Cats are able to detect odours 14 times better than humans because they have a special part of the sense of smell - the vomeronasal or Jacobson's organ. It is used in cases where a delicate aroma needs to be captured.

Of course, cats react to scents depending on their individual preferences, but there is a list of scents that cats hate or, on the contrary, love. Read OBOZREVATEL's article to find out which smells have a calming effect on cats and which can cause severe allergies.

Olive tree

The leaves, as well as the trunk of the tree, contain oleuropein, which acts on four-legged animals like catnip. Upon smelling the olive tree, your cat may lick the trunk of the tree and start rubbing against it. However, there is an important caveat: the effects of oleuropein on animals are not yet well understood.

Smell of honeysuckle

Honeysuckle has a well-known calming effect. Its leaves are often used as herbal medicine to combat anxiety, insomnia, and stress in animals. However, honeysuckle berries are highly toxic to cats and can lead to severe poisoning.

Lavender scent

Cats react to lavender in different ways: they can either love it or be indifferent to it. Lavender belongs to the same plant family as catnip.

Thyme

Thyme infusion has a pronounced therapeutic effect: it calms, has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat inflamed eyes in animals. Thyme tea can help if your cat has conjunctivitis or allergies.

Synthetic pheromones

Some experts recommend using pheromone-based scents to calm an overly active or aggressive cat. The smell of these chemical compounds cannot be picked up by the human sense of smell.

Synthetic pheromones were invented to mimic the scents your cat is familiar with, which induce a sense of security and calmness. They are often made from organic fatty acids and valerian essential oils.

Scents that scare cats away

Pungent synthetic perfumes

Don't wear strongly scented perfumes when you have a cat around, as their nose is much more sensitive to smells.

The smell of citrus

Citrus fruits are a very strong and dangerous allergen for cats. Do not try to let your cat smell lemons or oranges.

Paint, varnish, glue

If you are planning to make repairs, take care of your pet's safety in advance. Cats do not like the smell of paint, glue, or varnish.

Alcohol

Cats hate the smell of alcohol and all alcoholic beverages without exception. Excessive alcohol is also on this list, so don't be surprised if your cat avoids you after a fun-filled night out and refuses to sleep with you.

Essential oils

Essential oils such as rosemary, lemon (and all citrus fruits), and lavender may not appeal to cats, but they can be used to discourage them from marking their territory. Spritz the surface with essential oil and the cat will stop doing its "business" there.

Onions, garlic, spices

All spices, as well as onions and garlic, have too pungent an aroma for cats. Vanilla should be singled out separately - there is no certainty here: some cats like this smell, while others may find it extremely disgusting.

Vinegar and household chemicals

If you often use folk life hacks with vinegar as a key ingredient, or simply clean surfaces with chemicals, try to avoid exposing your cat to these smells. The fact is that fumes can lead to allergic reactions and mucosal irritation.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told how to tell a cat's mood by its tail.

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