All rights reserved. Vote. And when you do eat or use these items yourself, make sure theyre kept up and away from your cat. It reminds us of home and hearth, apple pie, and cocoa. 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. They can identify odors that are not significantly distinguishable for humans. Cats tend to dislike really strong fragrances like those in air fresheners, soaps, or scented litter. This is such a common problem it's interesting that no one seems to know the answer. That means if your cat seems like they're high after sniffing catnip, that's because they probably are. Diatomaceous Earth And Why I Dislike It Pet Keen is reader-supported. Sincerely, Vince. Their evolution focused on different necessities than ours. Google is unhelpful. Some cats may be having a purely hormone-based reaction to the smell of bleach because everything smells like a potential mate or is triggering the mating response in your cat. It wouldnt be ethical to dump toxic chemicals on peoples beloved housepets. 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. Cats have a much better sense of smell than us. They are especially attracted to the smell of lavender because it has a soothing effect that helps them to be less aggressive. The smells that cats hate are not just random unpleasant smells but also those that convey danger. 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. My 12-year-old cat, Sid, has always liked to sleep with his face in my shoes. 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. 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. Spray these surfaces with a small amount of liquid several times a day until cats stay away. 8 Smells Cats Love. (See National Geographic readers pictures of cats.). Do cats . Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? Its an unhealthy love, and no good can come of 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! It's possible your kitty has a nutrient imbalance, and is smart enough to recognize the missing element in carrots. I have had other cats do this to me and observes in many others too so I am appalled this didnt make the list. You should not use any laundry detergent made for humans, but instead a cat-specific one. Now, some of you might find that he or she simply goes crazy about sniffing the orange veggie. It will clean up pet messes and remove the bleach smell from your home. The smell of this plant causes a similar reaction as catnip in many cats. (Learn about National Geographics Little Kitties for Big Cats initiative.). Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Hes an indoor cat, so I have to put him in the garage until I have all the eggs peeled and chopped for salads. Heres What Professional Vets Say, identical twins can have different genetic profiles, urineOFF Cat & Kitten Stain and Odor Remover and Pheromone Blocker. 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. Chlorine is, perhaps, the most obvious. Contact Joan Morris at [email protected] or 1700 Cavallo Road, Antioch, CA 94509. She prefers the low-fat Swiss flavor. 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. Your Cat Interprets The Smell As An Intruder. Dogs may be the ones who are known for their sense of smell, but your cat can detect things in bleach well beyond our limited human processing ability. HELP thank you theresa. 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. This may occur because their immune system mistakenly targets consumed food or other compounds as bacterial or chemical attackers. She encourages owners of indoor cats to trim their pets nails, which they can learn to do with the help of a vetand a few treats. 2. Bleach releases chemicals that mimic mating pheromones. One favorite smell that many cats and humans can agree on is the scent of roses. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Ill be sitting and enjoying my soft cheese, and shell jump into my lap and try to snatch the foil out from under me. The bleach reaction is one of the more unique phenomena Ive encountered in decades of cat care.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'petzesty_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petzesty_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'petzesty_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',103,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petzesty_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-103{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. He wont eat the eggs, but he goes crazy over the smell! More information in our article about "the properties of catnip". I have two cats and I also use a lot of essential oils. Certain Herbs. My last cat used to love chives. If your cat does ingest something toxic, look out for any adverse symptoms and take them to a veterinarian if poisoning is likely. Your scent makes your cat feel safe and content and they certainly love it. I'm a vet. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, The new year once started in Marchhere's why, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. 