Research overview: olfactory and scent enrichment for captive felids

Because cats rely heavily on smell for hunting, social communication and exploring their world, scent-based enrichment is a natural fit for felid welfare. This overview surveys studies adding novel odours, including spices such as cinnamon and chili, herbs, prey scents, predator and conspecific odours, and plant attractants like catnip and silver vine, to captive cat enclosures. It examines evidence that such scents increase investigation, rubbing, rolling and activity while reducing inactivity, and notes that responses vary by species and individual and often habituate, requiring rotation. It also considers scent marking and the welfare value of allowing cats to deposit and detect their own marks, framing olfaction as an underused enrichment channel.