Cats have an overdeveloped sense of smell compared to us poor humans. They are therefore particularly sensitive to odors, not approaching a place that gives off an unpleasant odor. Conversely, certain scents make them totally crazy and delirious. What are the plants in the garden whose smell will attract or repel your cats? ... or those of the neighbor for that matter!
Cats' favorite smells
Nepeta cataria
This plant has an explosive effect on cats, it makes them completely euphoric and hyperactive. It is the nepetalactone in catnip that produces this reaction, it stimulates their spirit and energy, causing cats to do unusual things like jump on animals that only they can see. It causes visual and auditory hallucinations. They will also frantically lick, eat and rub against the catnip, thereby intensifying its effects. The action of the plant lasts about fifteen minutes, after which the cat will move away from it and cleanse itself.
Mint and basil are in the same botanical family as catnip and can also have this same effect on cats.
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian has a terribly attractive effect on cats, its active ingredients stimulate their nervous system, inducing feelings of well-being and euphoria. It has about the same effects as catnip, although less intense.
Olive Tree
Cats love to rub against olive trees, and if you bring an olive branch to your cat, be sure that he will be crazy about it and will rub against it. A scratching post in this material is a particularly wise choice! A substance contained in the olive tree, oleuropein, indeed produces narcotic effects on these little felines, just like olives and olive oil for that matter. It makes them more active, they can show behavior like when they are in heat.
Namely: not all cats are attracted to the olive tree in the same way, some react more to the oil, others to the leaves, still others to all parts.
Related: Things that threaten your cat's life
The worst smells for cats
Geranium
Pelargonium spp
Most cats don't like scented geraniums, so there's no risk of them scratching your flower pots!
Lemon verbena
Aloysia citrodora
Its delicate lemon smell strongly displeases cats who pass by this aromatic plant.
Eucalyptus
This smell is an effective repellent for cats who hate it, and they are right because eucalyptus is toxic for them.
Fraxinella
Dictamnus albus
This pretty plant also called “burning bush” gives off a quite powerful vanilla lemon scent that keeps cats away.
The very keen sense of smell of cats sometimes causes them to behave very markedly, stubbornly refusing to approach those they abhor while those they adore drive them crazy. And it's kind of funny how the smells cats love and the smells they hate are the opposite of the smells we love or hate!