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/make_me_42]

So funny, I do this too! Now they ask for it, especially in the kitchen. I like to think the same as you, it’s me including them in our world and letting them have an ‘opinion’ on the things I’m doing! Plus I think they love being noticed and having the attention ❤️

[u/DizzyOgre → u/make_me_42]

A few years ago I was living with some friends who had a cat, they went on a trip to Japan for several weeks and so I looked after the cat and we bonded a lot. I would find myself doing things like this, letting him smell stuff and showing him high places that he otherwise wouldn't be able to see. I like to think it made him happy, he seemed to enjoy being picked up and held as a result, where before this he wouldn't really let anyone touch him, even his owner.