Cats have a highly developed sense of smell thanks to their more than 67 million olfactory receptors. By comparison, we humans have only 5 million. The privileged nose of felines makes this sense and related behaviors an implicit part of the language and communication of cats, however, on some occasions, the meaning of certain behaviors can become unknown to guardians.
If you have come this far, you may be wondering, why does my cat smell my nose? You should know that this behavior is very common and that it is related to attachment. You want to know more? Keep reading!
The sense of smell in cats
Cats use the sense of smell to extract information, because in this way they know the changes that have occurred in the environment and in the various individuals with whom they live. Sometimes cats even analyze a substance by “tasting” it, which is known as flehmen . We can appreciate this feline behavior, also present in other species, when the cat raises its lips and opens its mouth, showing its teeth, so that the aroma reaches the Jacobson’s organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ.
However, it is important to point out that this behavior goes far beyond the simple fact of being informed, since it is also part of the pattern of affective behavior . In addition to grooming and rubbing, a cat may sniff certain body parts as another form of social interaction. In fact, if you live with several cats, you will have observed similar behaviors. This intention to gather information perfectly explains why cats sniff their mouths or, even more curiously, why cats sniff their anuses.
Why is my cat looking for my nose?
Social interactions are especially important for domestic cats, as well as environmental enrichment . All this has a direct impact on well-being and emotional stability. Although hunting games or brushing are basic routines that we must provide a cat for an adequate emotional relationship, there are many other behaviors that are important, such as “sniffing”.
When cats smell our nose, as well as other areas of the body, we should know that they are greeting us in a friendly way , which also translates as a healthy, positive relationship and a strong bond.
This argument would also answer other related questions such as “why does my cat smell my mouth” or “why does my cat smell my face when I sleep”. They are behaviors that the cat carries out to become familiar with new smells , maintain a rapprochement with its human and build emotional ties .
We will also observe other signs, such as raised and relaxed ears, open mouth, relaxed mustache, raised tail and a calm way of walking.
Why does my cat lick and bite my nose?
It may happen that, in addition to approaching your nose, your cat touches your nose with its nose, or even worse: that it licks and bites it. We must know that many cats bite their caregivers as an invitation to play , although when it is too abrupt, this behavior may be caused by errors in the puppy cat’s socialization or due to a premature separation from its mother and siblings.
Although a soft bite should not be interpreted in a negative way, when a strong bite occurs we are faced with unwanted and painful behavior that should not be ignored, especially if the cat lives with small children. In this case, we recommend stopping the interaction and leaving the place, so that the cat understands that, when a bite occurs, attention, play and affection end.
In addition, we must avoid playing with our hands and feet, because in this way the feline will understand that the parts of our body do not bite or scratch. Ideally, when playing with a cat , we use toys that act as an intermediary between our body and the cat, in addition, the feline will be able to bite them at will, thus promoting the natural behaviors of the species.
Other curious behaviors of cats
Now you know the reasons that encourage your cat to smell your nose, your face and other areas of the body. However, in order for you to learn more about felines, we are going to show you other curious behaviors that you may not know how to interpret:
Why does my cat bring me stuffed animals?
This behavior is closely related to hunting. When a cat brings us a dead animal or a stuffed animal, he is offering us a valuable gift . Some experts theorize about this behavior and suggest that the cat considers us lousy hunters, however, there is no scientific evidence for this.
Why does my cat touch my face?
Some cats use their paws when interacting with their caregivers, this gesture suggests that the cat is looking to get our attention . He is usually shown in a petting session, accompanied by purring. This explanation is also valid when we ask ourselves why my cat covers my mouth.
Why does my cat knead me and get excited?
The kneading behavior begins when the cat is a puppy and stimulates its mother to produce milk. In its adult stage, the cat continues to maintain this behavior, since it generates pleasure and well-being. It is a very positive behavior that shows the good bond between guardian and feline.
Why does my cat lick me?
Cats also use licking to socialize. It is a very positive behavior that shows the good bond between guardian and feline. It is one of the most natural gestures of affection, as it is associated with grooming . Some cats also lick us when we sleep . We must pay attention to this behavior when it is carried out compulsively and anxiously, consulting a veterinarian if it is very exaggerated.
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