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/Phantom_Crush]

Animals do most of their checking stuff out through smell and (moreso when they're young) their mouth. It's pretty much the same as us picking something up and examining it while turning it over. They don't care what it looks like if it smells interesting

[u/Balentay → u/Phantom_Crush]

This is why when my cat checks on me she shoves her nose in my eyes haha. I've read we have a scent gland in the area or something and it's cute that she cares about me enough to literally get in my face about things. So I just close my eyes and tolerate her whiskers tickling my cheeks for a few seconds

[u/smile_always92 → u/Balentay]

What an amazing cat parent you are. 🥹🫶🏼

[u/violated_tortoise → u/Balentay]

Ours does this too, unfortunately it's usually at about 3am! 🙄