{"id":92198,"date":"2022-04-22T12:13:31","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:13:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/"},"modified":"2022-04-22T12:13:32","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:13:32","slug":"what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/","title":{"rendered":"What does it mean if a cat sniffs your face?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#What_does_it_mean_if_a_cat_sniffs_your_face\" title=\"What does it mean if a cat sniffs your face?\">What does it mean if a cat sniffs your face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_smell_my_nose_and_mouth\" title=\"Why does my cat smell my nose and mouth?\">Why does my cat smell my nose and mouth?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_sniff_and_lick_my_face\" title=\"Why does my cat sniff and lick my face?\">Why does my cat sniff and lick my face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#What_does_it_mean_when_a_cat_smells_you\" title=\"What does it mean when a cat smells you?\">What does it mean when a cat smells you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_smell_inside_my_mouth\" title=\"Why does my cat smell inside my mouth?\">Why does my cat smell inside my mouth?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#What_does_it_mean_when_a_cat_sniffs_your_nose\" title=\"What does it mean when a cat sniffs your nose?\">What does it mean when a cat sniffs your nose?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_keep_smelling_my_face\" title=\"Why does my cat keep smelling my face?\">Why does my cat keep smelling my face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_smell_me_then_open_his_mouth\" title=\"Why does my cat smell me then open his mouth?\">Why does my cat smell me then open his mouth?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_smell_and_lick_my_face\" title=\"Why does my cat smell and lick my face?\">Why does my cat smell and lick my face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_keep_sniffing_my_face\" title=\"Why does my cat keep sniffing my face?\">Why does my cat keep sniffing my face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_like_licking_my_face\" title=\"Why does my cat like licking my face?\">Why does my cat like licking my face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Should_you_let_your_cat_lick_your_face\" title=\"Should you let your cat lick your face?\">Should you let your cat lick your face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_do_cats_smell_their_owners\" title=\"Why do cats smell their owners?\">Why do cats smell their owners?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_sniff_me_then_walk_away\" title=\"Why does my cat sniff me then walk away?\">Why does my cat sniff me then walk away?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_put_his_nose_in_my_mouth\" title=\"Why does my cat put his nose in my mouth?\">Why does my cat put his nose in my mouth?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_do_cats_like_the_inside_of_your_mouth\" title=\"Why do cats like the inside of your mouth?\">Why do cats like the inside of your mouth?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#What_does_it_mean_when_a_cat_smells_you_and_opens_its_mouth\" title=\"What does it mean when a cat smells you and opens its mouth?\">What does it mean when a cat smells you and opens its mouth?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_sniff_my_nose\" title=\"Why does my cat sniff my nose?\">Why does my cat sniff my nose?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#What_does_it_mean_when_your_cat_sniffs_your_face\" title=\"What does it mean when your cat sniffs your face?\">What does it mean when your cat sniffs your face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_try_to_smell_my_breath\" title=\"Why does my cat try to smell my breath?\">Why does my cat try to smell my breath?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#What_does_it_mean_when_a_cat_smells_your_face\" title=\"What does it mean when a cat smells your face?\">What does it mean when a cat smells your face?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_is_my_cat_sniffing_me_more_than_usual\" title=\"Why is my cat sniffing me more than usual?\">Why is my cat sniffing me more than usual?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-it-mean-if-a-cat-sniffs-your-face\/#Why_does_my_cat_smell_my_face_at_night\" title=\"Why does my cat smell my face at night?\">Why does my cat smell my face at night?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_if_a_cat_sniffs_your_face\"><\/span>What does it mean if a cat sniffs your face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sniffing your face: Cats rely heavily on their strong sense of smell to give them information about food, prey, and their general surroundings. When a cat sniffs your face, theyre simply <b>trying to commit your scent to memory. It helps them build trust and familiarity, so let your cat sniff away!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_smell_my_nose_and_mouth\"><\/span>Why does my cat smell my nose and mouth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When a cat smells our nose or mouth, they are extracting information from its most potent source. However, a main reason a cat smells our face or sniffs our nose is simply <b>to greet us. While different cultures prefer a hand shake, cheek kisses or even a bow, cats use nose touching to say hello.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_sniff_and_lick_my_face\"><\/span>Why does my cat sniff and lick my face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you often find your kitty curling up near your face and giving you a quick sniff before settling down, <b>theyre just reminding themselves that you are indeed part of their comfort zone. Its similar to them headbutting against your noggin. They both are sweet signs of affection!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_when_a_cat_smells_you\"><\/span>What does it mean when a cat smells you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you often find your kitty curling up near your face and giving you a quick sniff before settling down, <b>theyre just reminding themselves that you are indeed part of their comfort zone. Its similar to them headbutting against your noggin. They both are sweet signs of affection!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_smell_inside_my_mouth\"><\/span>Why does my cat smell inside my mouth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Most cats take comfort in their owners smell, especially if theyre bonded with them, and use it to distinguish who they are. Cats are also drawn to the warmth and moisture that human breath produces. Hungry cats will sniff your breath to seek out food, particularly if youve just eaten meat and fish.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_when_a_cat_sniffs_your_nose\"><\/span>What does it mean when a cat sniffs your nose?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sniffing Your Face Like any feline, cats rely heavily on their nose to tell them whats going on around them. They learn about potential prey, dangers, other cats, and their general surroundings. When your cat sniffs your face, <b>theyre taking in information too: what you smell like!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_keep_smelling_my_face\"><\/span>Why does my cat keep smelling my face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you often find your kitty curling up near your face and giving you a quick sniff before settling down, <b>theyre just reminding themselves that you are indeed part of their comfort zone. Its similar to them headbutting against your noggin. They both are sweet signs of affection!