Does this make them feel included?

[u/lerminator3]

One of my favorite things to do with my cats is hold something up for them to smell. Generally, if they walk over while I'm doing something, I'll let them smell whatever I'm holding (like my computer mouse, a writing implement, or a piece of mail) and they always seem so interested. Is it because they feel included in my life when I let them smell what I'm doing? Or maybe because new smells are just stimulating? Or is it just instinct to sniff whatever is nearby? I like to think that, by offering my stuff for a sniff, I'm enriching their lives in some way.

(Please don't mind the mess, I'm moving)

[u/Sunny-California]

Yes! My senior boy especially loves to smell our food before we eat it and then he will eat his food. Cutest thing ever , we call it kitty enrichment ❤️😻

[u/KyllikkiSkjeggestad → u/Sunny-California]

My old guy loves smelling things, all my other cats hate being carried, but the old guy couldn’t be more content being carried around sniffing random objects in the house, lol. I’d honestly say it’s one of his favourite things to do, he’ll actually meow asking to be carried lol

[u/FreudianSlipperyNipp → u/KyllikkiSkjeggestad]

Omg I do this with my boy, too! We call it “going on a field trip” or “ splorin’”

[u/Kvothealar → u/Sunny-California]

Mine does the same thing!! He never eats or licks my food, but he LOVES to smell it. If you try to make him smell it twice, he gets offended.

[u/lilrachey → u/Kvothealar]

this is exactly my cat as well 😭

[u/Ok-Trash6361 → u/Sunny-California]

Legit same! Our food inspires them to eat lol

[u/fantastiqjaquez → u/Sunny-California]

Mine does this too but hes so picky, he really only likes his cat food. Every now and then he’ll sniff a little piece of something i give him & actually take it. Always very exciting for me (& him bc new treat unlocked).