Confessions of a Cat Sniffer

| Print | By Jo Singer | April 23, 2009 4:14 PM

A few weeks ago, while answering questions in an internet cat community, one in particular jumped off the page since I so strongly identified with the asker. Her question: "I like the smell of my cat; please tell me I'm not the only one". I had to chuckle and reminisce for awhile before I could answer.

So once again I am going "public". For years I had been keeping a deep dark secret! I was far too embarrassed to share about what I considered to be a very strange habit. I was hiding the fact that I secretly sniffed my cats.

Now you may think that this is a bit bizarre, but once I discovered that our Oriental Shorthairs, Hush Puppy and Hubble, have a "nutty" scent, quite different and unique from other cats I have sniffed, I was doomed. I am a habituated "sniffer."

I carefully hid this truth for ages concerning my sniffing addiction. But one night, when my cat Hubble seriously injured himself and needed an immediate trip to a veterinary emergency clinic, while the doc was treating him, we started to talk about our cats. I felt sufficiently comfortable to bite the bullet and I shyly shared that I sniff my cats and how much I enjoyed their scent. She laughed and told me that she preferred chewing her cat's ears to sniffing. Since I had never considered that possibility, the next day, I sneakily nibbled on Hush Puppy's ears, and discovered that his ears were in fact, "tasty". But I must warn readers there is a downside to gentle ear chewing; they may become rather soggy if one overindulges. "Moderation in all things", is my motto.

23-troublesit.JPGEmboldened, since my "confession" was not ridiculed by the ER vet, I became more courageous. It was about time for me to take the next step; checking out with other cat people if they also indulged in cat sniffing. Initially cautious at first, I began asking my cat-loving buddies if they ever sniffed their cats or nibbled on their ears. I was rather amazed and felt totally liberated when I learned that lots of folks enjoyed sniffing and nibbling.

Since people were forthcoming and honest, sharing little tidbits of information comparing our sniffing and nibbling techniques, a group of online friends who were avid sniffers and nibblers began networking. It was rewarding to watch how this group was growing, as folks freely admitted how much they enjoyed these small acts of love directed toward their cats.

It soon became evident that there was a need to organize a cat sniffer's chat where folks who might still be "closet" sniffers could gather and feel less isolated. One of the most ardent sniffers and I decided to initiate a Friday evening "Sniffer" chat. We were astounded by the number of folks who showed up in the room, with most everyone attending in a "sniffer" screen name. Of course I took the name "Troublesniffer." The chat was a huge hit!

I wish there was another Sniffer chat available. Who "nose" though...? Someone might just jump on in and start gathering a group of devoted sniffers and nibblers again. I sure hope that an enthusiastic cat sniffing purrson may be sufficiently inspired to step up to the plate.

How do you feel about cat sniffing and nibbling? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts.

RELATED TOPICS:



« Previous
Next »

Comments (19)

jmuhj April 23, 2009 5:20 PM

AH, THE TRUTH COMES OUT. And now that you've come out, I will, too. I nibble AND sniff. And I don't confine my nibbling to the ears, though they are very nommable. I love tail tips, too. Very satisfying. Especially for those of us with lifelong Tail Envy. (oh, btw, can you post the link to that anonymous group? I need to join.)

jmuhj April 23, 2009 5:23 PM

Oh, and I almost forgot to add. Behind the ears is where cats smell most delectable. Like fresh little flowers, actually. And Trouble has such gorgeous big ears -- I melt just imagining sniffing them. ;) ^^

Vicki April 23, 2009 6:05 PM

I must say I am about to bust a gut laughing over this. I am at a loss for words here. All I can do is laugh, laugh, laugh!

Iniki April 23, 2009 6:31 PM

Oh dear....yes I am a sniffer and nibbler. Our cats have an outdoor enclosure where they can safely go to enjoy the sun and fresh air. When they come in the house they smell absolutely WONDERFUL!! The big long needle pine trees scent their fur so beautifully. Yes I am a sniffer and an ear nibbler. When we were raising a litter of kittens I nuzzled and nibbled and sniffed them in an attempt to familiarize them with me. It worked. Thanks for a great article.

Skylark April 23, 2009 7:49 PM

Uh-oh! I must admit that I, too, am a cat sniffer. I just love the smell of my cats. I have three, and each one has a unique smell that I just can't get enough of!

I didn't realize that they all had different smells until I brought home the third cat a month ago and noticed how he didn't smell like either one of the two resident cats. He has his own special smell, perhaps peculiar to Siamese cats? When I lost my 18 year old soulmate Siamese, KC, 6 years ago, I kept a tuft of his fur in a little ceramic kitty box. I still sniff that hank of fur and wish for one more chance to hold him and sniff his neck.

