Odors Disliked by Cats, as Discussed by Lauren Krouse and Evaluated by Emily Oliver, CVT; Updated on June 28, 2022
Cats have a keen sense of smell that is crucial for navigating their environment, detecting potential dangers, and finding food. However, their sensitive noses can be easily overwhelmed by certain scents, which can lead to distress or even toxicity. Here are some scents that cats dislike and why pet owners should be aware of them.
Seven Scents Cats Dislike
- Citrus: This includes lemons, oranges, lime, and grapefruit. The strong, acidic scent of citrus is unpalatable to cats and can be toxic if ingested.
- Lavender: Known for its calming effect on humans, lavender can be overwhelming and potentially hazardous for cats.
- Rosemary: Another herb that cats seem to dislike, rosemary contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
- Mint (Peppermint and Spearmint): These minty scents can be irritating to cats and should be used sparingly or avoided altogether.
- Thyme: Thyme is another herb that cats tend to avoid due to its strong scent and potential toxicity if ingested.
- Wintergreen: This scent, often associated with chewing gum and candies, is not appealing to cats and should be used cautiously.
- Catnip (Catmint): Despite its name, catnip is actually a natural cat repellent. It is best to avoid using catnip-scented products around the house.
Understanding these scents can help pet owners manage their cats' behavior naturally and keep both the pet and their environment comfortable. For example, using rosemary or mint-based sprays can discourage cats from damaging plants or furniture.
Caution with Essential Oils
Essential oils can be dangerous for cats when inhaled or eaten, so it's important to ensure they are safe for pets before using them in the home. Exposure to large amounts of essential oils can be distressing and even toxic for cats. When in doubt about the safety of a scented product for cats, it's best not to use it.
Litter Box Management
It is recommended to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the household and to clean them daily. A dirty litter box can encourage cats to mark their territory and urinate in inappropriate places.
Other Scents Cats Dislike
Cats are also averse to the strong, acidic scent of citrus, as well as the smell of rue, lavender, marigolds, pennyroyal, Coleus canina, and lemon thyme. Most cats do not enjoy the smell of coffee, and even small amounts of caffeine can be toxic to them.
Cats' sense of smell is about 14 times stronger than a human's, making certain fragrances very intense or irritating for them. Strong artificial scents from air fresheners or litter perfumes can cause respiratory irritation or avoidance behaviors such as sneezing or refusal to use the litter box.
By understanding these scents, pet owners can make informed choices about cleaning and air freshening products, as well as natural deterrents for unwanted cat behavior. This knowledge helps maintain pet health and comfort while keeping both the pet and their environment comfortable, without resorting to harsh chemicals.
- Pet owners should be mindful of using citrus, lavender, rosemary, mint, thyme, wintergreen, and catnip, as these scents are disliked by cats and could potentially distress them or even cause toxicity.
- In addition, cats also dislike the strong, acidic scent of citrus, as well as the smell of rue, marigolds, pennyroyal, Coleus canina, and lemon thyme, and even small amounts of coffee or caffeine can be toxic to them, so it's important to avoid these scents in cleaning and air freshening products around the home.
