Whether you’ve noticed your cat cuddling up extra close or acting more aloof than usual, you may have wondered if your feline friend can sense when you have your period. It’s not uncommon for pet owners to observe changes in behavior in their cats and dogs that seem to coincide with their menstrual cycles. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence behind cats’ ability to detect periods, look at typical behaviors you may notice, and provide tips for managing your cat compassionately during this time.
Do Cats Have an Advanced Sense of Smell?
Yes, cats have an extraordinarily advanced sense of smell compared to humans. Cats have over 200 million odor-detecting cells in their noses, whereas humans only have around 5 million (1). This means a cat’s sense of smell is over 40 times more sensitive than a human’s (2). They can detect scents and follow scent trails far better than we can. In fact, a cat’s sense of smell is 14 times stronger than a human’s (3). Their powerful noses allow cats to gather a wealth of information from scents in their environment.
With such an acute sense of smell, cats can detect odors we humans can’t even perceive. They can notice smells from far away and discern scents we find indistinguishable from one another. Cats use scent signals to recognize other cats, mark territory, find mates, locate valued objects like food or litter, and detect threats in their surroundings. Their superior sense of smell helps cats effectively navigate and understand the world around them.
Sources:
(1) https://www.pawschicago.org/news-resources/all-about-cats/kitty-basics/cat-senses
(2) https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/kitten/play/cat-senses
(3) https://www.rover.com/blog/how-far-can-cats-smell/
Can Cats Detect Menstrual Cycles?
Yes, research indicates that cats can detect when a woman is menstruating. Cats have an extremely advanced sense of smell, much more so than humans. Their olfactory glands are 14 times larger than humans, and they have over 200 million scent receptors in their noses (compared to only 5 million in humans) 1.
This allows cats to detect very subtle changes in hormones and scent. When a woman is menstruating, the hormonal fluctuations and presence of menstrual blood creates changes in odor that cats can pick up on 2. The smell and hormonal changes associated with menstruation alert cats that something is different.
When cats detect that a woman is menstruating, they may exhibit behavioral changes like becoming more affectionate and clingy, meowing more, sniffing around the woman’s body, or even showing mild agitation. The shift in hormones and scent signals to cats that something unusual is happening with the woman’s body.
Why Would Cats React to Periods?
Cats may react to periods due to their strong sense of smell and instincts as predators. Cats have a much more powerful sense of smell than humans, with around 200 million odor-sensitive cells compared to only 5 million in humans (Source). This allows them to detect even minute changes in odor, including the hormonal shifts associated with menstruation.
As natural hunters, cats are also highly attuned to any potential vulnerability in prey animals. The blood associated with menstruation mimics signs of injury or weakness, which can pique a cat’s curiosity and predatory drive. Cats are also naturally investigative creatures and any novel or unusual scent, like menstrual blood, will interest them and potentially elicit peculiar behaviors as they try to understand it (Source).
Typical Cat Behaviors Around Menstruation
Cats may exhibit a variety of behaviors in response to their owner’s menstrual cycle. Some of the most common cat reactions include:
Cuddling and Attention-Seeking: Studies show that cats often become more affectionate and seek more attention from their owners during menstruation. Your cat may suddenly want to cuddle or sleep on your lap when you are on your period.
Agitation: Some cats may become restless or agitated when they sense their owner is menstruating. This agitation could lead to behaviors like pacing, meowing insistently, or acting out.
Changes in Appetite: You may notice changes in your cat’s appetite and eating habits when you have your period. Some cats lose their appetite and don’t eat as much. Other cats seem hungrier than usual.
Territorial Behavior: Cats rely on scent signals in their environment. When your scent changes due to menstruation, your cat may become unsettled and engage in territorial marking through spraying urine or rubbing their face on objects.
Increased Affection Towards Male Humans: Interestingly, during an owner’s period, some male cats become more affectionate and attention-seeking with human males in the household, possibly because they can sense the female owner’s changing hormones.
Should You Be Concerned About Your Cat’s Reaction?
Most of the time, your cat’s curiosity and behavior changes during your menstrual cycle are perfectly normal. According to veterinarians, there is usually no need to be concerned if your cat shows more interest in you, becomes more affectionate and clingy, or seems intrigued by the scent of your period. These are natural reactions stemming from their advanced sense of smell 1.
