Although cats appear aloof or cute and coquettish in daily life, seemingly fearless, they actually have an innate rejection and dislike for certain smells. Because cats have a sensitive sense of smell, they can detect many subtle odors. Cats also rely on their keen sense of smell for foraging, so it’s not only dogs that use smell to find food. The smells that frighten cats are mainly some irritating odors.

The smells cats dislike most are probably lemon and orange scents, which are quite sour. These two fruits have stimulating effects on a cat’s sense of smell, so many people now keep fresheners or perfumes with these scents at home, applying the perfume to furniture or places where they don’t want cats to touch, thus preventing damage to furniture.

You can also spray leaves and surroundings of potted plants and flowers at home to avoid cats’ curiosity leading to spills and a messy home. This method is quite effective, and friends can try it. The smell of garlic will also make cats stay far away.

Other irritating smells cats fear include some chemical products, which are also common, such as medicated oil and insecticide. Medicated oil has a strong smell and is sometimes used to invigorate people; however, cats will strongly reject this odor.

Insecticides do affect cats’ health since they contain toxins that act not only on pets but also on humans. Although some insecticides have minimal impact on humans, considering the health of household pets, it’s best to avoid cats’ contact with them by keeping such products on high shelves or inside cabinets.

Mothballs, essential oils with mint scents, and the like all have stimulating odors. When cats smell these, they tend to keep their distance. If when you come home wanting to play with your cat but find it avoiding you, try checking if your clothes carry any odors it dislikes. Changing clothes and then playing with it is a good approach.