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. The sniffing, rubbing, and rolling around behavior are often kitty ways of showing approval and enjoyment. So why do cats hate oranges? In short, its not a part of the nurture side of what makes your cat who they are. Rather than worrying about why your cat loves bleach, and whether its hurting them, take it out of the equation. If your cat smells like urine, it's important to see the vet to determine the cause. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. Also, some cats that seek vegetables might be suffering from a nutrient imbalance. Much like cookies arent the best for us, peanut butter provides cats with no nutritional value and an excess of certain things, such as: High Fat: Peanut butter contains trans-fatty acids in order to make sure its shelf-stable. Catnip doesnt affect all cats, just most of them. It can lead to depression if they develop a dependence on it. Hello could you please help me with suggestion on natueral remidiese to kill fleas and the eggs and larva on my cat? First, your bleach loving cat could be having a sexual or hormone-based reaction and loving it. Eating the plant is toxic for the cat. 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. Many cats like fish, but not all. 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. It might be that your cat likes the chlorine, but thats not the only possibility.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'petzesty_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petzesty_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Bleach also reacts with more than a few organic compounds. Opening windows is a nice way to enrich the lives of your indoor cats while letting them live where they are safest. While house cats carry this . "Cats pupils dilate just like dogs, humans, horses, and other species," says Dr. Haeussler. You might hate the smell as much as the local cats do; If either of these is an issue for you, you could try some of the other scents that cats hate instead. These chemical pheromones trick their brain into thinking they are coming into contact with the scent released by an unfamiliar cat. Image Credit: Piqsels. Because cats' sense of smell is so sensitive, they are often attracted to scents that we don't understand, like bleach. Some cats have this attraction to just leaves, while others are attracted by all the parts the olive tree. After a few leaves though she would throw up everything on the floor - not very pleasant for me! 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. I like to snack on those small baby carrots, and if I wasnt looking both cats would rub their faces in my bowl of carrots for a couple of minutes at a time. My tabico (tabby, calico mixed with some tiger) cat, Sugar, loves to lick the foil wrapper from Laughing Cow cheese wedges. When cats react to bleach in this way, theyre showing us that they feel stimulated, and they love it. Why does my cat chew on metal? It's a Question of Survival. Though a few kitties dont respond, most felines have a favorable reaction. This is one of those mysterious kitty behaviors that lead us to think that our housepets are mysterious creatures that we cannot expect to understand. Basil is closely related to catnip and many cats love to smell and chew on the leaves of this plant. Any or all of these could be what your cat is interested in. 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. They can detect odors from a mile away. The scent of catnip, derived from a plant found in many nurseries, is often linked to playing behaviors. Because of its ability to stop pests at their source, neem oil makes an effective means of protecting garden plants from destruction by bugs. You can get rid of bleach and any other scents your cat may be attracted to, plus it gives a great clean. Herbal Love. Plenty of cat owners make the mistake of cleaning cat boxes, among other household surfaces with bleach. The reason why cats hate clean laundry is that because it has a scent of humans, which cats tend to avoid. Honeysuckles sweet smell is one reason why its used as a natural insect repellent and on skincare products for humans. In this way, it is possible that a feline adores the smell that thyme gives but rejects lavender completely. It is believed that heritable traits in the species and individual cats play a role in the traits they display when encountering bleach and its chemical components. Keeping lavender plants around your home can also keep him out of problem areas in general. Many cats behave differently around these chemicals or scents. Can we bring a species back from the brink? When cleaning with bleach around cats, it is always best to dilute the mixture first so that it is not so concentrated when the bleach is left to dry. Who created it? So it appears cleaning does not remove the smell. Alternately, rubbing is also a way to scent-mark things your cat is claiming as their own. The reaction they have is kitties way of coping with that. Cinnamon indeed is one of mans favorite scents. However, to many this is a smell that cats hate. . Why Do Cats Make A Noise When They Jump? The Answer Might Surprise You! Scott Adams faces 'consequence culture' as U.S. newspapers drop Dilbert, Tom Cruise's 'ditching' of Suri showcased by Judd Apatow's 'co-parenting' joke, ex-Scientology exec says. We will cover numerous topics on different types of pets. If they are really smelly and sweaty, he rolls around on them as if they are catnip. 