A Cat’s Nose Knows Best: The Role of Scent in Feline Dining

In her latest Channel episode, Petra discusses the eating habits of cats vs. dogs and why cats are such picky eaters. Much of their fussiness can be attributed to their strong reliance on scent when selecting food (unlike humans, who primarily rely on taste when determining what to eat). This unique characteristic has significant implications for cat parents when choosing the best food for their companions—food that their cats will actually eat.

Why Scent is So Important to Cats

Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, far more sensitive than that of humans. A cat's olfactory system contains around 200 million scent receptors. Compare that to a human’s measly 5 million¹! A cat’s keen sense of smell plays a critical role in their survival as obligate carnivores in the wild, helping them detect prey and avoid spoiled or toxic food.

When it comes to domesticated cats, this heightened sense of smell influences their food preferences. Cats will often reject food that doesn’t smell appealing to them, regardless of the flavor or nutritional content. For felines, the aroma of food serves as an indicator of its quality and safety. A strong, appetizing scent suggests to the furball that the food is fresh and free from harmful substances.

The Role of Aroma in Commercial Cat Food

Understanding the importance of scent in a cat’s eating habits has guided the development of commercial cat foods. Manufacturers often enhance the aroma of their products, to make them more appealing to cats., by using natural meat flavors, broths, or even specific aromatic additives that mimic the scent of freshly killed prey. When shopping for cat food, consider selecting products known for their strong, appealing smells to increase the likelihood that your cat will actually consume the food you just forked over big bucks for.

Tips for Using Scent to Select Cat Food

1. Offer a variety of aromas. Just as cats in the wild have a varied diet, offering indoor cats different flavors and scents can keep them interested in their food.
2. Warm up the food. Warming cat food slightly can enhance its smell and appeal. This is especially useful if your cat tends to be picky or has recently lost interest in their regular food.
3. Avoid strongly scented household products. Strong smells from cleaning products, perfumes, or even other pets can interfere with your cat’s ability to detect the aroma of their food, making them less likely to eat. (Not to mention, some of these cleaning products can be toxic to our felines, as our friends the Two Crazy Cat Ladies discuss in their recent video, Cats Are Toxic.)

By understanding the crucial role that scent plays in a cat’s diet, we can make more informed choices about the food we offer our feline friends. Ensuring this food is not only nutritious but also aromatic can make a significant difference in their overall health and happiness.

Until next time, stay CatCrazy! 

Sources:
PAWS Chicago - "Cat Senses—How Felines Perceive the World"