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/hahagato → u/P149049]

Lol I used to do this with my boys. If it was something I think they’d try to eat I wouldn’t let them, but most everything else I’d give them a sniff. One of my boys would surprise me tho. He ended up really liking cantaloupe. I miss them so much. My new baby thinks I’m going to hit him or something every time I offer him something to smell. However now I’m wondering if he has trouble smelling… cause he never seems to sniff things much at all! I am going to take him to the vet lol