really assist you be an even better favorite parent .
Understanding a Cat’s Sense of Smell
“ CAT ’ noses developed over time to serve them voyage their world and keep them good , ” saysDr . Lindsay K. Merkel , an associate prof of small animate being inner medical specialty at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine . Cats evolved behaviorally and developed their alone odour - process anatomy in a style that was very different than human being , dogs , and other animals . Essentially , felines emptiness odour into their noses where specialised organs action them as either champion or foe ( 1 ) .
“ Most of the scents that are consider unpalatable or unfriendly to cats are considered so because they ’re connect with danger , ” say Merkel . In particular , volatile organic compound ( VOCs)—gases free into the air from a variety of products and appendage — often attend to as fragrance - based clue that say cats to quell away from sure foods , substances , or plant life ( 3,4,5 ) .
While some of the things cats detest to smell make unadulterated sense ( like another true cat ’s urine marking their favourite spot ) , others might come as a surprise .
What Smells Do Cats Hate?
Here are the top seven things CT detest to smell , along with scientific explanations about why they might make a big mephitis about them .
1. Essential oils
While the soothing scents of many essential oils like Camellia sinensis tree , lavender , and eucalyptus might be great for your ego - attention routine , kitten and cats may not share your enthusiasm ( 6 ) . That ’s because picture to large amounts of essential oils can be distress and even toxic for cats due to potentially hazardous VOCs . qat ’ aversion to these oils can quite literally save their lives , says Merkel .
According to thePet Poison Helpline , it ’s time to turn off your diffuser and move a cat into fresh air if you find your pet point any of these monition signs : a watery nose , drooling , trouble external respiration , andcoughing . ( Pheromone diffusor , on the other helping hand , can aid serene cats . )
2. Citrus fruit
Other smells that cats do n’t like include the strong , acidic perfume of citrus . That ’s because crude oil from citrus fruits like oranges , lime , lemon , and grapefruit are toxic to them ( 7,8,9,10 ) , says Koski . As many gardeners can order you , citrus peel are a test - and - true rude cat deterrent often scattered around plants to keep kitties out ( 11,12 ) .
3. Hot peppers
Capsaicin — the particular speck that gives chilli capsicum their pungency and spiciness ( 13)—is also associate with potentially toxic VOCs , read Merkel .
As such , their scent can deter cats if there ’s something you do n’t want them to eat or an area you ’d prefer they stay away from ( like that houseplant potter they keep using as a restroom ) ! For this grounds , capsaicin is often found in cat repellant ( 14,15 ) .
4. Herbs and plants
cautiously chosen greenery can also keep kitties off from sure areas , says Koski . In particular , cat detest the smell of rue , lavender , marigold , pennyroyal , Coleus canina , and Citrus limon thyme .
So if you have a problem with peculiar pot or stray in your yard , consider imbed these specimen throughout your garden or along the edges of flowerbeds to serve as a natural cat deterrent ( 11,14 ) .
5. Vinegar
“ Most computerized tomography contemn the scent of acetum , ” say Koski . “ It ’s unremarkably not toxic and can be used safely for cleansing or to deter computerized tomography . ” ( 14 )
But pay attention to how your kitties respond to it . Sometimes , cleaning up cat pee with acetum may actually oblige a felid to make on top of the arena again , presumptively in an attempt to overpower the unwanted scent , she say .
6. Ground coffee
There ’s a understanding why you seldom have to worry about a kitten get into your morning loving cup of joe . “ Most computed axial tomography do not enjoy the smell of coffee , which is a good affair because even just a modest amount of caffeine can be toxic to cats , ” say Koski . ( 16 )
Some people use coffee tree cause to keep cat forth from garden and works ( 14 ) . But since Arabian tea could accidentally take coffee ground on their paws or pelt when dress , other options would be safe , she note .
7. A dirty litter box
Because cats are lonely beings who occur together only to mate and raise young , their urine has scent markers or pheromone . These allow them to mark their territory and keep others from encroaching on their personal space , explains Merkel . “ This can be upright in the wilderness , but bad if your cat decides he or she need to do this in your Manhattan loft , ” she says .
If your African tea is sensitive to the odor of their own urine , or you have multiple cats and not enough boxes , your cat could start urinating in topographic point like your bed or briefcase alternatively . check that you have one more bedding material box than the identification number of CAT in the household ( i.e. , three bedding boxes for two cats ) and clean them daily , suggests Koski .
Scents Cats Hate: Why It Matters to You
Knowing which perfume guy hate does n’t just assist you get to know your cat better . Pet parent can use the list above to keep cats secure , deter them from chew on things they should n’t be chewing on , and avert behavioural problem in the future . you’re able to also use smells strategically to keep cats out of feline - free spaces .
“ The most important thing is to make certain that any perfumed product you ’re using around quat is not toxic or harmful , ” says Koski . Since essential oils in particular can be dangerous for cats when inhaled or corrode , do n’t utilize them in your home base unless you ’re certain they ’re safe for your pets . An easy normal to keep an eye on : “ When in dubiousness , do n’t habituate it ! ”
