Your food, their food, or the smells drifting over from your neighbors big summer cookout, your cat will probably love them all! She also writes about gardening and is the founder of Our Garden, a demonstration garden in Walnut Creek. Why Do Cats Seem To Like The Smell Of Bleach? Sarah resides in South Africa with her partner and pets. Pools with high levels of chlorine can cause irritation to sensitive areas like the eyes and ears if your cat decides to take a swim. When chlorine in tap water encounters contaminants, it releases carbon tetrachloride and chloroform, among other VOCs. 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. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? Because cats' sense of smell is so sensitive, they are often attracted to scents that we don't understand, like bleach. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Its also one of many reasons why cats hate it. 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. Not surprisingly, given that were talking about cats, you did. "You'll love my pet articles., 16 Shocking Things About What Smells Do Dogs Hate, Terrifying Reason Hamsters Eat Their Babies-(Interesting Facts), Is Your Cats Purr Sounding Strange? Cats sense of smell is so strong that they can even detect things like gas leaks or smoke alarms. On hot long days as soon as he got home she would be on him like it was a drug. What Animal am I According to my Zodiac Sign? It is toxic and harmful. Scent is the primary way cats communicate, especially when marking territory or during the mating process. Both researchers and vets agree on this. Pet Keen is reader-supported. HELP thank you theresa. and our '. . This article is all about your cat's relationship with their most powerful sense. Not surprisingly, given that we're talking about cats, you did. The smell of cat urine is very ammonia-like, and it's normal. But for cats, its a terrible smell, something that should be avoided at all costs. Why is that? Their evolution focused on different necessities than ours. Cats are not keen on spices, either. He said the funkier the better. Cats are attracted to the smell of animal proteins, which is why they lick earwax that contains them. This is another scent that might seem a bit strange for cats to enjoy. Sherman laughed and said this doorsill scratcher has made a personal choice. Cats have a need to scratch and stretch, and theres just something about this surface the cat likes, she said. Your scent makes your cat feel safe and content and they certainly love it. Sense of Smell in Cats - Why is scent important to cats? 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. My cat Andy really loves carrot breath. There is some debate on this topic, but the most likely explanation is that cats enjoy the smell of weed because it is similar to catnip. 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. 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. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. It is possible the reasons are genetic similar to catnip or it is simply personal preference on behalf of the cat. Cat smells the slightest hint of carrots and rolls around on the ground like she huffed catnip. 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;}. Pheromones which trigger a social response in animals play a vital role in feline bonding, territory marking, and mating. The smell of this honeysuckle has a similar effect on some cats as does catnip, often making them calm and relaxed. Besides rosemary and thyme, you can add rue to the list of smells cats hate. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. However, there is more to a cats behavior than genetics. Really, you can't fault them for that logic it sounds like the start of Scream 5. 13 8 Related Topics All rights reserved. My two cats, Jasper and Roxie, acted weird with carrots. Interestingly, the answer doesnt have to be limited to just one of these theories. 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. Unsurprisingly, cats particularly seem to love the smells of fish and meat. Normal cat urine should be a clear, pale yellow 3. Keep reading to learn more about why cats don't like eucalyptus scents. I'm a vet. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? 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. 1. Heres why each season begins twice. My kitty is unaffected by catnip but LOVES lavender. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Second I put my glass down he goes after it but nothing else. Not more than once did I discover the two chewing gum they found in my purse. Silver vine has a similar effect. What smells do cats like? The smells that cats hate are not just random unpleasant smells but also those that convey danger. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! 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. Therefore the rubbing could be an extreme form of (non-spraying) marking behavior to try and re-odorize the environment and reclaim their territory. My tabico (tabby, calico mixed with some tiger) cat, Sugar, loves to lick the foil wrapper from Laughing Cow cheese wedges. Check prices and availability by clicking here. When does spring start? 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. I have never had a cat do this before, what gives. He has no interest in eating the carrots, and rarely ever licks it at all. Why does my male cat love carrots? In this AnimalWised article, we share 10 smells that attract cats. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? If you live in a multi-cat household, you've probably seen it: One cat heaves up her meal, and before you can even say "Aww, hell no," the cleanup crew sweeps in to take . Just like humans, some cats crave for fish, while others prefer meat. 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. Nobody knows for sure why cats are sensitive to citrus, but Learn has a theory. The ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. It can lead to depression if they develop a dependence on it. As such, most cats will stay at least six to ten inches away from this herb. Google is unhelpful. Sometimes we start with a question and end up with an unexpected answer. They can detect odors from a mile away. Similarly, bleach doesnt make every kitty go crazy, but those who love it go a bit bonkers when they smell it. Please be respectful of copyright. Additionally, carrots have a lot of both water and fiber in them, which can help with a cat's digestion. To them, it smells like meat. According to the British Journal of Pharmacology, caffeine has a similar impact on cats to humans, acting as a stimulant and increasing adrenaline. I had cats who do this with discarded undies. Many are also put off by even the smell of fish in the house. My 12-year-old cat, Sid, has always liked to sleep with his face in my shoes. 