A sudden change in the behavior of a domestic cat, especially increased sniffing of objects and surfaces, can signal various physiological or psychological changes in the animal's body.
Natural instincts
A cat's heightened sense of smell is an essential tool for understanding the world around it.
Increased sniffing may be due to the animal's natural curiosity or a reaction to the appearance of new smells in a familiar environment.
A cat's nose is capable of detecting the most subtle aromas that are inaccessible to the human sense of smell.
Stress and anxiety
A tense emotional state can manifest itself in intense sniffing of the space.
Moving, the arrival of new family members, renovations or rearranging furniture forces the pet to re-examine the changed territory. The cat tries to make sure that its environment is safe.
Search for food
Hunger or a lack of certain nutrients can trigger active sniffing.
The animal instinctively seeks sources of essential elements. It is important to analyze the pet's diet and make sure that it is complete.
Territorial behavior
Territorial marking is considered a natural behavior for cats. Increased sniffing may be due to the appearance of foreign odors or the desire to renew their own marks.
This behavior is especially relevant in homes with several cats or when in contact with stray animals.
Age-related changes
Aging of an animal is often accompanied by behavioral changes. The weakening of other senses can be compensated by increased olfactory function.
Older cats often become more alert to odors in their environment.
For reference
A cat is a domestic animal, one of the most popular "companion animals"
