Sniffing Out Fun: An Interview with Hanna from Noseworkforcats.com

As someone who works with cats every day, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to

enrich their lives. So a few years ago, when I came across Nosework for Cats, I was instantly intrigued. I recently had the chance to ask Hanna, the creator of the program, a few questions.  I’m excited share her answers and spread the word about what scentwork can do for our cats.

Hanna started out in the world of canine nosework, training her dog Derek all the way to competition-level searches. But after Derek passed away, she found herself at home during the pandemic with her cats — including the trouble making, food-driven boy named Muncho. That’s when she decided to adapt what she knew and create something completely new: nosework for cats.

“I knew I wasn’t going to compete with Muncho,” Hanna said, “so it was freeing to just focus on fun.” And that really comes through in how she’s built the program — breaking everything down into tiny steps, keeping the pressure low, and allowing cats to engage at their own pace. One of her key insights is that if a cat walks away, it’s not because they’re stubborn — it’s because something in the setup was too hard or confusing. It’s our job to notice that and make things easier.

So what does feline nosework actually look like? At first, it’s as simple as a few bowls with treats inside. The cat gets used to searching a space, finding the treats, and building confidence. From there, the setups get more complex — bowls tucked behind objects, placed at different heights, or spaced farther apart. Eventually, cats are solving elaborate scent puzzles.

One of the things that really clicked with me was that Hanna emphasizes observation. She describes a moment she calls “the pause,” where a cat might seem to stop engaging — maybe sitting still or even grooming — when in fact, they’re mentally working out the problem. “They’re calculating the geometry of where the odor is coming from,” she said. “Then suddenly they make a beeline straight to it.”  I’ve been working the program with my cat Frankie, and I noticed these behaviors in her, but I hadn’t put them into words.

It’s not just enrichment — it’s a new way to connect with our cats. Hanna admits that before starting nosework, she didn’t feel as intellectually bonded with her cats as she did with Derek. But watching them work through these challenges changed that. “I swear I’ve watched them do calculations in their heads I could never do,” she said. “It’s really cool to see them do something I can’t.”

Nosework isn’t just for food-obsessed cats, either. Hanna’s cat Mini is less food motivated, so she uses high-value treats like sardines or Churu. The key is finding something the cat likes enough to work for — then going slowly, being patient, and letting your cat guide the process.

This approach can be especially powerful for shy or fearful cats, since it doesn’t require hands-on interaction. Hanna shared a story of someone who used nosework in a shelter setting, placing bowls and boxes for cats to explore after she left the room. After a few sessions, the cats actually started approaching her when she entered. That kind of shift shows how useful her program can be!

When I asked her what kind of cat enjoys nosework the most, she flipped the script: “No

one ever asks what kind of human it’s for!” Her answer? Pretty much anyone. “You don’t need fast timing or training experience. If you make a mistake, it’s not going to ruin your cat — you just adjust and try again.”  I wholeheartedly agree.  When I recommend this program to my clients, I know that they’ll get just as much out of it as their cats will. 

The best part? It’s fun. From a seaweed-scented search using paper cutouts and real nori, to a themed search involving skateboarding shoeboxes and a mini skateboard, Hanna keeps things creative. Her late cat Muncho — already featured in Kitty Language by Lili Chin — would’ve been the star of a nosework-themed live-action movie, complete with cardboard disaster sets and treat-shaped “people” to rescue… and eat.

Whether you’re working with a bold adventurer or a cautious observer, nosework offers a way to tap into your cat’s natural instincts and build a deeper connection. As Hanna puts it, “It’s about taking the time to watch your cat problem-solve — and getting to know them more deeply because of it.”

You can learn more about her program at noseworkcats.com.