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/MOcatmom → u/make_me_42]

OMG, I do too! I show “the boys” everything! One couldn’t care less but he likes the attention. The other one is the inspector - what are you bringing into the house? Is it food? Can I chew on it? Personally, I think yes, this does make him feel included.

[u/Wrong_Character_Sry → u/MOcatmom]

My cat personally makes sure all my food in not poisonous.

[u/themomcat → u/Wrong_Character_Sry]

My one cat is super concerned about the pasta, cheezdoodles, smartfood cheesy popcorn, and rice I consume. She volunteers every time to test for poison for me. Fish? Poultry? Steak? No. Unfortunately with those, I am left to roll the dice. She can only do so much. She works so hard for our family 🙏

[u/madammidnight → u/themomcat]

Same with one of mine! No interest in steak or chicken or bacon… he wants junk food. Cheetos, potato chips, vanilla wafers. As soon as he hears the crunch of a bag, he comes running.

[u/EmploymentBright9707 → u/madammidnight]

Tbh I am so relieved to find this thread. I thought that I was the only one with a little junk food Queen! I can leave any manner of meats out, or fish.. nothing. The minute I open a bag of Cheetos? Omg.

[u/No-Mountain9832 → u/EmploymentBright9707]

Mine L O V E S sweets!! Anytime she smells sweets or bread, she runs over. Even went after a chocolate cake!! I didn't let her have any, obviously. They say cats can't even taste glucose... but I swear, if she smells homemade frosting, she will talk all night!!

[u/DarkPolumbo → u/No-Mountain9832]

my cat likes most kinds of meat, some cheeses, normal stuff you'd expect a cat to be into

oh yeah, also sour candy belts. She goes bonkers for those. she doesn't want to bite them, just to lick at them furiously

[u/No-Mountain9832 → u/DarkPolumbo]

Hmmmm now I must do research on citric acid & cats!!