Cats Use Urine Fatty Acids as Chemical ID Cards, Study Finds

A new study published today reveals that domestic cats use specific branched‑chain fatty acids in their urine as chemical identifiers, effectively creating a unique scent signature for each individual. The researchers found that these fatty acids persist in the environment, allowing cats to recognize and recall the scent of another cat’s urine long after the odor has faded. The findings suggest that the kidneys may play a role in storing and releasing these scent molecules, providing fresh insight into how cats communicate and maintain social bonds within their communities. By mapping these chemical cues, scientists hope to better understand feline social dynamics and improve approaches to cat welfare and health monitoring.