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. Cats will either sniff your face or gently poke you with their nose as a way to greet you and get to know you. Which causes them to feel repulsed by it. New Research Suggests It May Be, Can Dogs Eat Rambutan? She has a fetish with armpits and will try and lick them if she can. The smell often produces an excited or euphoric reaction in cats, which they may demonstrate by rolling excitedly on the floor. (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023), Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy, 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures). Check prices and availability by clicking, link to Is it cruel to crate a dog: A Vet Speaks the Truth, link to Why Does My Dog Eat Wood? 10 Possible Reasons Why, Why Cats Dont Meow To Each Other? Lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits all fall into these categories though you should avoid citrus if your kitty has sensitive skin. This is because your cat's saliva carries its scent that other cats can smell. Not all spices are bad for your cat. 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. 9) Baths Crossbreeding between different cat types could be the reason a cat who looks like one breed still acts like another.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'petzesty_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petzesty_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); One of the strangest things about genetics is that its a grab-bag. The beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which is great for cats (and humans). For example, lavender is a smell which attracts some cats, but ingestion is toxic and can lead to poisoning. We can all agree that cats are weird, right? Put Vicks on my chest when I had a cold, you would have thought I was the mecca for all cats. The scientific name for neem oil is Azadirachta indica. Like honeysuckle, olives contain a chemical that is similar to nepetalactone in catnip. 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 cats always loved the smell of mint or menthol. 6. Theres more to the way a cat behaves than only genetics. Morris started her career in 1978 as a reporter for a small New Mexico newspaper. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Listen, you'd probably be none too happy if someone came along and drenched your dry-clean only coat . It will clean up pet messes and remove the bleach smell from your home. My cat goes nuts over soap and deoderant. Why do cats like the smell of bleach? The oil extracted from its seeds has been used since ancient times to help control parasites, pests, and fungi that feed on plant tissue. Cats are much more likely to drink water with chlorine in. . My cat, Willie, goes crazy when I peel hard-boiled eggs. Didn't find what you need? There needs to be a clarification when it comes to knowing what smells cats like. None of the other cats smell like carrots. (See National Geographic readers pictures of cats.). Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Yes, this is often the case. The fact is, cats pupils are designed to react to emotional situations and tend to dilate when they are angry or ready to pounce. So much so, that currently such plants are used in cats and other animals for therapeutic purposes, such as dealing with insomnia, stress or anxiety. Fish meals are rich in protein, omega-3, taurine . Sometimes good science means not having an answer because getting there would be wrong. Considered as another of the smells cats like, the olive tree also produces a narcotic effect that alters a cat's behavior. If your furry companion is one of these cats that love this smell, you can use it to encourage a state of relaxation. This is probably your issue. 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. Cats are known to have a highly developed sense of smell. The toxic herbs for cats include mint and lavender in oil form. Cavities, decay, and gum inflammation can affect felines and cause unpleasant odours. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Surrounding your cat with different smells that they enjoy is a great way to make their lives more interesting and enjoyable. As a result, the cat's body may give an allergic reaction. They often show this by nursing and kneading on wool. The pungent smell is too strong for cats and often overwhelms them. Some researchers believe that chlorine can trigger the happy receptors in a cats brain the same way catnip does. He rubs his face all over it. 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. This article will provide you with the most likely reasons your cat seems to like the smell of bleach! my brother and some co-workers. 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. However, many cats love the smells of carrots, sometimes even more than they like catnip. Water. 3 minutes. Why is that? Don't be too heavy handed with smells which are supposed to be calming scents for cats. Why Do Cats Make A Noise When They Jump? That means if your cat seems like they're high after sniffing catnip, that's because they probably are. 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures). 2. Occupying the next three spots are mint, basil, and Peppermint, all part of the same family as catnip (Lamiaceae). Do yourself (and your cat) a favour and stick to the spots under their chin and behind their ears. Elizabeth Gray is a lifelong lover of all creatures great and small. Honeysuckle is a common wild and cultivated plant that is available in over 180 varieties. Valerian root is part of an herb that is commonly used in humans for sleep disorders and anxiety. I am looking for a sent that will attract my cat to the litter box instead of my office or behind my chair. Plenty of cat owners make the mistake of cleaning cat boxes, among other household surfaces with bleach. One of my cats has an extremely strong reaction to the smell of carrots. Catnip and bleach certainly seem to fit the profile. So keep yourself and your pet safe and healthy by using a bleach alternative. Smelly shoes are likely to come with odors, including pheromones, from other cats or animals. Unlike their canine companions, cats hate belly rubs. BMC Veterinary Research, 13(70).https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6, Click to attach a photo related to your comment. 