However, you should consult your vet if your cat exhibits aggressive behavior like hissing, swatting, or biting that is abnormal for their personality. Drastic changes in litter box habits, appetite, or energy levels could also signify an underlying medical issue rather than a reaction to your period. Your vet can help determine if concerning symptoms are due to illness or stress that requires treatment. With their guidance, you can take steps to make your cat more comfortable when you are menstruating.
Overall, unhealthy behaviors are rare and most cats have harmless responses. Pay attention to any intensified clinginess, vocalization, or interests in smells, but don’t be too worried. Your vet can advise you on any problematic reactions. With patience and care, you and your feline friend can happily coexist throughout your cycles.
Tips for Managing Your Cat During Your Period
There are several things you can do to help keep your cat calm and manage their behavior during your menstrual cycle:
Create a relaxing environment for your cat by providing cat towers, scratching posts, and cozy beds in quiet areas of your home. Cats feel more secure when they have access to high perches and enclosed spaces. Try using Feliway diffusers or calming treats/herbs like catnip, valerian, or chamomile to reduce stress.
Make sure your cat has plenty of enrichment toys to keep them occupied such as puzzle feeders, treat balls, catnip toys, and wand toys for interactive playtime. Regular play sessions can help divert their attention from you. Consider adopting a companion cat if yours is highly bonded to you.
Trim your cat’s nails regularly to minimize damage from kneading and scratching. Cover furniture and carpets during your period if needed. Use pet-friendly cleaners like vinegar or enzyme spray to eliminate the odor from accidents and discourage repeat marking.
Avoid punishing or scolding your cat, as this can induce more stress. If they become insistent for attention, try distracting with play or treats. Maintain your normal routine as much as possible.
Talk to your vet if your cat’s behavior changes drastically or persist beyond your period. They can check for underlying medical issues and provide guidance on managing your cat’s behavior.
When to Seek Help for Your Cat
In most cases, a male cat’s behavioral changes during a woman’s menstruation are harmless. However, some reactions may indicate an underlying medical issue that requires veterinary attention:
Excessive vocalization – Nonstop crying or meowing can suggest pain or distress. Have your vet examine your cat to identify the cause.
Aggression – Unprovoked or sudden aggression like biting, scratching, or swatting is abnormal. Take your cat to the vet to check for illness or injury causing pain or discomfort.
Loss of appetite – If your cat stops eating during your period, it could signal an illness. Make a vet appointment to diagnose the cause.
Frequent urination – An increased need to urinate, straining, or bloody urine may indicate a urinary tract infection. Consult your vet promptly.
Lethargy – If your normally active cat seems abnormally tired and inactive, have your vet run tests to check for potential health issues.
When examining your cat’s health, check for signs like vocalizing when touched, flinching, unkempt coat, weight changes, vomiting, diarrhea, and discharge from eyes or nose. Track any symptoms and monitor for worsening. Call your vet with any concerns.
Conclusion
Cats can detect when women are on their periods due to their heightened sense of smell. Chemical and hormonal changes during menstruation can attract some cats or cause unusual cat behaviors like affection, agitation, or avoidance. Every cat reacts differently, so monitor your pet during your cycle. Try adjusting routines or spaces to accommodate your cat’s needs. Most cats adapt well, but seek veterinary advice if concerning symptoms arise. In summary, menstruation does impact cats, but with care and preparation, both pets and owners can have minimal disruptions during this natural process.
References
Johnson, A. (2022). Do Cats Really Detect When You’re On Your Period? Here’s What Experts Say. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/can-cats-detect-periods
Lindell, E. M. (1997). EFI-97-18: The Cat’s Sensitivity to Pheromones/Cats’ Sensitivity to Pheromones. Retrieved from https://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/the-cats-sensitivity-to-pheromones/
McMillan, F. D. (2013). Behavior in Female Cats: Reproductive, Maternal, and Social Hormonal Influences. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24284385/
Simpson, B. S. (2020). Can Cats Sense When You’re On Your Period? Retrieved from https://be.chewy.com/can-cats-sense-when-youre-on-your-period/
VCA Hospitals. (n.d.). The Social Cat: Learn About Cats & Their Behavior. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/the-social-cat-learn-about-cats-and-their-behavior