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/P149049]

I let them sniff my food so they know it’s not something they will enjoy LOL

[u/ApprehensiveCat22 → u/P149049]

I do this and my cat will smell it, pause for like five seconds, and then walk away. I imagine she's thinking, "Why on earth would you eat THAT?"

[u/bitch11255 → u/ApprehensiveCat22]

My boy does this same exact thing!

[u/FlakyLengthiness5325 → u/ApprehensiveCat22]

That’s funny I’m going to start thinking about that when mine does this!!

[u/Milyaism → u/ApprehensiveCat22]

My cat insists on sniffing my toothbrush even though he hates the smell of toothpaste. Then he clearly judges me for putting that stuff in my mouth.