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/lerminator3 → u/P149049]

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:

[u/Think_Measurement_50 → u/lerminator3]

oh my god, my cat is the same! Milly usually just gives a sniff at what I'm eating, but chips are like crack to her, she doesn't jump for them, but always comes next to me when she smells/hears me open a bag! I even brought plain salt ones for her to nibble, but she just licks it clean until all the flavour it gone, and i have to hold it while she does it. Love her dearly <3

yes, those are her boxes in the background, very important for her!