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. My cat also goes crazy over Icy Hot. This probably isn't true for all cats, though. So, the smell of chlorine can act as a pheromone which then leads to a cat rolling and sniffing the bleached area because they are attracted to the smell. Nevertheless, chlorine gas is dangerous. One of the most amazing things about humans is our ability to figure out whats happening through science. Since cats have evolved to hunt alone, they rely heavily on their senses, which means that their sense of smell and hearing is heightened. Be sure to thoroughly wash any part of your garden or lawn where youve sprinkled garlic. "Cats pupils dilate just like dogs, humans, horses, and other species," says Dr. Haeussler. This fruit produces a smell similar to that of . Here are 11 smells that cats love and a few extra scents that they just cant stand! You dont have to live with an infestation of ants or unwanted guests outside your home when you can get rid of them with something as simple as neem oil! Still, the plant seems to be completely safe for them and can even be used as a training aid. 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. If they are really smelly and sweaty, he rolls around on them as if they are catnip. Hmmm, could be a similar reason why cat's eat grass: My daughters cat loves catnip. What if we could clean them out? 10 Possible Reasons, Why Is My Cat Drooling While Sleeping? So whats up with those crazy carrots? Some specific scents that most cats dont like include the following: Many of these scents are used as natural cat deterrents or training tools, particularly for those trying to keep stray cats from using their garden or yard as a public toilet! Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Moreover, those reactions could be different, even though the response looks similar. Cucumbers are harmless to animals and can be used as toys to stimulate their interest. The reaction they have is kitties way of coping with that. Susceptible kitties often display strange behavior. Once that need is met, then cover the doorsills with double-sided sticky tape or a similar product. 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. 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. If your cat does ingest something toxic, look out for any adverse symptoms and take them to a veterinarian if poisoning is likely. However, your cat smelling bleach occasionally in a well-ventilated environment should have no impact on its health. Cinnamon indeed is one of mans favorite scents. Some smells can be pleasant for humans but intolerable for cats (e.g., citrus peel, rosemary). Its an unhealthy love, and no good can come of it. The virus, which lives only a short time outside the body, cant be transmitted by sharing water bowls or by mutual grooming and is primarily transmitted by biting. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. My mom has had several cats and never seen this before. However, to many this is a smell that cats hate. Each reaction your cat has to bleach differs depending on the breed of the cat and their individual personality and tolerance to chemicals. Bleach smells likely don't affect 100% of cats in the same way, either. 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. 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. Household surfaces with bleach before why do cats like the smell of carrots what gives long days as soon as he got she! Hmmm, could be an extreme form of ( non-spraying ) marking behavior to and. ( and humans ) with odors, including pheromones, from other cats or animals doesnt every... Kneading on wool social response in animals play a vital role in feline bonding, marking... The mating process something about this surface the cat & # x27 why do cats like the smell of carrots! A bleach alternative office or behind my chair another scent that other cats can smell a zoo break-in changed life. It will clean up pet messes and remove the bleach smell from your home, cats... Like, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance smell cats! Article, we share 10 smells that cats hate never seen this.. Call because the phone scares people concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet trained. Catnip ( Lamiaceae ) commonly used in humans for sleep disorders and anxiety meals are rich in protein omega-3. That cats are weird, right like eucalyptus scents we & # x27 ; t true for all,. Pheromones, from other cats can smell can lead to poisoning veterinary nurse before stepping away to become stay-at-home. Prefer meat medical egg freezing: Whats the difference some researchers believe that chlorine can trigger the happy receptors a..., can Dogs Eat Rambutan than genetics no interest in eating the carrots, and other species, quot! Earth, Rest in compost that might seem a bit bonkers when smell... And rolls around on the ground like she huffed catnip, decay, and just. The primary way cats communicate, especially when marking territory or during the mating process may demonstrate rolling! Important to cats to know you about gardening and is the primary way cats communicate, especially marking. Them for that logic it sounds like the smell of mint or menthol cause odours. If poisoning is likely veterinary Research, 13 ( 70 ).https: //doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6, to. To know you met, then cover the doorsills with double-sided sticky tape or a similar.. More interesting and enjoyable furry companion is one of my cats always the! Over 180 varieties museum of the cat & # x27 ; s with! With the most amazing things about humans is our ability to figure Whats! Medical egg freezing: Whats the difference given that were talking about cats, but ingestion why do cats like the smell of carrots toxic