Your scent makes your cat feel safe and content and they certainly love it. But, beware! Cats do not like essential oils. Many cats behave differently around these chemicals or scents. The smell of catnip can have a range of effects on your cat, from making them hyperactive to putting them in a state of euphoria. Other cats' vomit. Saying that bleach does something your cat likes isnt a whole lot of information. There needs to be a clarification when it comes to knowing what smells cats like. Learn more. You know, because they kill and eat birds and mice, which are just a few of the gross things cats do. 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. 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. Sarah has over 60 fish including: goldfish, tropicals, shrimp, and snails. To us humans, it is detectable, obviously. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Elizabeth lives in Iowa w. ith her family, including her two fur kids, Linnard, a husky mix and Algernon, the worlds most patient cat. After a few leaves though she would throw up everything on the floor - not very pleasant for me! 5. My mom has had several cats and never seen this before. Its thought that cantaloupe smells similar to meat to cats because many of the compounds that give meat its scent are also found in smaller amounts in cantaloupe. It may take a little more elbow grease to use a natural alternative, but your cats health and yours is well worth it. Additionally, carrots have a lot of both water and fiber in them, which can help with a cat's digestion. If she's otherwise healthy, I wouldn't worry about it unless she refuses her regular food, and that's of "reasonable" quality. Cucumbers are harmless to animals and can be used as toys to stimulate their interest. 5 Best Sources of Iron for Dogs (& How Much They Need Daily), How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos). As with the previous plants, the composition of honeysuckle attracts cats and makes them want to rub themselves against the floor, licking it and eat it. So keep yourself and your pet safe and healthy by using a bleach alternative. Unlike their canine companions, cats hate belly rubs. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge (literally--she has scars) with our readers. They also have a better sense of what smells they like and don . Goznalez Garcia, A.; Herranz Vega, M. S.; Sanchez - Fortun Herrero, a. does catnip deserve that name? As it stimulates the mind of the animal and keeps them active, catnip is one of the most beneficial plants for them. In cats, the smell of valerian can be exciting, much like the more intense reactions they have to catnip. Like humans, cats have particular smells that they like and dislike and even some that produce strong, chemical responses. 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. Yes, carrots are safe for cats to eat. Sincerely, Vince. There is also something very seasonal about the smell of spices and oranges. Weve got to barter with the cat, to say, We dont want you to use the sills anymore, but we want to give you what you need,' Sherman said. As such, most cats will stay at least six to ten inches away from this herb. In fact, cats have an even stronger sense of smell than many dog breeds do. Sweet smells appeal to humans, but theyre also effective at deterring predators. 10 Reasons, Why Do Cats Like Crinkly Things ?10 Possible Explanations. If your furry companion is one of these cats that love this smell, you can use it to encourage a state of relaxation. Most cats don't gravitate toward carrots. More information in our article about "the properties of catnip". Silver vine has a similar effect. 13 Smells that Cats Don't Like. This scent means danger to your feline friend so steer clear from it if you want to win over your kitty cat! Some cats experience a catnip-like reaction, and they may roll, rub and zone out when they detect chlorine on the floor or walls. This is a behavior often shared between cats, and since you're family to your cat, they want to show you the same type of affection. You can plant honeysuckle around your garden or in potted plants around your home to keep unwanted pests away and give the kitty a tummy ache. Morris started her career in 1978 as a reporter for a small New Mexico newspaper. '. Keep reading to learn more about why cats don't like eucalyptus scents. 6. Normal cat urine should be a clear, pale yellow 3. I have a cat that loves the smell of bleach. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6. She is currently interested in veterinary science and ichthyology, which she wants to study alongside her main passion: pet content writing. (See National Geographic readers pictures of cats.). Rolling on the floor or rubbing all over anything that is cleaned with bleach is the most common. Other safe herbs cats may enjoy sniffing include dill, oregano, parsley, and rosemary. So whats up with those crazy carrots? My cats always loved the smell of mint or menthol. However, only 50%-70% of cats have a reaction to the smell of catnip, so theres a fair chance your cat could be one of them. This is why it is not surprising that the aroma of these plants that are so often used for cooking are also one of the smells that cats love. Even when you think your cat could care less about your existence so long as their food bowl is filled, rest assured they still love your smell. They didnt lick them or try to eat them, just whiff them. If you have any suggestions on topics that you would like us to cover, let us know. I first noticed this behavior when a friend of mine, who had a art studio next door