Of course it will!Your cat can even understand more about that “little stray cat” than you do.Any “side cat” you pet outside—whether it’s cat number three or cat number four—has no chance of escaping your cat’s nose.Inside a cat’s nasal mucosa, there are about 40 to 80 million scent receptor cells, and some cats can even have up to 200 million.Humans, by contrast, only have around 5 million.This means a cat’s sense of smell is dozens of times stronger than ours.And it’s not just the nose.The Jacobson’s organ (vomeronasal organ) located on the roof of a cat’s mouth helps them detect pheromones and gather even more information about other animals.So when you get home and your cat rushes over to sniff you nonstop—don’t even bother resisting.The smell of other cats on you…has already given everything away.
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What Can Cats Smell From You?
Every cat releases its own unique pheromones from special glands located between the eyes, on the lips, on both sides of the cheeks, on the paws, and around the anal area.If you pet an outdoor cat and it rubs these areas against you repeatedly, you’ll bring home even more information—making it easier for your own cat to pick up on everything, such as:Is the “other cat” male or female?Is it an adult or still a kitten?Is it in heat?Is it healthy, especially its digestive system?Is the cat grumpy or a sweet little gentle one?Is it aggressive or extremely territorial?Was it indifferent to you, or super enthusiastic and affectionate?
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How Does Your Cat Feel About It? Watch Their Reaction
Bringing another cat’s scent home is, in your cat’s eyes, a form of unintentional resource sharing—their territory and their human.Different cats react differently:Some cats don’t mind at all.They believe resources are abundant, and they don’t care if their human was “used” by another cat for a moment.Some cats care at first.They sniff carefully, confirm the “third cat” isn’t a threat and that you didn’t bring the outsider home. After that, they calm down.Some cats are extremely possessive.They won’t get mad at you, but they’ll head-butt you nonstop, lick you, and rub their scent all over you—essentially re-stamping you with their own smell to reclaim ownership.Some cats sense danger from the outsider’s scent.They interpret it as a serious territorial invasion.This may trigger anger, biting, growling, or even stress-induced spraying and inappropriate urination.
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After Petting Cats Outside, How Do You Comfort Your Own Cat Properly?
Wash your hands immediately, and remove any stray cat hair.Change shoes at the entrance as soon as you get home.Wipe your whole body with a towel that carries your own cat’s scent.If possible, toss your clothes into the washing machine right away and take a “battle shower” to eliminate all scents.Use catnip, toys, or treats to divert your cat’s attention so they forget the unpleasant part.
Wishing your little furball happiness every single day — may your kitty always have someone who adores them, and may you, the devoted cat parent, live joyfully with a feline who loves you back.If you have any other questions about cat care, feel free to leave a comment!