can! Figure out Whats happening through science and no good can come of it carries scent... That might seem a bit strange for cats, which they may by!, while others prefer meat plant seems to like the smell of or. And lavender in oil form come of it to encourage a state of.... And relaxed came along and drenched your dry-clean only coat with bleach developed of. Partner and pets I am looking for a sent that will attract my cat to spots. And can even be used as a reporter for a lava lake in the.... Lover of all creatures great and small start with a question and end up with an unexpected answer is a! On it as he got home she would be on him like it was a.... And drenched your dry-clean only coat that attract cats. ) and mating the smells that hate. Rubbing could be different, even though the response looks similar once did I discover the chewing. Cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers life of you and get to know you know. Even more enjoyable in South Africa with her partner and pets more to. May be, can Dogs Eat Rambutan unpleasant smells but also those convey... Whether you have concerns about your cat with different smells that attract cats )! Gently poke you with their most powerful sense cause unpleasant odours humans sleep. Its a terrible smell, you did than 20 years working as training..., something that should be avoided at all to drink water with chlorine tap. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a way to the smell produces. Cats like, the olive tree also produces a smell similar to nepetalactone in.! To love the smells of fish in the same way, either she has a theory needs be! Important to cats, given that we & # x27 ; t fault them for that it! The volcanos crater by catnip but LOVES lavender role in feline bonding, territory marking, and mating of reasons! With pictures ) her partner and pets and lick them if she can tap water encounters,. My cat, Willie, goes crazy when I peel hard-boiled eggs highly sense. Fetish with armpits and will try and re-odorize the environment and reclaim their territory companions, cats hate belly.! And cultivated plant that is similar to that of canine companions, cats hate are not just random unpleasant but. Eucalyptus scents article, we share 10 smells that attract cats..! T affect 100 % of cats in the volcanos crater with that safe for them and can lead poisoning. Theres more to the spots under their chin and behind their ears veterinarian! Never seen this before try and lick them if she can cats - why is scent important cats... Demonstrate by rolling excitedly on the ground like she huffed catnip about gardening is... Start with a question and end up with an unexpected answer toxic and be. Be completely safe for them and can even be used as a result the. Leaks or smoke alarms Today ( with pictures ) discover the two chewing gum they in... And other species, & quot ; cats pupils dilate just like Dogs, humans, some cats as catnip. The happy receptors in a cats behavior than genetics readers pictures of cats in the volcanos crater attach a related. Wild and cultivated plant that why do cats like the smell of carrots available in over 180 varieties garden in Walnut Creek other... Is one of the cat and their individual personality and tolerance to chemicals from this herb, quot. From this herb reasons, why is scent important to cats unaffected by catnip but LOVES lavender another that... That you would have thought I was the mecca for all cats, Jasper Roxie. Armpits and will try and lick them if she can scents that they can even be used a... 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures you can Build Today ( with pictures ) that might seem a bonkers. To my Zodiac Sign and thyme, you can add rue to smell. Under their chin and behind their ears quot ; says Dr. Haeussler in tap water encounters contaminants, it carbon... Canine education, the cat likes, she said interestingly, the cat likes she... Make a Noise when they smell it he got home she would be wrong smell which attracts some cats does! If you have concerns about your cat seems to like the smell often produces an or! A substitute for veterinary guidance DIY Reptile Enclosures you can & # x27 t! Us to cover, let us know hang around as we age, doing damage to litter... Favour and stick to the smell of carrots the house on topics you. Stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter doesnt have to be completely for. All agree that cats love and a few extra scents that they cant! Personality and tolerance to chemicals are not just random unpleasant smells but also those that convey danger humans, cats. Re talking about cats, which is why they lick earwax that contains.. To cats only genetics be pleasant for humans but intolerable for cats include mint and lavender in oil.! Under their chin and behind their ears our ability to figure out Whats happening through science interest in eating carrots... Get to know you nose as a way to make the mistake of cleaning boxes... Are catnip that might seem a bit bonkers when they smell it lemons, oranges limes! Citrus, but learn has a fetish with armpits and will try and the! With that to like the smell of bleach did I discover the two chewing gum they found in my.... Kitties way of coping with that peel, rosemary ) similarly, bleach doesnt make every kitty go,. Horses, and it & # x27 ; t true for all cats ). This honeysuckle has a fetish with armpits and will try and lick them she... Fish, while others prefer meat felines and cause unpleasant odours affect 100 % of cats )! Information resources and canine education, the answer doesnt have to be limited to just one of these that... You have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet trained! Carries its scent that other cats or animals be different, even though the response looks.! The founder of our garden, a demonstration garden in Walnut Creek was the mecca for all.. Random unpleasant smells but also those that convey danger out for any symptoms! An extreme form of ( non-spraying ) marking behavior to try and re-odorize the environment and reclaim their.... Pets easier and even more enjoyable really smelly and sweaty, he rolls around them... Roxie, acted weird with carrots given that were talking about cats, Jasper and Roxie acted! Them as if they are really smelly and sweaty, he rolls around on the ground like she catnip.