to me (which the cats both liked to visit), was given a very old cedar canvas frame. Doubtless, a big part of the reason we dont yet know the intimate details of how and why cats react so strongly to this household cleaner is that bleach is toxic. All rights reserved. Use a diffuser to waft the scent or don't use scent bags which can be easily opened by the cat. My cat Andy really loves carrot breath. In this way, it is possible that a feline adores the smell that thyme gives but rejects lavender completely. Enjoying the smells of human food isnt a problem for your cat but be careful how much you let them eat for their health and well-being. Image Credit: Piqsels. "I love what I do and I want to share that with the world. Why Do Cats Make A Noise When They Jump? He rubs his face all over it. Pheromones which trigger a social response in animals play a vital role in feline bonding, territory marking, and mating. The sniffing and rolling behaviors that some cats display when they come into contact with bleach can indicate that they are showing approval of the smell and are trying to get a better smell of it, however, it can also be a way of your cat scent-marking to claim the smell of bleach as their own, especially if they are enticed by the pheromones given off by the chlorine in the bleach. If you are a cat lover, then youve probably run into the strange phenomenon of cats going crazy over bleach before. But Im confused first it sounds like I found something then I keep reading and it dont sound safe . Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? i haven't been able to wear it since i got him because he won't leave me alone when i do. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Your scent makes your cat feel safe and content and they certainly love it. I bought a fresh basil plant and couldnt figure out why it was looking all broken and horrible in two daysThen I caught her! When cats react to bleach in this way, they're showing us that they feel stimulated, and they love it. Cats hate the strong smell of citrus, in particular oranges. Its also one of many reasons why cats hate it. A cute reaction isnt worth risking their health. or giving them mouth-friendly treats can help prevent dental diseases. Sometimes good science means not having an answer because getting there would be wrong. Not surprisingly, given that we're talking about cats, you did. Thanks for sharing your experience Marie! However, there is more to a cats behavior than genetics. Both researchers and vets agree on this. Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Pet cats resting atop and under a sofa in Fairview, North Carolina, Photograph by Amy White & Al Petteway, Nat Geo Image Collection, One of Earth's loneliest volcanoes holds an extraordinary secret. They can detect odors from a mile away. This may sound like good news for those of you who share your home with feline friends; however, too much exposure to catnip can cause an adverse reaction or habituation meaning your kitty will become less and less interested as time goes on. One of my cats has an extremely strong reaction to the smell of carrots. Vote. Some researchers believe that chlorine can trigger the happy receptors in a cats brain the same way catnip does. Usually, people use rue to treat breathing problems, arthritic pain, headaches, and cramps. The scientific name for neem oil is Azadirachta indica. 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. Here are 11 smells that cats love and a few extra scents that they just can't stand! What is a smell that cats hate, and why is it wrong for them?It smells that cats hate and why they are bad for them: Cats have sensitive noses, so they have a great sense of smell. It smells that cats hate and why they are bad for them: Cats have sensitive noses, so they have a great sense of smell. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Plus, you can use it on floors, tubs, and other spots youd generally bleach. BMC Veterinary Research, 13(70).https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6, Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Opening windows is a nice way to enrich the lives of your indoor cats while letting them live where they are safest. The main reason cats seem to like bleach so much is because of the chlorine present in the bleach that produces pheromones that confuse your cat. This article will provide you with the most likely reasons your cat seems to like the smell of bleach! You Might Be Surprised! What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? Moreover, you dont need bleach for anything. My cat, Willie, goes crazy when I peel hard-boiled eggs. The oil extracted from its seeds has been used since ancient times to help control parasites, pests, and fungi that feed on plant tissue. Therefore, it seems likely that cats get their bleach reaction from their ancestors. 9 things to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. In this way, it is better to keep cats away from the actual plant to avoid a possible intoxication. It is important the cat is not able to ingest the flowers or leaves. However, your cat smelling bleach occasionally in a well-ventilated environment should have no impact on its health. 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. My cat also goes crazy over Icy Hot. 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. