Cats are known for their curiosity and independence, but they also have a very sensitive nose. Some smells that humans find pleasant or neutral can be unbearable for cats, and even cause them stress or discomfort.
In this article, we will explore what smell does cats hate, why they hate them, and how to use them to deter unwanted behavior.
The Importance of Understanding a Cat’s Sense of Smell
The olfactory perception of a cat is one of their utmost vital senses. It helps them with hunting, survival, communication, and socialization. Cats have about 200 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to only 5 million in humans. This means they can detect and identify a wide range of smells, even those that are invisible or undetectable to us.
Cats also have a special organ called the vomeronasal organ, located in the roof of their mouth. This organ allows them to process pheromones, which are chemical signals that convey information about the mood, health, and reproductive status of other cats. Pheromones can also affect a cat’s behavior and emotions, such as aggression, fear, or attraction.
Common Smells That Cats Hate
There are some smells that most cats dislike, either because they are too strong, too unfamiliar, or too unpleasant for their noses. Here are some of the most common smells that cats hate:
- Citrus fruits: Cats hate the smell of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. These fruits contain a chemical called limonene, which is toxic to cats and can cause skin irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea. Citrus fruits also have a sour and acidic smell that cats find repulsive.
- Lavender: Lavender is a popular scent for humans, as it has a calming and relaxing effect. However, cats hate the smell of lavender, as it contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which are also toxic to cats and can cause liver damage, respiratory problems, or seizures. Lavender also has a floral and sweet smell that cats find overwhelming.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a plant that has a strong and minty smell. It is often used in aromatherapy, medicine, or insect repellents. However, cats hate the smell of eucalyptus, as it contains cineole, which is toxic to cats and can cause drooling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Eucalyptus also has a sharp and pungent smell that cats find irritating.
- Banana: Banana is a fruit that has a sweet and fruity smell. It is rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, and can be a healthy snack for humans. However, cats hate the smell of banana, as it contains isoamyl acetate, which is a chemical that mimics the smell of a snake. Cats have a natural fear of snakes and will avoid anything that smells like them.
- Chili powder: Chili powder is a spice that has a spicy and hot smell. It is often used in cooking, especially in Mexican, Indian, or Thai cuisine. However, cats hate the smell of chili powder, as it contains capsaicin, which is the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation in the nose, mouth, and eyes of cats, and can also cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
Other Surprising Scents That Cats Hate
Besides the common smells that cats hate, there are some other surprising scents that cats also dislike. Here are some of them:
- Vinegar: Vinegar is a liquid that has a sour and acidic smell. It is often used as a cleaning agent, a preservative, or a condiment. However, cats hate the smell of vinegar, as it is too strong and unpleasant for their noses. Vinegar can also lower the pH of a cat’s skin, making it more prone to infections or irritations.
- Mothballs: Mothballs are small balls that have a musty and chemical smell. They are often used to repel moths, insects, or rodents from clothes, furniture, or storage areas. However, cats hate the smell of mothballs, as they contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to cats and can cause anemia, liver damage, or kidney failure.
- Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds are the leftover residue of coffee beans after they are brewed. They have a bitter and earthy smell. They are often used as a fertilizer, a deodorizer, or a pest repellent. However, cats hate the smell of coffee grounds, as they contain caffeine, which is toxic to cats and can cause hyperactivity, tremors, or seizures.
- Pine or cedar: Pine or cedar are types of wood that have a fresh and woody smell. They are often used to make furniture, flooring, or bedding. However, cats hate the smell of pine or cedar, as they contain phenols, which are toxic to cats and can cause respiratory distress, skin irritation, or liver damage.
How to Use Smells to Deter Cats?
Knowing what smell does cats hate can be useful for cat owners, as they can use them to deter unwanted behavior or keep their cats away from certain areas. Here are some tips on how to use smells to deter cats:
- Natural repellents: Some natural repellents that cats hate are citrus peels, lavender sprigs, eucalyptus leaves, or chili flakes. You can place them in areas where you don’t want your cat to go, such as your garden, your furniture, or your countertops. However, make sure to replace them regularly, as they can lose their potency over time.
- Essential oils: Some essential oils that cats hate are citrus oils, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, or peppermint oil. You can dilute them with water and spray them on surfaces where you don’t want your cat to scratch, bite, or mark. However, be careful not to spray them directly on your cat, as they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Also, make sure to use only high-quality and pure essential oils, as some synthetic or adulterated ones can be harmful to cats.
- Keeping a clean litter box: One of the most common reasons why cats avoid their litter box is because it is dirty or smelly. Cats are very clean animals, and they prefer a fresh and odorless litter box. Therefore, make sure to scoop out the waste daily, and change the litter completely every week. You can also use unscented or natural litter, as some scented or clumping ones can be irritating to cats.
- Properly training your cat: The best way to prevent unwanted behavior from your cat is to properly train them. You can use positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats, or toys, to reward your cat for doing what you want them to do. You can also use a loud noise, such as a clap, a hiss, or a spray bottle, to startle your cat and stop them from doing what you don’t want them to do. However, never use physical punishment, such as hitting, kicking, or throwing, as this can hurt your cat and make them fearful or aggressive.
