Why Do Cats Smell Good? – Unlocking the Mystery

Did you know cats have their own smell, which like a lot of cat things is uncommonly nice? That’s one of the more endearing parts of owning a cat.

There’s nothing quite more inviting than that soft, sweet smell of a freshly groomed kitty or that funky natural musk that stays on your skin after a cuddle. The particular scent of cats is something that many of us just can’t get enough of.

Cats smell so good? Are they doing something more than constantly grooming themselves?

In this article, we explore why cats smell good, an exploration of the cat’s grooming habits, biology and environment that keep the coat sweet smelling. So lets see why do cats smell good?

The Role of Cats’ Grooming Habits

And that cats’ obsession with grooming makes one of the major reasons they smell so good.

Although cats are fastidious self groomers and spend up to 50% of their waking hours licking and grooming themselves, hairballs do not adhere to the Ick Factor.

They keep themselves clean, and prevent the buildup of odors, all with constant attention to their fur.

This all happens from the cat’s rough tongue, which ends up playing a very important part of the whole process.

Covered in tiny hook like structures which assist in collecting dirt, loose fur, or other debris, and leaving the coat soft and polished.

Grooming also allows for the distribution of cats’ natural oils produced by their sebaceous glands which aid in that fresh, pleasant scent!

The Importance of Natural Oils in Cats’ Fur

• While you don’t have to brush or comb your cat, its fur is more than a protective layer. It is also a natural reservoir for oils that provide the coat with shine and smoothness.
  
• Skin and fur need these oils, which are secreted from sebaceous glands which lie near the skin. This helps to preserve the skin from dryness and works to hold a balanced pH.
  
• Although not overpowering, these oils can create a subtle, fresh aroma of your cat’s coat that owners recognize means a clean, well cared for kitty.
  
• Virtually scentless, these natural oils have a fine but distinct oil scent that both humans and cats find pleasant and reassuring.
  
• Also, these oils serve as a protective cover against environmental pollutants that improve the freshness of the feline smell habitually.

Scent and Hygiene: A Clean Cat is a Happy Cat

• A cat’s instincts are also deeply ingrained with hygiene. Grooming is used in the wild to keep a cat coat (or fur) clean for temperature regulation, scent masking and general health.
  
• This still exists in domesticated cats and a tidy cat is often a smelly one.
  
• Grooming aids you in removing dirt and dead skin which can prevent bacteria and parasite build up and that can produce some unpleasant odours.
  
• Regular grooming and caring for a cat mean it’s less likely to develop body odor.
  
• This means that a frequently groomed cat should smell far plainer than one not as instinctive to attend to its coat.

How Diet Affects a Cat’s Smell

How much a cat smells is affected by what they eat. This means that cats are obligate carnivores, and thrive on the proteins in animal products.

What they eat (or don’t eat!) can also impact their natural scent and the type and quality of food they eat. A balanced diet of high quality cat food keeps a cat’s coat healthy and a cat’s smell pleasant.

Conversely, an awful body odor may be brought on by a poor diet. They may be stronger and smell more pungently if the food is artificial additives or full of fillers.

They also benefit from a diet rich in omega 3s, as these fatty acids also help the quality of a cat’s skin and coat, which will contribute to the cat’s naturally sweet smell.

Environmental Factors Affecting a Cat’s Scent

A cat’s scent can also be a result of the environment in which it lives. Outdoor cats, for instance, will smell muskier (if we can believe such terms) or more earthy because they’ve been out in the elements.

Their fur get’s trapped by rain, wind, and the smells of the outdoors so they tend to have a smell, often described as wild.

That being said, indoor cats tend to smell cleaner and fresher, for they are not exposed to much surrounding contaminants.

When an indoor cat is contained to an area known as home they will lack outside elements that will effect the cat’s natural scent and therefore have a softer, less distinctive indoor scent.

Weather and seasons also do. For example, different cats may smell different in winter than in summer.

Firstly, because their fur, like all fur, adapts to changes in temperature and this is why their fur changes with the seasons too.

The Cat’s Pheromones: Communication Through Scent

The scent profile of cats is unique and complex, in great part, they make it thanks to the pheromones that they emit.

The chemical signals are how these cats and animals communicate amongst each other. There are secretions from various scaly glands on the face, paw and tail.

It’s when a cat rubs its face on furniture or people that it deposits these pheromones, making it smell good to the cat because it’s what it’s used to, and it’s a good thing.

These pheromones have a calming effect on the cat, and part of its appeal and reassure Factor human and other cats.

Breed-Specific Factors and Scent

Some may find it interesting that different cat breeds may smell completely different from each other. All cats usually groom themselves and keep cleanliness but some breeds have their own particularities regarding the scent.

For example, Russian Blues and Siamese are famous for being sweeter or more delicate smelling than other breeds.

Some of this difference in scent is due to genetics, some breeds make different amounts or types of oils and pheromones, which can alter their overall fragrance.

Their scent perception is also influenced by coat texture, length and how you groom your dog.

Health and Scent: When a cat’s smell changes, you have to wonder why

A cat’s scent normally doesn’t change, but if it does it may signify an illness. Foul odors from a cat can be caused by something more serious including dental disease, skin infections, or urinary tract infections.

Illness can also lead to a pungent smell when a decrease in care while grooming leads to oils and dirt and bacteria building up.

Any changes in scent are important for cat owners to notice and go get an appointment with a vet should the smell be really strong or bad.

Keeping A Cat Fresh Scented

Regular grooming will help keep your cat smelling good. Brushing your cat’s coat can remove dirt and loose fur, and prevent your cat forming any mats.

That way, their natural oils spread evenly so they stay shiny and smell fresh.

Cats are self grooming animals but there are some breeds or for some conditions a bath may be necessary. Use a cat specific shampoo and make sure the water isn’t too hot or there is a risk of causing stress or even discomfort.

Trimming your cat’s claws every now and then as well as giving them clean ears will also keep them healthy from head to toe.

Wrap up on Why Do Cats Smell Good?

This cat fragrance comes from the natural oils, their grooming habits, their phamones and their general health.

The smell is pleasant, unique and comforting, and is just another aspect to like about the fact you have a feline companion.

Knowing how factors causing a cat’s smell will help your cats remain fresh and healthy for you.

The smell of a kitty is incomparable, there’s something about the lingering yet delicate smell of a fluffed cat, or a freshly washed kitty after you’ve pamperd them. Their scent is positively unique.

Just another way to strengthen the connection between you and your beloved cat is to enjoy and sustain that nice smell.

See More:

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• What B Vitamin is Good for Cats with Allergies?
• Can Cats Eat Dog Food? A Pet Owner’s best solutions
• How to Bring a Cat to a Hotel – expert best review
• How Many Lost Cats Are Reported in a Year? – cats Idea

FAQ: Why Do Cats Smell Good?