Researchers identify 13 fatty acids in cat urine that could act as chemical ID
Scientists discovered 13 branched-chain fatty acids in cat urine that vary between individuals but remain consistent within the same cat. Behavioral tests showed cats can detect differences in these profiles, suggesting they serve as a durable chemical calling card. The study, led by Iwate University, is published in Current Biology.
The research team used cat behavior as a guide to isolate the relevant compounds. Cats showed reduced interest in familiar urine samples over time but perked up when encountering unfamiliar ones, and the flehmen response followed a similar pattern. This behavioral evidence helped narrow the search to a lipid fraction containing branched-chain fatty acids.
The 13 BFAs identified have not been previously documented in mammalian excretions or secretions. Each cat's profile—the specific combination and proportions of these compounds—remained stable within individuals while differing between them. The researchers suggest these compounds may be linked to fat droplets in the kidneys, potentially representing a scent-recognition system shared across the cat family.
This discovery could have practical implications for cat owners and veterinarians, potentially offering a non-invasive way to identify individual animals or monitor health through urine analysis. The findings may also deepen understanding of feline social behavior and territorial communication. For researchers studying mammalian chemical communication, these stable fatty acid profiles could provide a model for how other species maintain identity signals over time, though further studies would be needed to confirm broader applications.