What smells make cat run away?

I. Pungent Spices

Some common pungent spices in our kitchen, such as onions, garlic, and chili peppers, are like “biochemical weapons” to cats.Even just by smelling these scents, cats will instinctively stay away to avoid getting hurt. The pungent smell of chili peppers will strongly irritate the extremely sensitive olfactory system of cats, making them feel uncomfortable. So, when you are cutting onions or garlic in the kitchen, or cooking dishes with chili peppers, cats will often quickly hide in another room and will only appear cautiously after the smell dissipates.

II. Citrus Fruits

The scents of citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, and lemons are also highly disliked by cats. These fruits are rich in aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, and this smell is too strong for cats with a keen sense of smell. When cats smell it, they will find it pungent and uncomfortable, just like how humans feel when they smell overly pungent chemical agents. Many cat owners will notice that when they touch cats right after eating an orange, the cats will disdainfully move away and may even show a disgusted expression.

III.Certain Plants

While some plants attract cats, others send them running. Mint, for example, is invigorating for humans but unsettling for cats due to the presence of menthol, which can overstimulate their nervous system. Lavender, another popular scent for relaxation, is also disliked by cats because of its strong fragrance. If you have these plants at home, you’ll likely notice your cat giving them a wide berth.

IV. Chemical Agents

The scents of chemical agents such as perfumes, air fresheners, and insecticides are also the “nightmares” of cats. The complex chemical components in perfumes may be a source of irritation for cats and can interfere with their olfactory perception. The volatile chemical substances contained in air fresheners and insecticides not only have a pungent smell but may also cause harm to the respiratory system of cats. Once cats smell these scents, they will immediately become alert and quickly flee the scene to find a place with fresh air. So, when using these chemical agents, be sure to isolate the cats to prevent them from coming into contact with them and ensure the health and safety of the cats.

By understanding these scents that cats are afraid of, we can take better care of them in our daily lives. We can not only avoid letting cats come into contact with these scents and feel uncomfortable but also skillfully use these scents to regulate cats’ behavior.