A cat's favorite smells often include natural, earthy scents like catnip, valerian root, basil, oregano, rosemary, and mint, along with savory smells from fish or meat, and their owner's familiar scent. While catnip is famously popular due to nepetalactone, many cats also enjoy the scent of their human's personal smell, sweaty clothes, or even certain complex perfumes, finding comfort in familiar territory markers.
What Smells Do Cats Love? 8 Aromas That Attract Felines
But it's not the only herb cats enjoy the scent of. And if you've ever picked fresh herbs and smelled them, it isn't hard to understand why. As mentioned earlier, catnip is part of the mint family. Cats often like the scent of normal mint too, as well as basil, oregano, and rosemary.
New Cat? Set Realistic Expectations! You can expect that it will take your cat some time to get used to the new routines and environment. The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
Scents cats go wild for
Most obviously: catnip. “Cats are famously attracted to the scent of catnip, which contains nepetalactone,” Dr. Kong says. Cats also love the smell of fish and pheromone sprays.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Pet-Safe Essential Oils
Here's a shortlist of oils (and their corresponding profiles/moods) often considered safe around cats when used in moderation: Lavender Oil – calming, relaxing, soothing. Frankincense Oil – emotionally balancing, joint comfort, immune wellness. Cedarwood Oil – grounding, pest-repelling, calming.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Cats are incredibly sensitive to their environment. Major changes such as switching owners and households can be dramatic and very stressful. Cats are aware of even the smallest changes in your household.
To apologize to a cat, use a soft, calm tone of voice, offer treats or toys, engage in gentle play, and use slow blinks to build trust, focusing on actions and reassurance rather than words, as cats understand tone and trust more than human language. Give them space first, then approach calmly and let them initiate physical contact on their terms to rebuild your bond.
Some of the most dangerous essential oils for cats include peppermint, tea tree oil, and clove oil. Eucalyptus and cats are also a bad mix. Signs of essential oil poisoning in cats include: Drooling.
Try these baits that cats find irresistible:
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
“Cats have a strong preference for umami, which is why they're drawn to foods high in meaty or savory flavors,” Dr. Ample says. “Processed snacks often contain ingredients like monosodium glutamate (MSG) or yeast extract, which provide that umami boost.
They will hold their tail low to the ground and may flick it rapidly back and forth as their anxiety mounts. Their eyes will widen, and their pupils dilate, as they remain alert for danger. Their ears will begin to turn out to the side, shifting lower on the head, or begin to twitch.
You can tell if a cat is sad by noticing changes in their behavior, like loss of appetite, excessive sleeping or hiding, poor grooming, increased vocalization (especially mournful cries), changes in litter box habits (urinating outside the box), or showing uncharacteristic aggression or clinginess, as these often signal unhappiness, stress, or illness. Always consult a vet, as these signs can also point to medical issues.
Signs your cat has imprinted on you include following you everywhere, kneading you (making biscuits), rubbing against you (bunting), slow blinking, bringing you "gifts," grooming you, and showing you their vulnerable belly as a sign of deep trust and seeing you as family. They'll also greet you excitedly, sleep near or on you, and communicate with you using unique vocalizations.
How To Bond With Your Cat
There are a few signs that an indoor cat is happy and thriving, including:
Catnip. Better known for producing a “kitty high,” catnip has also been shown to increase the amount of time cats spend sleeping. Catnip products are available in many forms, including sprays, treats, and parts of the plant itself.
Nature's Miracle® Cat Calming Spray helps promote relaxation and reduces hyperactivity in stressful situations, such as separation and travel. Apply Nature's Miracle® Cat Calming Spray to wherever your cat spends time when stressed and on carriers when transporting your cat. Do not spray directly on cats.
Products with Essential Oils: Many essential oils (such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus) are toxic to cats and should be avoided. Citrus-Scented Fresheners: Citrus oils can cause gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in cats.