4 Unscented Products That Make My Cat Happy

A few days after I brought my new cat home to my apartment, I beautified myself for a night out on the town.

I also sprayed myself with perfume. That was a big mistake.

My cat, who had been watching me bathe and dress with the fascination of an anthropologist studying the unknown rituals of a newly discovered tribe of aborigines, immediately blinked her eyes rapidly and backed away from the scented cloud I had just delivered to the atmosphere. Then she completely lost her mind for about five minutes, running around the room, climbing the walls, and digging tunnels through what had previously been neatly folded and stacked piles of jeans in my closet.

From that point on, I resolved to avoid using strongly scented products as much as possible, as long as I have an animal in my care.

I stopped using my beloved perfumes and bought some new beauty and household products. I haven’t been able to find suitable unscented substitutes for everything (I have high expectations for every product I spend money on, and I’d rather have a scented product that works REALLY well than an unscented product that works only so-so), but I’ve also found many new unscented products that I like a lot more than the things I used previously.

Since I began weaning myself from my favorite yummy-smelling lotions and detergents, I’ve developed an aversion to strong, unnatural scents. I used to be addicted to a heavily-scented body lotion from Bath and Body Works, and while I still have a particular fondness for it, I now sometimes prefer my new aroma-neutral persona. It sounds cheesy, but I feel a bit more free true to myself now that I’m not slathering multiple pre-formulated odors all over my skin, hair, and clothing (don’t expect me to give up deodorant anytime soon, though).

Most importantly, I can tell that my cat is a lot happier, too.

Here’s a list of my favorite unscented household and beauty products. Let me know if you like them too, or if you use something you think I might prefer.

1. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion, Unscented

I use this every day after I shower and it locks moisture into my skin without making it feel greasy, smell funny, or repel my cat. I can even use it on my face without it making me break out. Also, many of its ingredients are organic.

2. Method All Surface Cleaner go naked ™

I can spray this cleaner on a counter right next to my cat and she doesn’t crinkle her nose or wiggle a whisker at the smell. It also satisfactorily cleans my kitchen counter-tops after she walks across them.

3. Method Hand Wash go naked ™

As you can see, I’m a fan of Method’s “go naked” line of products. This basic handsoap cleans my hands without leaving any extraneous odors on them.

4. Every Man Jack products, Fragrance Free

Although they were designed for men, I love these Every Man Jack products. I feel like they do what they’re supposed to do without any extra chemicals that may react badly to beauty products that I already use. Every Man Jack’s containers are recyclable and this particular line of products are dye and fragrance free. My cat probably thinks I should be petting her instead of shaving, washing, or scrubbing my skin, I’d like to think she appreciates the absence of scents when I’m finished.

How do you make sure your pet is unharmed and unoffended by household chemicals? I’d like to hear your thoughts.