A cat can not smell as well as a dog, but smells do help them to sense another cat, food, objects, and humans. If a cat smells a stranger it will run and hide, or defend itself. A cat's nose has no fur on it.

Cats will leave their scent a lot because it wants to attract a mate. The cat will leave a scent by scratching, licking, rubbing, or rolling. Cats will rub against your leg, lick your face, or chew on your clothes. If they do, that means they like you.