Sole Scents: Blue’s Love Affair with Shoes

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

There are plenty of things Blue enjoys—lounging in warm sun spots, dramatically interrupting or snoozing in the background of Zoom calls, and pretending like she has never been fed. However, one of her more interesting passions, which satisfies her little feline soul like no other, is shoes. Sneakers, sandals, boots, you name it—if it goes on a foot, Blue wants her face in it.

A Shoe For Every Mood

She also isn't very picky regarding the condition of the shoes, although the more worn in, the better. She does enjoy the ones sitting quietly by the door for days, but she tends to appreciate shoes that are frequently lived-in. Blue approaches them with the admiration of a perfumer sampling a rare bottle of vintage fragrance. After giving them a hearty sniff, Blue pauses curiously like a wine connoisseur mid-tasting, and then, without warning, doubles down with a full-on face rub.

This doesn't go beyond a quick cheek scratch, mind you. It's a whole ear-to-ear experience. Blue doesn't shy away from any part of footwear, either. She'll nuzzle her little nose into the laces, wedge her little face into the sole, and when she’s feeling the vibe, use her front paws to hug the shoe like it's the long-lost love of her life, as if she's informing the shoe that it is hers forever. It’s part love story, part performance art, and 100% cat.

The Science (Sort Of) Behind the Sniff

I've smelled some shoes in my day and can confirm I don't understand the attraction. After a bit of research, because why wouldn't I Google this, I've realized that cats can be completely random and brazenly give in to their intrusive thoughts. Since Blue is very much a cat and innately plays the cards she's been dealt, logic for this kind of behaviour left the building a long time ago. Another interesting fact I learned is that shoe-sniffing is not unique to her, which I can attest to since I've seen other cats dabble in some sole searching before.

Cats are drawn to the strong, complex scents that shoes carry. Every step we take outside is like us bringing home a little field report from the world. Our shoes are a scented scrapbook, and Blue is flipping through the pages with her face. On the other hand, it's possible that she likes the familiarity it holds. It smells like her favorite humans in a weird, slightly stinky way. Rubbing her face on them is her way of mingling her scent with ours in a very "you’re mine and I’m yours" way.

Life’s Simple Joys

I was reminded of her love of footwear recently, which sparked the idea for this post. Only a few days ago, Blue sat at our front door, paws stretched outwards, forehead deep in one of my husband's work shoes (top tier choice, might I add), and I could hear her purrs from where I sat. Secretly, I am happy she only does this occasionally, but if this brings our little house-bound baby some joy, I say more power to her. If Blue wants her shoe time, she can have it. With my husband being a sneaker head and my sons building their own collection – Crocs, sandals, running shoes, and rain boots – she'll never be without options. A buffet of scents, if you will.

So here’s to you, Blue. May your shoes always be stinky, but your face remain fresh.