Did you know that your cat only smells strong food?

@winterose (39887)
Canada
March 7, 2008 5:39pm CST
Did you know your cat only smells strong food like fish and that is why sometimes when you through food scraps it does see it directly under its head and will not now it is there? also Sense Of Smell The feline sense of smell is often referred to as smell tasting. It is technically called flehman. Cats use their Jacobson's Organ, a "sense organ in their gums that can be activated by chemical stimuli and store up scents." When taking in a new scent, the cat opens his mouth and slightly pulls back his uper lip. This allows the cat's sense of smell to take a picture of each new scent.
4 people like this
4 responses
• Canada
7 Mar 08
I can prove that theory wrong. My cat can smell anything, he knows when anything is being cooked or ready to be eaten. Every time we're in the kitchen, he's there begging for food, he knows what we're doing.
2 people like this
• United States
8 Mar 08
Just because your cats are begging in the kitchen doesn't mean they can smell the food. Cats are smart and they learn very fast that when you are in the kitchen that means food
2 people like this
• Canada
8 Mar 08
Even when we're not in the kitchen, he comes running. He smells anything.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
8 Mar 08
cats learn different things, if you rattle a bag, that means food, if you run the can opener that means food come into the house with a bag they know that there is a good possibility food is in it because you bring groceries into the house. none of this has anything to do with their sense of smell, it has to do with association and what triggers them to think their is food.
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
8 Mar 08
I have noticed that about my cats. I have seen them with their mouths slightly open as though they are trying to catch a scent. Now I know why. I never knew this before so thanks for the information it really is something good to know. Also tells me why I can throw her food and she doens't always go straight to eating. And no wonder cat foods stink more then dogs..lol
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
14 Mar 08
Hey thanks for the best response I really appreciate it alot.
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
8 Mar 08
That explains why mosist and wet cat food smells so strongly. I was not aware of that. Now it all makes sense though. My cat loves tuna and such.
1 person likes this
@no_chao (548)
• Philippines
8 Mar 08
i dont know that!!.. maybe beause whatever food im eating shes always there asking to give her some!!.. actually they have a body alarm for their meal.... they know when exactly to have their food... and if i forgot to feed them in that time they will be the one who will tell me so... like hunging around me while watching TV or facing computer... they even yell at me if i dont pay them attention... and if i started to move they are the one who run first to their plate.... lucky them that i undertand what they want to say!!.... ^_^
1 person likes this