Smells that Attract Cats

10 Smells that Attract Cats

Compared to human nostrils, cats’ noses have odor-sensitive cells that are over 40 times more potent. Cats use their keen noses for mating, bonding, hunting,  and exploring new areas. Because they have a better sense of smell than we have, they can recognize the fragrances they like more rapidly and will frequently seek them out. It’s normal to be curious; which smells attract cats? Discover more about the fragrances that draw your kitty friend by reading on.

Smells that Attract Cats

1. Catnip

Smells that Attract Cats

There are many toys with catnip if you stroll along the cat toy department at the pet store. Based on their genetic makeup, cats react differently to the oil of this fragrant plant, which includes the chemical nepetalactone. They could feel ecstasy, begin chewing or licking, roll around wildly, or become incredibly comfortable. Cats normally only experience this extreme reaction for roughly 10 minutes. Nepeta cataria, and catwort field balm, are other names for catnip. One of the most popular smells used to entice cats is this one.

Catnip is one of the best herbs for animals since it stimulates their minds and keeps them active. Although the fragrance may be what draws cats in the most, this isn’t true of all cats. Not all people react to the plant in the same manner. This is due to the hereditary nature of the catnip reaction, which some people lack genetically.

2. Honeysuckle

Smells that Attract Cats


Over 180 kinds of common cultivated and wild honeysuckle are available. Smells that Attract Cats, many cats adore the aroma of Tatarian honeysuckle, one of those species. Similar to catnip, the scent of this honeysuckle can have a calming, relaxing effect on some cats. Use caution while letting your cat enjoy the aroma of honeysuckle since some sections of the plant are toxic to cats if chewed.

3. Valerian Root

Smells that Attract Cats

Another aroma many cats find enticing is valerian root, a perennial plant with white and pink blooms. In the research of 100 cats, 47% of the cats exposed to valerian root experienced a mild to severe sensitivity to the herb. Try ordering some valerian root to see whether it’s a plant that stimulates your cat’s senses if it doesn’t appear as your cat responds to catnip.

4. Lavender

Smells that Attract Cats

Similar smells that attract Cats are how lavender draws people; cats are drawn to it to smell and rub against it due to the perfume it emits. Its attraction potential isn’t as great as the previous plant’s. Therefore certain cats could not show the same level of curiosity. However, many people believe that cats hate its odor. Few people are aware of the causes. The causes may be genetically related to catnip or the cat’s preferences.
If your animal friend is one of those cats that adores this scent, you may use it to promote calm. It has been demonstrated that using this natural therapy and other calming elements and identifying the source of the issue significantly reduces an animal’s anxiety and mild aggression.
But there is a condition that applies to lavender and cats. The cat gets sick if it eats the plant. It is critical that the cat cannot consume the blooms or leaves.

5. Olive

Smells that Attract Cats

There are smells that attract cats olive is one of them. Although it may sound strange, many cats adore the aroma of olives and olive oil. Olives contain a substance related to nepetalactone in catnip, also in honeysuckle. Cats frequently experience an ecstatic or aroused response to the fragrance, which they may express by rolling about in excitement on the floor.

If your cat like the fragrance of olives, they may also enjoy the taste, but watch out for overindulging because olives are heavy in salt and fat.
While some cats dislike catnip, others are obsessed with this blooming herb. Although cats appear to enjoy the musty smell, it isn’t the most pleasant thing to smell on people’s noses. Usually, it has a calming effect and makes cats happy.

6. Cantaloupe

Smells that Attract Cats

Cantaloupe smells that attract cats, which may seem odd for cats to appreciate, is this one. However, many cat owners have observed that their cats are lured to eating cantaloupe, with aroma being the main pull. Because many of the molecules that give meat its aroma are also present in lower levels in cantaloupe, it is believed that cantaloupes smell similar to meat to cats.

7. Flowers

You must pay attention to how your cat reacts to the aromas of various flowers and smells that attract cats since many are hit-or-miss for cats. It’s crucial that you only bring your cat flowers that are regarded as being safe. According to PetMD, do the following: Freesia, Liatris, roses, sunflowers, Gerber daisies, orchids, and more. Always keep an eye on your cat while they are near flowers to make sure they don’t consume anything that might upset their digestive system.

8. Silvervine

Smells that Attract Cats

It has long been known that cats find silvervine, a kiwi family climbing plant, attractive. Silvervine is prevalent in the Asian Himalayas. Many cats respond to the scent of this plant in a way that catnip does. Some cats that dislike catnip adore the aroma of silvervine.

9. Peppermint, Basil, and Mint

Smells that Attract Cats

Mint, basil, and peppermint, all of the same family as catnip, are in the next three positions (Lamiaceae). Because of this, it is not unexpected that cats enjoy the scent of these plants, which are frequently used in cooking. Cats drawn to them exhibit the same symptoms as those listed in the catnip, activation, and mental stimulation section. Again, they have fairly powerful fragrances, so it won’t be beneficial to overwhelm them with them.

10. You!

Smells that Attract Cats

Your aroma gives your cat a sense of security and contentment, and they undoubtedly like it. Your cat still enjoys your fragrance even if you believe they could care less about you as long as their food dish is full. This is one of the reasons your cat may enjoy sleeping next to you, headbutting you, or taking a nap in your laundry basket with your belongings.

What’s your cat’s favorite Smell?

After reviewing the list of scents that cats find most appealing, let us know which scent your cat finds most appealing. We’re sure you’ve noticed that your furry buddy is drawn to a certain plant, food, or item because they enthusiastically run in its direction every time they spot it.

Final Reflections

Although cats are known for being extremely visual, they rely heavily on their sense of smell to help them navigate their surroundings, even though their noses aren’t as sensitive as dogs’. Enjoy us, cats have certain scents they like and detest, and some can trigger powerful chemical reactions. You may make your cat’s life more fascinating and pleasurable by surrounding them with various scents they like.

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