Clay Jenkins
Cats have a powerful sense of smell, with some estimates suggesting it's 14 to 40 times stronger than a human's. This means that certain scents, which may be appealing to humans, can be overpowering for cats and even cause irritation. So, what smells do cats hate? Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are widely reported as being repulsive to cats. Scents like lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme, and cinnamon are also disliked by cats and can even be toxic to them. Strong-smelling household cleaners, such as vinegar, soap, and bleach, are off-putting to cats, as are essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and clove oil. Understanding these unpleasant smells can help cat owners create a more pleasant environment for their feline friends and deter them from unwanted areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Citrus fruits | Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit |
| Herbs | Lavender, rosemary, thyme, rue, peppermint |
| Other plants | Coleus canina, eucalyptus, banana |
| Other | Vinegar, coffee, dirty litter box, unfamiliar cats, predator urine |
What You'll Learn
Citrus fruits
Cats are known to dislike the smell of citrus fruits. Their heightened sense of smell, with 14 to 40 times more olfactory receptors than humans, makes them extremely sensitive to strong, citrusy scents. This natural aversion to citrus is advantageous for cat owners, as it can be used to deter cats from certain areas of the home or garden. For example, placing orange peels among flowers can help keep cats from digging up your garden, and spraying a citrus scent on indoor fabric can discourage scratching.
The aversion to citrus scents can be attributed to the high concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in these fruits. VOCs are gases released into the air, serving as scent-based clues that warn cats of potential dangers or toxic substances. This evolutionary trait helps cats navigate their environment and stay safe.
In addition to citrus fruits, cats also tend to avoid other scents such as vinegar, soap, and household cleaners. These smells may not be as strong as citrus, but they are still off-putting to cats and can be used as alternatives for deterrence. Overall, understanding a cat's sense of smell and their aversions to certain scents can help create a more pleasant environment for both the cat and its owner.
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Coffee
Some cats do seem to enjoy the smell of coffee. There are several anecdotes of cats rubbing their cheeks on coffee beans, rolling around on them, and even drinking from cups of coffee. However, these cats are the exception rather than the rule.
If you want to keep cats away from your garden or certain areas of your home, there are several other scents you can try. These include lemon, grapefruit, orange, citrus, lavender, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, and pine.
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Lavender
Cats may be exposed to lavender by ingesting the plant (fresh or dried), inhaling or licking lavender essential oil, or coming into contact with lavender-containing products. While lavender exposure is usually not fatal, it can cause mild to moderate toxicity.
Signs of Lavender Toxicity in Cats
- Skin redness and inflammation
- Sneezing and/or wheezing
- Eye discharge or excessive tearing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Lethargy and unwillingness to play
- Slower breathing rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Liver failure, which can cause rapid weight loss and yellowing of the skin, eyes, and gums
Protecting Your Cat from Lavender Poisoning
To protect your indoor cat from lavender poisoning, it is recommended to:
- Keep lavender out of reach of cats.
- Choose cat-friendly plants like catnip, oat grass, valerian, Cat's Claw, and licorice root instead.
- Lock away lavender oil and skincare products containing lavender.
- Avoid using topicals and diffusers containing lavender essential oils.
- Avoid lavender-scented sprays and only use them with extreme caution.
- Avoid patting your cat after handling lavender essential oils, and wash your hands before touching your cat.
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Eucalyptus
Cats are known for their curious nature and strong sense of smell, which is 14 times stronger than that of humans. While they may be drawn to certain scents, like catnip and their food, there are other smells that cats dislike and even find harmful. One such smell is that of eucalyptus.
Native to Australia and Tasmania, eucalyptus plants include various species ranging from small leafy plants to large trees. The leaves are commonly used for medicinal and aromatic purposes, providing a pleasant and relaxing fragrance for humans. However, for cats, the scent of eucalyptus is not only unpleasant but also toxic.
The main toxic component in eucalyptus is eucalyptol, also known as cineole. This chemical is challenging for cats to metabolize, and ingestion can lead to damage to their internal organs. Symptoms of eucalyptus toxicity in cats include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, spasms, and trembling. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, especially if the cat experiences seizures, severe lethargy, or problems with heart rate or blood pressure.
Due to the potential dangers, it is recommended to keep eucalyptus products away from cats. This includes dried or fresh eucalyptus leaves, as well as eucalyptus essential oil, which can be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or even if it comes into contact with the cat's skin or fur. If you suspect your cat has been exposed to eucalyptus, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately for guidance.
While most cats will naturally avoid eucalyptus due to its pungent smell, it is essential to take precautions to ensure your cat's safety. This may include keeping eucalyptus plants out of your home or in areas inaccessible to your cat.
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Vinegar
Cats are sensitive to smells and can be easily repelled by certain scents. One smell that is known to deter cats is vinegar. According to Dr. Marci Koski, a certified cat behaviour and training consultant, "most cats despise the scent of vinegar".
The strong, pungent aroma of vinegar overpowers a cat's senses and masks any potential food sources in your home. Cats tend to steer clear of vinegar when the scent is strong, so it is best to use white distilled vinegar as apple cider vinegar has a slightly sweet scent that may attract cats.
To use vinegar as a repellent, dilute it with water (usually a 1:1 ratio) and place it in a spray bottle. You can then apply it to areas where you want to keep cats away. It is important to note that vinegar should not be sprayed directly on plants, as it can damage and kill them.
In addition to being a repellent, vinegar is also a safe and effective cleaner for cat households. It can be used to clean litter boxes, pet fountains, and pet bedding without the use of dangerous chemicals. Vinegar can help neutralise odours, kill bacteria and germs, and remove stains.
While vinegar is generally safe for cats, it is important to monitor how your cat responds to it. In some cases, cleaning cat urine with vinegar may compel a cat to urinate in the same area again, as they may be trying to overpower the unwanted scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Cats tend to hate the smell of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. They also dislike the smell of lavender, rosemary, thyme, vinegar, coffee, and peppermint.
Cats have a very strong sense of smell, about 14 to 40 times stronger than humans, and use it as one of their primary tools to understand the world around them. Their aversion to certain smells may be rooted in survival, as some of these smells, such as citrus, lavender, and vinegar, can be toxic or harmful to them.
You can use citrus peels or juice to create a homemade cat repellent spray or sprinkle them in your garden to keep cats away. You can also try planting lavender, rosemary, or thyme densely around the perimeter of your yard. For indoor areas, vinegar can be added to homemade repellent sprays, but be sure to dilute it with water so it's not too strong.
Yes, it is important to avoid using essential oils, especially those containing phenols, as they can be toxic to cats. Additionally, while peppers and pepper flakes may deter cats, they can also be harmful to them due to the presence of capsaicin.
