Cats have a very developed sense of smell thanks to their more than 67 millions of olfactory receptors. In comparison, humans have only 5 million. The privileged nose of felines makes this sense and related behaviors implicitly part of the language and communication of cats, however, sometimes, the meaning of certain behaviors can become an unknown to the tutors.

If you got here, you’re 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 taken place in the environment and in the different individuals with whom they live. Occasionally, cats even analyze a substance “tasting” it, which is known as flehmen. We can appreciate this feline behavior, also present in other species, when the cat raise the lips and open your mouth, showing the teeth, so that the aroma reaches the organ of Jacobson, also known as the vomeronasal organ.

However, it is important to note that this behavior goes far beyond the mere fact of being informed, as it is also part of the pattern of affective behavior. In addition to grooming and rubbing, a cat can sniff certain parts of the body 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 smell their mouths or, even more curious, why cats smell their anus.

Why does my cat look for my nose?

The Social interactions They are especially important for domestic cats, as well as environmental enrichment. All of this has a direct impact on well-being and emotional stability. While hunting games or brushing are basic routines that we must provide a cat for a proper emotional relationship, there are many other behaviors that are important, as is the “smell”.

When cats smell our nose, as well as other areas of the body, we should know that we are greeting in a friendly way, which is also translated as a healthy, positive relationship and a strong bond.

This argument would also answer other related questions such as “why my cat smells my mouth” or “why my cat smells my face when I sleep”. They are behaviors that the cat carries out to become familiar with the new smells, keep a close up with your human and build affective bonds.

We will also observe other signs, such as raised and relaxed ears, open mouth, relaxed mustache, raised tail and a quiet way of walking.

Why does my cat lick and bite my nose?

It may happen that, in addition to approaching your nose, your cat will touch your nose with its nose, or even worse: that the lama and bites her. We should know that many cats bite their caregivers as a invitation to the game, although when it is too sudden, this behavior can be caused by errors in the socialization of the puppy cat or due to premature separation of his mother and siblings.

Although a soft bite should not be interpreted negatively, when a strong bite occurs we are faced with an unwanted and painful behavior that should not be ignored, especially if the cat lives with small children. In this case we advise stop the interaction and leave of the place, so that the cat understands that, when a bite takes place, the attention, the game and the affection finish.

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, let’s use toys that act as an intermediary between our body and the cat, in addition, the feline can bite at will, thus promoting the natural behavior 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 to learn more about cats, we will 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, we is offering a valuable gift. Some experts theorize about this behavior and suggest that the cat considers us lousy hunters, however, there is no scientific evidence about it.

Why does my cat touch my face?

Some cats use the legs when they are related to their caregivers, this gesture suggests that the cat is looking for get our attention. It is usually shown in a session of caresses, accompanied by purring. This explanation is also valid when we ask ourselves why my cat covers my mouth.

Why does my cat knead and get excited?

The kneading behavior begins when the cat is a puppy and stimulates its mother for milk production. In his 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 tutor 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 tutor and feline. It is one of the most natural gestures of affection, because it is associated with grooming. Some cats also lick us when we sleep. We must pay attention to this behavior when it is done compulsively and anxiously, consulting a veterinarian if it is very exaggerated.

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