Study reveals cats recognize each other through unique urine scent signatures

Scientists from Japan and other countries examined the chemical makeup of cat urine and discovered that each animal produces a unique profile of branched-chain fatty acids stored in the kidneys. When cats encounter another’s urine, they display the flehmen grimace, a “stinky face” reaction that signals recognition. The study, appearing in Current Biology, demonstrated that these fatty-acid patterns differ between individuals and persist for long periods.

Comparable compounds were detected in the urine of other felids such as lions, tigers and the endangered Iriomote cat. Researchers suggest the results could help develop ways to mask urine odor and aid in tracking rare feline species. Masao Miyazaki of Iwate University noted that understanding kidney fatty-acid accumulation may also benefit research on diseases affecting both cats and humans.