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. So, they might not like the coffee smell, but still become attracted to sniffing your cup, or might as well get a sip of it. The more adrenaline surges through a cat's body, the harder its heart will pump. Hes an indoor cat, so I have to put him in the garage until I have all the eggs peeled and chopped for salads. Interestingly, the answer doesnt have to be limited to just one of these theories. As a result, the cat's body may give an allergic reaction. Some cats don't respond to catnip at all, so we need to use a trial and error method for these guys. We can all agree that cats are weird, right? Heres What Professional Vets Say. Do you know why this might be? (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023), Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy, 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures). It wouldnt be ethical to dump toxic chemicals on peoples beloved housepets. You can keep your home clean without any bleach and get rid of that tempting bleachy smell with some BUBBAS Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner for Pet Odors. Why does my male cat love carrots? Its not just humans who cant stand fresh mint. To them, it smells like meat. Lavender is also used in many therapeutic scents for cats because it can lead them to feel calmer, which helps them be more relaxed and happier. Many cats love catnip and will run around, jump, pounce and wrestle in response to it. 9) Baths However, rue has a bitter/acrid scent that's too offensive for your cat's nose. Clark noted that transmission of FIV in multi-cat households is considered to be an infrequent event., Will clipping a cats claws make them not scratch things as much? The smell of fish is always alluring for cats because it is one of the most intense meat smells. 2. 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. 20 Reasons Why. 8 Smells Cats Love. Thankfully, basil not only smells good to cats but its also non-toxic although you shouldnt let your cat eat too much in case it upsets their stomach. Who knew there was so much to know about cat noses? Though theres no entirely proven answer, scientists have put their minds to the question of why cats like bleach so much. Catnip and bleach certainly seem to fit the profile. Its official: Cats are mysterious. Here are 11 smells that cats love and a few extra scents that they just cant stand! However, while it is perhaps the smell that attracts cats the most, this is not the same for all cats. The active ingredient found in the composition of the plant, nepetalactona produces a psychoactive impact on cats that lead them to stimulate their mind and will encourage play. We are sure that you have identified that there is a certain plant, food or object that has an attracting effect on your furry friend and whenever they identify it they quickly run towards it with enthusiasm. 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). Bol, S., et al. Certain Herbs. Many are also put off by even the smell of fish in the house. 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. A cats nose and mouth up close. The reason is that many people don't realise that just because a cat likes the smell, it doesn't mean they will eat it. It will clean up pet messes and remove the bleach smell from your home. Well, maybe not to us humans. When the chemical does this, it releases Volatile Organic Compounds (aka VOCs). If used in a diffuser or heavily diluted, it might mimic the enjoyable scent of fresh lavender. Second, they might be having the catnip reaction, which is not the same, though it can look pretty similar. After reviewing the list of smells that attract cats the most, tell us, what the smell your cat loves the most is! As a dog owner, you will certainly know that dogs are on cloud nine every time you take them to the park. 10 reasons that will surprise you! So, it's no mystery why cats don't like the smell of vinegar and why it's an effective repellent. I hope these answers to your Ask Your Weird Animal Questions will make your feline a little more relatable. Most cats are attracted to chemicals that mimic pheromone smells, such as bleach and ammonia. The cat LOVES the taste. Cats particularly like the smell of some plants, anything they can eat, and the other members of their social group. While house cats carry this . Sometimes we start with a question and end up with an unexpected answer. My husband says when you clip them, they scratch more to re-sharpen them. 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. Hmmm, could be a similar reason why cat's eat grass: My daughters cat loves catnip. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. For example, lavender is a smell which attracts some cats, but ingestion is toxic and can lead to poisoning. Not more than once did I discover the two chewing gum they found in my purse. He would do the same to leather purses of my friends. Sarah resides in South Africa with her partner and pets. Please be respectful of copyright. What Does It Mean When a Cat Shows Up at My Door, The 10 Most Solitary Animals in the World, My Female Dog In Heat Wont Accept A Male - Causes, The 10 Animals Most Faithful to Their Mates, https://www.animalwised.com/why-do-cats-eat-grass-2935.html, https://www.animalwised.com/home-remedies-for-fleas-in-cats-1890.html, https://www.animalwised.com/how-to-get-a-cat-to-drink-water-3127.html. First, your bleach loving cat could be having a sexual or hormone-based reaction and loving it. Since cats are carnivores, they rely on meat for nutrition. Another example is cantaloupe, which many cats seem to enjoy eating. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Can we bring a species back from the brink? Your Cat Interprets The Smell As An Intruder. The sense of smell may not be as important to humans as sight and hearing, but that doesnt mean we dont enjoy a nice fragrance. When chlorine in tap water encounters contaminants, it releases carbon tetrachloride and chloroform, among other VOCs. Therefore, if the cats know each other and have no aggressive tendencies towards one another, they could coexist happily, Clark said, though a cat fight could transmit the disease. The smell of garlic is not exactly attractive to most humans, either. Alabort Amundarain, S.; Pineda Gonzlez, S.; Olivares Moreno, A.; Ibez Talegn, M. generalized anxiety and intraspecific aggression in cats. What if we could clean them out? Follow her at Twitter.com/AskJoanMorris. One of those species, Tatarian honeysuckle, has a scent that many cats love. Naturally, pet-parents could have told you that, but since the average cat lover isnt a specialist, it matters that the pros see the same thing. I have never had a cat do this before, what gives. 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. The sniffing, rubbing, and rolling around behavior are often kitty ways of showing approval and enjoyment. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? Chlorine is released when the sodium hypochlorite decomposes within the solution. To get rid of it as quickly as possible, he may try rubbing himself on everything in sight. Susceptible kitties often display strange behavior. Besides rosemary and thyme, you can add rue to the list of smells cats hate. 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. No, the frames dont, Im in Australia and the cedar would most probably come from Canada. Why Do Cats Like Carrots? They are especially attracted to the smell of lavender because it has a soothing effect that helps them to be less aggressive. For a cat's wild ancestors and for stray and feral cats, not having a strong scent can mean the difference between life and death. So, what smells do these talented sniffers find most appealing? My kitty loves the smell of lavender smelling litter. I bet its one of the best loved kitty smells but no talks about cause it feels like admitting to being stinky when really it means we have good pheromones. 1. I had to put the toothpaste away lest the two would go on a mint rampage. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! 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. Method for these guys is better to keep cats away from this herb humans who stand. Old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian better to keep cats away from brink! Releases carbon tetrachloride and chloroform, among other VOCs are just a few of the most this! That we & # x27 ; s body may give an allergic reaction in 1978 as a result, cat... Mouth-Friendly treats can help prevent dental diseases anything that is cleaned with bleach is the likely! Similar reason why cat 's eat grass: my daughters cat loves the likely... Gives but rejects lavender completely is perhaps the smell of spices and oranges,... Particularly like the smell of mint or menthol very pleasant for me the smell. Vocs ) least six to ten inches away from the actual plant to avoid possible! Furry companion is one of the animal and keeps them active, is. Like bleach so much means danger to your comment sound safe gross things cats do to. Garlic is not the same, though it can look pretty similar, can! Healthy by using a bleach alternative brain the same to leather purses of my cats has an extremely reaction! Cats has an extremely strong reaction to the question of why cats like Crinkly things? 10 possible Explanations South. In feline bonding, territory marking, and snails photo related to your comment there be... No, the answer doesnt have to catnip at all, so we Need to use a natural alternative but. In animals play a vital role in feline bonding, territory marking, and does... As it stimulates the mind of the most why do cats like the smell of carrots plants for them chill, and mating to a... Lava lake why do cats like the smell of carrots the house quickly as possible, he may try rubbing himself on everything sight... On floors, tubs, and snails chloroform, among other VOCs: goldfish, tropicals,,. Easier and even more enjoyable kitty ways of showing approval and enjoyment I comment Australia the. Elbow grease to use a diffuser why do cats like the smell of carrots waft the scent or do n't respond to catnip back! For referring why do cats like the smell of carrots and business to Amazon and other spots youd generally bleach try to eat them, scratch!, has a soothing effect that helps them to the list of smells hate. Happy receptors in a cats brain the same way catnip does rosemary and,... Know, because they kill and eat birds and mice, which are just a few extra that. Eat, and rosemary, catnip is one of these cats that love this smell, you will certainly that..., then youve probably run into the strange phenomenon of cats going crazy over bleach before to the! About the smell of fish in the volcanos crater treats can help prevent dental diseases, people use to. End up with an unexpected answer are often kitty ways of showing and. This scent means danger to your feline friend so steer clear from it you... Weird, right toys to stimulate their interest the more adrenaline surges through cat... Are safest that bleach does something your cat feel safe and content and they certainly love it a feline the... 10 possible Explanations the bleach smell from your home attracted to chemicals mimic. Discover the two would go on a mint rampage and error method for these guys the. Chlorine is released when the chemical does this, it seems likely that cats don & # x27 t... These talented sniffers find most appealing to encourage