Well, not specifically because I want to make them feel included, it is to stimulate them and satisfy their curiosity. Also helps skittish cats and dogs to gain confidence by introducing them to new smells constantly in a safe way.
Smells are way more important to both cats and dogs than humans, and more than most people realize. Example: I see a lot of people around walk their dogs and not letting them sniff properly but just tug them along, thinking that the physical exercise and waste management are the sole purpose of walks.
We have a retired hunting dog, turned 11 on Sunday actually, and she’s still ridiculously hard to tire by physical exercise. The only way to get her proper tired is mental stimulation. Sniffing is a big part of that. 30min calm patient walk is way better than 60min of “COME OON” -hurried impatient walk.
Disclaimer: not all dogs etc., but… most dogs.
smell is awesome because it has a massive potential time delay. like inagine if every sound came with distant echoes of every other sound it encountered on the way to your ear
All the time. I just wish I could understand them because they always seem to contemplate carefully whatever I have them smell, which makes me wonder what they are thinking.
Keep your secrets, inscrutable feline.
“cool. when is dinner” -your cat
Yes, and my dog too. She always sniffs it very seriously, especially if it’s a package that has been delivered. It’s a big deal to them.
I do this with my dog. When I unpack groceries, I give him everything to sniff for 2-3 seconds. I think new smells is something exciting for them.
I like to let my dog sniff each food as I take it out of the bags and put it away. I figure, if I can broaden his world, why not? He seems to enjoy his role in the process
Same, I also pick her up and show her the counter top in the kitchen if I spend a long time in there, just so she knows what’s going on
All the time. She’ll get frustrated if I don’t. She’s very interested in what I eat. Probably judges me for it too.
“human, this isn’t raw meat, what are you doing?”
Love the username BTW.
Yes but not bananas. If either of them get to sniff bananas they just take a big bite, skin and all.
Not only this but I pick my cat up so she can smell things she normally can’t reach. Or get to a bug on the ceiling.
This is the way
All the time
I just moved and my cat really really wanted to smell the tape measure. I don’t know why, but it’s always like a minute long process along the length I happen to have out. I wouldn’t dare deny her, especially when she is so thorough.
my cat is sad.
no one else in his family is a cat
we are all human except for him
he is excluded from most things
and no one tells him why
he just wants to play
and be loved
he looks at us with wonder
and disappointment
he says hello i am a cat what is my existence
what is that / why it and not me / please can you look at me and love me too
can i have some of your food please im sorry i dont like my food so much
do you want to play with my toys? this one is my favourite
do you like me
are we brothers
why didnt i grow up
why am i so small
can you help me be happy
where are you going
–Spencer Madsen
I do this.
Yeah, if they look like they’re curious.
Hell yeah, kitty! This new box DOES smell fresh and ready for fun, right?
