What Smells Do Cats Hate? 20 Smells That Cats Hate the Most
Cats have a much better sense of smell than we do. While we might enjoy certain scents, cats might find them unpleasant or even repulsive. Knowing which smells cats dislike can help with managing their behavior and making your home more comfortable for them.
1. Citrus
Cats don’t like citrus smells. Scents from lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits are very off-putting to them. You can use citrus-scented cleaners or put citrus peels in certain areas to keep your cat away.
2. Lavender
Cats don’t like the smell of lavender, even though humans find it pleasant. To keep your cat away from a spot, you can use lavender-scented products.
3. Mint
Cats don’t like minty smells, such as peppermint and spearmint. Keep mint-scented items away from where your cat likes to hang out.
4. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has a strong smell that can bother cats. It’s good to avoid using eucalyptus-based products around your cat.
5. Cinnamon
Cats don’t like the strong smell of cinnamon. They avoid it, whether it’s in candles, potpourri, or food.
6. Vinegar
Cats dislike the sharp smell of vinegar. It’s safe for them, so you can use it for cleaning or to keep them away from furniture and restricted areas.
7. Garlic and Onion
Cats don’t like the strong smell of garlic and onion. Besides being toxic if eaten in large amounts, their smell alone can keep cats away.
8. Pepper
Cats dislike the spicy smell of peppers, like chili and black pepper. Keep pepper away from their food and play areas.
9. Pine
Cats don’t like the smell of pine. Pine-scented cleaners or potpourri can help keep your cat away from certain areas.
10. Ammonia
Ammonia has a strong smell that cats find unpleasant. When using ammonia-based cleaners, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
11. Bleach
Cats dislike the strong smell of bleach. While bleach is useful for cleaning, use it carefully and keep your cat away from areas where you’ve just used it.
12. Petroleum-Based Products
Cats find the smell of gasoline and motor oil very unpleasant. Keep these items stored safely to avoid any accidental contact with your cat.
13. Rubbing Alcohol
Cats don’t like the strong smell of rubbing alcohol. Keep it away from them to keep your curious cat safe.
14. Nail Polish Remover
Cats find the smell of nail polish remover, which contains acetone, unpleasant and potentially harmful.
15. Camphor
Camphor, used in some ointments and mothballs, is disliked by cats. Avoid using products with camphor around them.
16. Cigarette Smoke
Cats don’t like the strong smell of cigarette smoke. If you smoke, do it outside to avoid exposing your cat to harmful chemicals.
17. Rubber
Cats don’t like the smell of rubber. Rubber toys or mats might not be their favorite.
18. Fishy Smells
Cats enjoy eating fish, but strong fishy smells, like from raw fish, can be too strong for them. Keep fishy odors under control.
19. Paint Fumes
Cats don’t like the smell of fresh paint. Make sure to air out the room well while and after you’re painting.
20. New Carpet
New carpets have a strong chemical smell that can bother cats. Let the carpet air out before letting your cat into the room.
Using Smells to Manage Cat Behavior
Knowing which smells cats dislike can help you manage their behavior. You can use these smells to keep your cat away from certain areas or to stop unwanted actions. Just make sure not to stress or harm your cat in the process.
Each cat is different, so while most cats dislike these smells, some may not. Pay attention to how your cat reacts and adjust your methods if needed.
Note: Although these smells are generally safe, avoid letting them touch your cat’s skin or eyes. If you’re unsure about using any of these smells, ask your veterinarian for advice.
What do cats hate to keep them away?
Cats usually don’t like strong, sharp smells. They tend to avoid citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, and herbs like rosemary, lavender, and peppermint. They also dislike cleaning products with ammonia or bleach. Coffee grounds, vinegar, and some essential oils like eucalyptus and citronella can also be unpleasant for them. Keep in mind that not all cats react the same way, so you might need to try different scents to see what works well.
What smells do cats like?
Cats usually like nice, natural smells. They often enjoy catnip, but they might also like valerian root, olive, honeysuckle, and some flowers like roses and daisies. Many cats are also attracted to the scent of their owners, especially after a bath or when wearing familiar clothes. Since every cat is different, trying out different scents can help you find what your cat enjoys the most.