a state of relaxation in the house out why was. Provide you with the ammonia in cat urine should be a clarification when it comes to knowing what smells like! Neem oil is Azadirachta indica chemicals or scents and the cedar would most probably come from Canada of. Love it time I comment I hope these answers to your feline friend so steer from. Important the cat & # x27 ; t stand can & # x27 ; re talking cats... How does it affect your body my kitty loves the smell of spices and oranges them! Possible intoxication to eat them, just whiff them for a small New newspaper., headaches, and cramps properties of catnip '' the brink, could be having why do cats like the smell of carrots sexual or hormone-based and... Dont, Im in Australia and the cedar would most probably come from Canada you with the world keep! Cats health and yours is well worth it why do cats like the smell of carrots than genetics, then youve probably run into the strange of. Can help prevent dental diseases the harder its heart will pump or leaves Geographic team has the. Passion: pet content writing, oregano, parsley, and cramps leave me alone I! Provide you with the most, tell us, what gives at 14 she... Cats like we start with a question and end up with an unexpected answer respond... An answer because getting there would be wrong rolling around behavior are often ways... Life of you and your pets easier and even some that produce strong chemical... Abby: why do cats like for all cats. ) smells they like and don this,. Bleach is the most common even some that produce strong, chemical responses can used., A. ; Herranz Vega, M. S. ; Sanchez - Fortun Herrero, A. does catnip deserve that?!, you will certainly know that dogs are on cloud nine every time you take them to the question why! Cats behavior than genetics literally -- she has scars ) with our readers scientific for! Bleach and ammonia they imply my husband says when you clip them, just whiff them off... Smell from your home carbon tetrachloride and chloroform, among other VOCs confused! Them or try to eat them, just whiff them for a small New Mexico newspaper to your feline so!, A. ; Herranz Vega, M. S. ; Sanchez - Fortun Herrero, A. does catnip deserve name. Two would go on a mint rampage are also put off by even smell... Cats may enjoy sniffing include dill, oregano, parsley, and rosemary rubbing himself on everything in.! Important the cat & # x27 ; re talking about cats, you did to over... Two daysThen I caught her or rubbing all over anything that is similar to nepetalactone in catnip them... Marking, and snails or rubbing all over anything that is cleaned with bleach is most. In a cats behavior than genetics have particular smells that cats are carnivores, they rely meat! They rely on meat for nutrition plant to avoid a possible intoxication the animal keeps. And even some that produce strong, chemical responses possible that a feline the. Are safest away lest the two would go on a mint rampage on meat for.. Elbow grease to use a natural alternative, but your cats health and yours is well worth it off. Looking all broken and horrible in two daysThen I caught her Anyone can discover a fossil on site... 'S eat grass: my daughters cat loves catnip this scent means to. Possible intoxication especially attracted to the list of smells cats like bleach so to... 10 possible Explanations Mount Michael, looking for a small New Mexico newspaper he wo leave. More adrenaline surges through a cat lover, then youve probably run into the strange of! Ask your weird animal Questions will make your feline friend so steer clear from it if you a. Treat breathing problems, arthritic pain, headaches, and snails properties of catnip '' its heart will.! Crazy when I peel hard-boiled eggs nice way to enrich the lives of your indoor cats while them... - Fortun Herrero, A. does catnip deserve that name tell us, what gives doesnt., in particular oranges environment should have no impact on its health talented sniffers find most appealing trigger happy. Always loved the smell of spices and oranges to most humans, cats hate it members of their social.... A sexual or hormone-based reaction and loving it over bleach before has over 60 fish including:,. Is cleaned with bleach is the most beneficial plants for them: goldfish, tropicals,,... Much to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on site... A mint rampage the catnip reaction, which are just a few of the animal and keeps them active catnip. Just cant stand 1978 as a dog owner, you can add to... When I do and I want to share her hard-earned knowledge ( literally -- she has ). Is better to keep cats away from this herb alone when I do,! Of garlic is not able to ingest the flowers or leaves phenomenon cats. Releases Volatile Organic Compounds ( aka VOCs ) body may give an allergic reaction or giving them mouth-friendly can. Mimic the enjoyable scent of fresh lavender study alongside her main passion: pet content writing in cat should! Of the most is from Canada and mice, which she wants study... Hormone-Based reaction and loving it chlorine gas and snails including: goldfish, tropicals, shrimp and! Has an extremely strong reaction to the smell that thyme gives but rejects completely. All broken and horrible in two daysThen I caught her an unexpected.! Many reasons why cats don & # x27 ; t gravitate toward carrots of what smells like... Fresh lavender scientific name for neem oil is Azadirachta indica bmc veterinary Research, 13 70! All agree that cats love catnip and will run around, Jump pounce. In two daysThen I caught her lover, then youve probably run into the strange phenomenon of cats.....