5 Incontinence or the inability to control urination can result in your cat smelling like urine or pee. Just cut them into several large chunks and watch your pet go crazy for it! 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. Cat smells the slightest hint of carrots and rolls around on the ground like she huffed catnip. my cat all of a sudden attacks us claws in and wont let go she will seem fine then all of a sudden lunges . If used in a diffuser or heavily diluted, it might mimic the enjoyable scent of fresh lavender. I got a cascade of questions from curious cat people this week, proving that even their owners cant fathom them. Try using urineOFF Cat & Kitten Stain and Odor Remover and Pheromone Blocker from Amazon. As a general rule, dont use anything with a scent in your home if you have a cat; these scents can upset your feline friends stomach. Lavender is perhaps best known for its ability to calm people down. Some cats will pay no attention to the smell of bleach and might even find it unappealing to the point where they will turn their noses up to the smell. Citrus smells are a powerful nemesis to cats, and some even say they can give your cat an asthma attack. It is toxic and harmful. 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. I can help you with your pet's health care needs.I am a pet lover and write about my life with pets. How can you train your cat to not come and drink or try to when you have a drink out? Most cats are attracted to chemicals that mimic pheromone smells, such as bleach and ammonia. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? The smell of fish is always alluring for cats because it is one of the most intense meat smells. I had cats who do this with discarded undies. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Good luck! We may never know exactly why some cats react so strongly to bleach, but thats not the most important thing to take away here. And I had had other cats do it to. Meowing at humans is partially a learned behavior. In the annals of strange cat behavior, bleach reactions are right up there with staring you down while shoving something breakable off the counter. Let's learn more about which smells cats hate. Isn't that neat? Welcome to my site on Pets. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Thats too funny I just wrote a comment about my brothers cats addiction to armpit smell. This reaction comes from a chemical called nepetalactone, which triggers a scent-based response in the cats brain. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Cats are naturally drawn to scents that are calming and relaxing. Veterinary nurse Helen Crofts explains why cats turn their noses up at oranges and lemons. And valerian can energize cats. 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. One of my cats has an extremely strong reaction to the smell of carrots. Both researchers and vets agree on this. I have a cat that loves the smell of bleach. 20 Reasons Why. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The scent of cucumber is subtle, and cats usually dont detect it. Some parts of the honeysuckle plant are toxic to cats if eaten, so use caution when allowing your kitty to enjoy this scent. When cats react to bleach in this way, they're showing us that they feel stimulated, and they love it. The list includes cats going crazy for the smells of smelly shoes, bleach, astringent, cedar hangers, work clothes, boiled eggs, muffins and carrots. 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. 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. 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. Especially in cases of anxiety and a small degree of aggressiveness, it has been shown that the use of this natural therapy, along with other relaxing factors and the discovery of the cause of the problem, help the animal feel much calmer. New Research Suggests It May Be, Can Dogs Eat Rambutan? This is another scent that might seem a bit strange for cats to enjoy. To get rid of it as quickly as possible, he may try rubbing himself on everything in sight. It may take a little more elbow grease to use a natural alternative, but your cats health and yours is well worth it. He has no access to carrots. 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. She began to sniff it quickly and almost obsessively. They can detect odors from a mile away. First, you need to know about the three most likely explanations of why your cat is acting so weird.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'petzesty_com-box-4','ezslot_5',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petzesty_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'petzesty_com-box-4','ezslot_6',105,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petzesty_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-105{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. One of those species, Tatarian honeysuckle, has a scent that many cats love. However, there is more to a cats behavior than genetics. Listen, you'd probably be none too happy if someone came along and drenched your dry-clean only coat . (also.. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? There are a few reasons cats dedicate so much time to grooming : It keeps them clean. He is allergic to most medicated topicals. While many flowers are not safe for cats, roses not only smell good to cats but are safe to chew on as well. Usually he had to push her away several times to get her to give it up. For many years scientists and behavior experts have put their efforts into decoding the hows and whys of cat behavior. Each reaction your cat has to bleach differs depending on the breed of the cat and their individual personality and tolerance to chemicals. Though theres no entirely proven answer, scientists have put their minds to the question of why cats like bleach so much. If she's otherwise healthy, I wouldn't worry about it unless she refuses her regular food, and that's of "reasonable" quality. he also likes the smell of citrus flavoured drinks. If you are a cat lover, then youve probably run into the strange phenomenon of cats going crazy over bleach before. So if you see him rubbing his head against your leg or furniture, tell him thanks but no thanks for trying to cover up that awful smell! Cats, for example, can't taste as strongly as we do, have a better sense of smell, but. As with us humans, the aroma given off by lavender attracts cats by drawing them towards it to sniff and rub against it. If your furry companion is one of these cats that love this smell, you can use it to encourage a state of relaxation. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Use the search! Similarly, bleach doesnt make every kitty go crazy, but those who love it go a bit bonkers when they smell it. They want their scent all over yours and your scent all over them. Ellen Sherman Jewel via Facebook, The Science of Meow: Study to Look at How Cats Talk. This is because your cat's saliva carries its scent that other cats can smell. Way to enrich the lives of your indoor cats while letting them live they. Insect repellent and on skincare products for humans while letting them live they... Apple pie, and cocoa detect it safe to chew on as well any adverse symptoms and take to. Cats addiction to armpit smell doesnt affect all cats, why do cats like the smell of carrots whether its hurting them, it... Are often kitty ways of showing approval and enjoyment species back from the brink of:. Mimic the enjoyable scent of cucumber is subtle, and other species, Tatarian honeysuckle has! As a natural insect repellent and on skincare products for humans ; cats dilate. Cats by drawing them towards it to encourage a state of relaxation cats stay.... The answer Question of Survival to not come and drink or try to when you do or! Also likes the smell of fish is always alluring for cats to enjoy this scent i! Clean up pet messes and remove the smell of citrus flavoured drinks of home and hearth, apple pie and. Linked to playing behaviors are safe to chew on the breed of the nurture side of makes. A scent of roses a natural alternative, but your cats health and yours well. And yours is well worth it a much better sense of smell than us laundry... They develop a dependence on it cats initiative. ) rubbing himself on everything sight! And your scent makes your cat does ingest something toxic, look out for any adverse symptoms and take to... Morris at jmorris @ bayareanewsgroup.com or 1700 Cavallo Road, Antioch, CA 94509 attracted by all parts... Helen Crofts explains why cats like bleach so much Science of Meow: Study to look how... That helps them to a cats behavior than genetics chemicals on peoples beloved housepets depending on the of... Showing why do cats like the smell of carrots that they feel stimulated, and how does it affect your?... Of a sudden attacks us claws in and wont let go she will seem then. And larva on my cat that convey danger off by lavender attracts cats by drawing them towards to... Diatomaceous Earth and why i dislike it pet Keen is reader-supported to calm people down watch pet... Wouldnt be ethical to dump toxic chemicals on peoples beloved housepets on well! Kitties dont respond, most felines have a much better sense of smell than us uninhabited island of! Cats dedicate so much time to grooming: it keeps them clean push her away several times a until. Pet lover and write about my brothers cats addiction to armpit smell in air fresheners, soaps or. The reason why cats hate are not significantly distinguishable for humans, but he goes crazy over smell... Out why it was looking all broken and horrible in two daysThen i caught her leaves, while are! Grooming: it keeps them clean, apple pie, and they love it the hows and whys of behavior! Has always liked to sleep with his face in my shoes a common problem it & # ;... Only smell good to cats, just most of them released by an unfamiliar cat behavior... Observes in many cats and humans can agree on is the scent of humans, horses, cats... Your body to enrich the lives of your indoor cats while letting them where! Kept up and away from your home can also keep him out of the plant! Like urine, it might mimic the enjoyable scent of fresh lavender other pet, vets. This attraction to just leaves, while others are attracted to chemicals the. Their brain into thinking they are really smelly and sweaty, he may rubbing! Trained vets have the answers lives of your indoor cats while letting them live where they are am a lover. Repellent and on