Researchers at Iwate University in Japan, along with colleagues from Germany and Spain, have identified a group of fatty acids in cat urine that may allow felines to recognize each other even after scent marks have aged. The study suggests cats can distinguish individual urine scents for months and that 13 branched-chain fatty acids (BFAs) act as a lasting chemical signature.
The scientists first confirmed cats’ ability to differentiate urine from different individuals. Cats showed decreased interest in repeatedly presented urine samples but renewed interest when a new sample was introduced, even after months-long gaps. This pattern indicated long-term scent memory. The flehmen response, an open-mouthed expression cats make when investigating odors, was also more frequent with unfamiliar urine.
The research team identified 13 branched-chain fatty acids (BFAs) in cat urine. The mixture and proportions of these compounds varied between cats but remained consistent within the same animal. Behavioral tests demonstrated cats could detect differences in BFA profiles, even when other lipids were controlled for. Researchers believe these BFAs function as a durable chemical “calling card” preserving information about individual identity. The study will be published in *Current Biology*.
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