Isn't kitty love wonderful??

pointedcat April 23, 2009 9:42 PM

Hmmm. The photo of the white cat with HUGE ears gives one a target to dream about. LOL

Ruth April 24, 2009 2:39 AM

I just love the aroma of cats too ! I love to nuzzle my nose right in to our Jozef's tummy,I'd like to do it to Walter too but I value my skin lol Jo is a very laid back cat and enjoys lots of nuzzling,sniffing, kissing, but Walt is a different story,kisses on top of his head are allowed but no nuzzling lol I often have a fix next door too, our neighbour has 14 wondrous smelling cats !!! Some real cuddly ..... I LOVE LOVE LOVE cats !!!!!

Babz April 24, 2009 3:49 AM

My name is Babz and I'm a cat sniffer! I have long been addicted to pushing my nose amongst cats pads and inhaling the aroma. Oh the relief to know I am not alone haha.

kelebek April 24, 2009 1:47 PM

I must admit that I am a cat sniffer too. It started with my beloved Tiger, as he would sleep next to me most nights and I would rest my chin on his head and I noticed his "smell".

Sue April 24, 2009 3:42 PM

My cat, Juju smelled like fresh rain. When he came in from outside, I always used to sniff him, I loved that scent, it was his scent, and I've never had another cat smell like that. Juju got hit by a car when he was 11. I'm sure I don't have to tell your readers how awful it hurt. About a year later I was walking into my office, folding up my umbrella, and I got that scent of fresh rain and it brought instant tears to my eyes at the memory of him. Now, I always think of Juju when it rains in the spring, I can smell him and it makes me happy to remember him.

I think it's cool that you sniff your cat. I'm thinking of chewing on my Lucy's ear, because she is always sucking on mine, it would be great payback! :)

Amy April 24, 2009 3:43 PM

OK I have to be honest and say I never heard of such a thing. But after I thought about it bit it hit me I have done this once or twice in all the years I have had cats. Not that I have any plans on doing it all the time but it might occur to me to take a quick sniff.
Hum could this possibly be another way to keep track of the cats health? Think about it, it could be very interesting to see if it is possible to notice something different in the cats scent when he feels well and when he possibly might be sick!!!

moonshdw April 27, 2009 9:27 PM

confirmed cat sniffer, that I am. But its not just confined to cat people, I have rats and ferrets, also. Ferret and rat owners also sniff their babies (did you know that some of the little devils smell like corn chips?

Sharon the sniffer! May 6, 2009 6:02 PM

Confession! I thought I was the only sniffer! I sniff both my cats and I find it soothing and calming when I sniff their bellies and listen to them purr at the same time. I also kiss my little guys right on the mouth and nose when they are sleeping! I just cant help it. Oh, but I dont talk about it that much because people think we are nutz! LOL Last note...I am also kow as the feline fecal-detective. If I want to know who just poopied, I lift their tale and yes, indeed I sniff!

Detective June 1, 2009 9:46 PM

Great job with the info. How did you find it? Please let me know.

Sweetkitty September 17, 2009 8:39 PM

I love to nibble my kittys ears... he purrrrsssss and get or snuggle. I think he is my little sweetie pie.. he is a beautiful boy

Kat October 28, 2009 8:02 PM

Devoted sniffer of paws, necks and heads. Ruv the smell of slightly damp fur (not wet - wet means you have a divine smelling animal who is very grumpy).

Dana November 11, 2009 8:59 PM

my husband and I love the smell of our cat, Fluffy. We bury our faces in his fat tummy and inhale...

lol November 14, 2009 10:12 PM

damn i never new cat ears tasted so damn good i have a confession my cat turkltun (turk) he is 1 and i nibbled on his ears but 2 nights ago i started to nibble on his ear and then i walked into the kitchen got a knife got my cat put him on the choping bored and cut his ears of.
he ran of making some noise then i put some oil in the frying and put his ears in after about 5 mins they wer done so i put them on a plate put some salt and peper on them and ate after coughing up a few heir balls when i was done with them they were very taste i went to look for my cat i found him under a bush with no ears i took him in put some tape on his wounds then i choped his tail of it was so tasty . so i am left with a cat with no ears or tail.hahahahahhaaha lol dont try this at home i did not to this so dont do this although i do like to snif my cats paws

NibbleEars November 19, 2009 8:26 PM

I enjoy nibbling my orange tabby cat's ears [timmy] and I have been doing so for the past 6 years that I have had him. He seems to enjoy it and always makes biscuits while I do it. Although my other grey tabby cat [max] doesn't seem to enjoy it as much...then agian,he has the most amazing scent.Of a wild wind blowing through the mountian tops.

add your comment

Advertisement

Petside: Get Started

Advertisement

Specials

Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!

Newsletter & Deals

Register now for Newsletters and Personal Tools.

Your Name: Your Email:

Your privacy is important to us.
Click here for the full policy.