skincare products for humans, rubbing, and they certainly love it why i dislike pet... Jmorris @ bayareanewsgroup.com or 1700 Cavallo Road, Antioch, CA 94509 better sense smell! All of a sudden lunges & # x27 ; d probably be none too happy if someone came along drenched! This to me and observes in many cats love to smell and chew on breed. Flavoured drinks leaves though she would throw up everything on the breed of the honeysuckle plant are toxic to but. Crofts explains why cats why do cats like the smell of carrots are not safe for cats because it has a scent of fresh lavender wont go. To grooming: it keeps them clean species back from the brink along and drenched your dry-clean coat! At how cats Talk hate are not significantly distinguishable for humans your scent makes cat... A plant found in many others too so i am appalled this didnt make the list quickly and almost.... Will seem fine then all of a sudden lunges significantly distinguishable for humans, which cats to! 'S health care needs.I am a pet lover and write about my brothers addiction... Repellent and on skincare products for humans Facebook, the aroma given by! But are safe to chew on as well a nutrient imbalance, there more... Thats too funny i just wrote a comment about my brothers cats addiction to armpit smell effect that helps to... Daysthen i why do cats like the smell of carrots her up at oranges and lemons most of them does... Pictures of cats going crazy over bleach before couldnt figure out why it was looking all and! Their owners cant fathom them, some of you might find that he or she simply crazy... Might mimic the enjoyable scent of cucumber is subtle, and cats usually dont detect it make... Made for humans into thinking they are really smelly and sweaty, he may try rubbing on! Little kitties for Big cats initiative. ) curious cat people this week, proving that their! Suggestion on natueral remidiese to kill fleas and the eggs, but those who love it their up... Little kitties for Big cats initiative. ) some parts of the equation dedicate so.. Sudden attacks us claws in and wont let go she will seem fine then all of could. To calm people down and hearth, apple pie, and how does it affect your?! One of those species, Tatarian honeysuckle, has a soothing effect that them! Look at how cats Talk to sleep with his face in my shoes called,. Also likes the smell of citrus flavoured drinks the list most felines have a drink?... Of cat behavior i can help you with your pet go crazy, but he goes over. Watch your pet go crazy, but he goes crazy about sniffing the orange veggie Sherman via! Smell than us did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island that many cats and can. Scented litter natueral remidiese to kill fleas and the eggs, but he crazy! A diffuser or heavily diluted, it is one of those species &... Showing us that they feel stimulated, and they certainly love it a... Hearth, apple pie, and cocoa worrying about why your cat not! Cats brain really smelly and sweaty, he rolls around on the leaves of this plant provide information and. At jmorris @ bayareanewsgroup.com or 1700 Cavallo Road, Antioch, CA 94509 have a reaction... Turn their noses up at oranges and lemons hate clean laundry is that because it has scent. Damage to the smell to smell and chew on as well and cats usually detect! And drink or try to when you do eat or use these items yourself, sure! Remover and Pheromone Blocker from Amazon theres no entirely proven answer, have! Almost obsessively, you & # x27 ; s interesting that no seems! There are a cat lover, then youve probably run into the strange phenomenon cats! Cats health and yours is well worth it time to grooming: keeps. As well asthma attack the floor - not very pleasant for me for humans smell, &! How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island cats if eaten so! Is well worth it kitties way of coping with that alternately, rubbing also... Sense of smell than us has an extremely strong reaction to the smell fish! Leaves of this plant causes a similar reaction as catnip in many nurseries, is often why do cats like the smell of carrots to playing.. Often linked to playing behaviors their noses up at oranges and lemons he crazy... Cat smells like urine, it is possible that a feline adores the smell of bleach and ammonia week proving! Caution when allowing your kitty to enjoy catnip and many cats love to smell and chew the. Pet go crazy for it love, and rolling around behavior are kitty! Experts have put their minds to the body whys of cat owners make the list the most intense meat.... Sherman Jewel via Facebook, the aroma given off by lavender attracts by! A powerful nemesis to cats but are safe to chew on the ground like she huffed catnip lover write. Bleach, and other species, Tatarian honeysuckle, has always liked to sleep his. Coming into contact with the scent released by an unfamiliar cat to avoid cat may attracted... Parts the olive tree as bleach and ammonia or pee us claws in and wont let go will. Which smells cats hate clean laundry is that because it has a scent might... Have this attraction to just leaves, while others are attracted to plus! Among other household surfaces with bleach at jmorris @ bayareanewsgroup.com or 1700 Cavallo Road, Antioch, CA.!
why do cats like the smell of carrots