How do you tire out a cat without making them run? Easy, fabCat – give them something to sniff! It’s one of their most important senses, helping cats discover and remember everything in their surroundings. So why not use it for play? Today we’ll explore how to add scent games to your cat’s routine, stimulate their mind, and leave them happily snoozing. Stick with us, fabCat!

Why Do Cats Love Nosework?

Sniffing is second nature to cats. Whether exploring a new place, meeting a new human, or encountering another cat, they use their nose and Jacobson’s organ to collect all the key information about their environment. That’s also why they rub and scratch objects around them – they’re marking their territory with their scent to feel safe and at home. But when cats live indoors in a familiar space, there aren’t many new scent adventures waiting. And that’s a shame!

Like hunting, sniffing lets your cat unleash their inner tiger and fulfill deep-rooted instincts. So while stalking, chasing, and catching should be part of every play routine, nosework also deserves a spot in your cat’s daily schedule. It’s a fantastic way to mentally stimulate your kitty, ease boredom and stress, and do it all without forcing physical exertion.

Key benefits of nosework: 

→ Less movement, more thinking – your cat burns calories without stressing their joints

→ A slow pace – you can adjust the difficulty to your cat’s capabilities

→ Motivation to act – treats (in moderation!) help keep the fun going

How to Add Nosework to Your Cat’s Play Arsenal?

The beauty of nosework is its versatility. It’s great for active and mobile cats as a fun enrichment tool, but it also works wonders for senior cats, those with limited mobility, or lazybones who usually ignore toys altogether.

Where to start? Here are a few fun scent-based games you can try:

1. “The Gourmet Sniffer”

The easiest way to activate your cat’s sniffer is by hiding their favorite treats. You can use a snuffle mat, puzzle toys, or household items like an empty toilet paper roll, a kitchen towel, packing paper, or even shredded scraps.

Toss a few treats inside and let your cat use all their senses to dig them out. Just make sure the materials are safe and free of sharp bits like staples or plastic ends. This game gives your kitty an instant reward for successful “hunting” – satisfaction guaranteed, fabCat.

2. “The Fluffy Gardener”

Got a safe, enclosed backyard or a leash-trained kitty? You’ve already got the perfect scentwork arena! Outdoor walks and environmental changes offer an endless source of new smells. Just ensure your cat doesn’t come near toxic plants or areas sprayed with chemicals – they might later lick it off their paws.

You don’t have to trek around the entire neighborhood. To your cat’s nose, even a single bush near the building is like stepping into a Parisian perfumery! Walk slowly and give your cat time to explore every scent. Back home, your little explorer will crash into a glorious nap.

3. “Cat Sherlock”

This one’s for the pros! If your cat is already a master at classic treat hunts and enjoys a good challenge, try cranking up the difficulty. Hide treats in several shoeboxes filled with crumpled paper or fabric scraps, and place them around the house. Let your cat do some real detective work to find them all!

Safety First, fabCat!

Whether you’re going for indoor treat hunts or outdoor scent adventures, your cat’s safety should always come first.

• If your kitty is overweight or has dietary restrictions, go easy on the treat-based nosework. If you know food is a strong motivator, gradually make the challenges harder to encourage more effort and problem-solving in exchange for each reward.

• If you’re offering scent exploration throughout the house, avoid artificial fragrances or essential oils that may be toxic or irritating for cats. Scents like tea tree or citrus are best kept far from your feline’s sensitive nose. Opt instead for cat-safe herbs like catnip, valerian, or matatabi – your little sniffer will thank you!

• Don’t overwhelm your cat with too many new scents. Start slow – introduce one smell at a time or keep sessions short. Watch your cat’s body language: if they get tired or bored, end the session and try again tomorrow. Over time, you can make walks longer and puzzles harder. Your cat will let you know when they’re ready for more!

Is scentwork already part of your daily routine, fabCats? Or are you just gearing up for your very first fragrant adventure? Let us know in the comments under today’s Facebook post, fabCats → https://www.facebook.com/myKottypl/