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_smell_me_then_open_his_mouth\"><\/span>Why does my cat smell me then open his mouth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Why Do Cats Do The Flehmen Response? Although it might look like your cat is recoiling in disgust, <b>its actually just pulling back its upper lip, in order to suck air in and filter it through the vomeronasal region. Scientists reckon that the sensory information is somewhere in between taste and smell, only in HD.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_smell_and_lick_my_face\"><\/span>Why does my cat smell and lick my face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Cats use licking to socialize. Whether they are licking your face, head or any other part of your body, it is another positive sign of kinship. It is associated with grooming and is a sign they consider us part of the family. They want us to stay happy and healthy.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_keep_sniffing_my_face\"><\/span>Why does my cat keep sniffing my face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When your cat sniffs your face, <b>theyre taking in information too: what you smell like! Sniffing your face allows your cat to familiarize themselves with your scent so that they can recognize it, and you, in the future. Once they commit your scent to memory, they are better able to identify you going forward.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_like_licking_my_face\"><\/span>Why does my cat like licking my face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>To show affection<\/b> For cats, licking is not only used as a grooming mechanism, but also to show affection. By licking you, other cats, or even other pets, your cat is creating a social bond. Part of this behavior may stem from kittenhood when your cats mother licked to groom them, as well as to show care and affection.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_let_your_cat_lick_your_face\"><\/span>Should you let your cat lick your face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats pick up the same bacteria when they clean themselves, too, so letting your cat lick your mouth, nose or eyes is <b>not recommended.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_cats_smell_their_owners\"><\/span>Why do cats smell their owners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats recognize their owners by scent. They sniff their owners <b>to learn their scents and get familiar with them. If your cat repeatedly sniffs you, especially if you recently added them to your home, they are using their senses to learn about their environment.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_sniff_me_then_walk_away\"><\/span>Why does my cat sniff me then walk away?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If they want to interact they will most likely approach you and engage in social behavior after sniffing you, such as rubbing on you or trying to sit with you. She adds that <b>if they dont want to interact, theyll usually walk away or ignore you, in which case its best to let them have their space.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_put_his_nose_in_my_mouth\"><\/span>Why does my cat put his nose in my mouth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>However, a main reason a cat smells our face or sniffs our nose is simply <b>to greet us. While different cultures prefer a hand shake, cheek kisses or even a bow, cats use nose touching to say hello. We know this because we see them do it with other cats in their family group.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_cats_like_the_inside_of_your_mouth\"><\/span>Why do cats like the inside of your mouth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Grooming is a significant sign of affection in cats. If a cat licks your mouth or face, <b>its showing genuine love and affection for you. If your cat grooms your face, its looking after you. When cats have bonded, they care for each other in this way.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_when_a_cat_smells_you_and_opens_its_mouth\"><\/span>What does it mean when a cat smells you and opens its mouth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turns out, this open-mouth sniffing face is caused by something called the <b>flehmen reaction, and its perfectly normal. Cats have an organ at the roof of their mouths behind the teeth called the vomeronasal organ, or Jacobsons organ.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_sniff_my_nose\"><\/span>Why does my cat sniff my nose?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sniffing Your Face Like any feline, cats rely heavily on their nose <b>to tell them whats going on around them. They learn about potential prey, dangers, other cats, and their general surroundings. When your cat sniffs your face, theyre taking in information too: what you smell like!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_when_your_cat_sniffs_your_face\"><\/span>What does it mean when your cat sniffs your face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sniffing your face: Cats rely heavily on their strong sense of smell to give them information about food, prey, and their general surroundings. When a cat sniffs your face, theyre simply <b>trying to commit your scent to memory. It helps them build trust and familiarity, so let your cat sniff away!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_try_to_smell_my_breath\"><\/span>Why does my cat try to smell my breath?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats sniff your breath <b>because its one of the most unique smells your body produces. Most cats take comfort in their owners smell, especially if theyre bonded with them, and use it to distinguish who they are. Cats are also drawn to the warmth and moisture that human breath produces.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_when_a_cat_smells_your_face\"><\/span>What does it mean when a cat smells your face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sniffing your face: Cats rely heavily on their strong sense of smell to give them information about food, prey, and their general surroundings. When a cat sniffs your face, theyre simply <b>trying to commit your scent to memory. It helps them build trust and familiarity, so let your cat sniff away!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_my_cat_sniffing_me_more_than_usual\"><\/span>Why is my cat sniffing me more than usual?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>It means she likes you, and is pleased to see you. Cats have scent glands in their faces. When they rub against you, it is an act of greeting and co-mingling scents with you.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_smell_my_face_at_night\"><\/span>Why does my cat smell my face at night?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As cats are more affectionate than we often give them credit, <b>they might be smelling your face just to say hello. Cats will sleep and snuggle with other cats, even grooming each other in turns.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents What does it mean if a cat sniffs your face?Why does my cat smell my nose and mouth?Why does my cat sniff and lick my face?What does it mean when a cat smells you?Why does my cat smell inside my mouth?What does it mean when a cat sniffs your nose?Why does my&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-92198","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92198"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92198"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92198\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92198"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}