There are several reasons why cats like to chew on smelly socks. First, cats are natural hunters, curious about small animals and moving objects, and will try to catch or chew on these things. Smelly socks may be an interesting "prey" for a cat, and they may chew on them out of curiosity.
Secondly, cats may chew socks due to boredom or stress. When cats feel bored or anxious, they may look for ways to release their emotions, and chewing socks is one of them. Additionally, if a cat's diet is insufficient, especially in terms of fat or fiber, they may crave nutrients from other items, including smelly socks.
