Scientists discover a hidden “ID card” in cat urine
Reported by ScienceDaily · September 20 at 2:24 PM · Summary by Pawdeck
Researchers led by Iwate University in Japan report that domestic cats may recognize one another through a set of 13 unusual branched-chain fatty acids found in urine. The mix of these compounds differed between individual cats but stayed fairly consistent within each animal, and cats responded differently to urine from different cats.
Background
Cats and many other mammals use scent marks in urine and other secretions to learn about other animals in their area. Volatile odor molecules can break down over time, so scientists study more stable chemical components that may last longer and carry identity information.
Why it matters
It helps explain how cats keep track of other cats in their territory, which matters for households with several cats or cats that meet outdoors.
What you can do
Owners of multiple cats can keep litter boxes clean and place them in quiet, separate spots, since urine scent is part of how cats communicate.
Written by Pawdeck from the report by ScienceDaily. Background is general information, not advice about your pet; if you are worried, call your vet.
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