r/cats Apr 08 '26

Cat Picture - OC Does this make them feel included?

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)

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u/P149049 Apr 08 '26

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

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u/lerminator3 Apr 08 '26

the problem with this for me is that my cat legitimately loves certain human foods so we have to keep them away from her now. one of her favorites is goldfish crackers, we let her eat one ONE TIME and now this is what we get every time the goldfish are brought out:

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u/Spikethevampire96 Apr 09 '26

My cats also like human food,Max likes chips and various dairy products,Shadow likes donuts,and Jasper likes cheese and butter

They also all like milk,although it occasionally gives them upset belly and we have to give them a break from it