Researchers have found that the reason why urine sprayed by cats has a much stronger odor than normal urine is because it comes straight from a cat’s bladder, without containing certain chemicals found in regular urine. Cats communicate with others by producing various scents, and spraying is one such behavior that is used to mark their territory. While all cats are capable of spraying, it is more common in unneutered male cats. The unpleasant smell of sprayed urine has been a mystery until now, but Japanese researchers have shed light on the matter by comparing the chemical profiles of sprayed urine, bladder urine, and normal urine, as well as conducting behavioral analysis to see how cats react to these different scents.
The researchers found that cats perceived sprayed urine and bladder urine as having very similar odors, indicating that sprayed urine originates from bladder urine without additional chemicals from secretory glands, as found in normal urine. The study also revealed that a specific protein called cauxin, which is found in high concentrations in cat urine, plays a role in changing how the urine behaves in different situations. It was hypothesized that the high protein concentration in cat urine might reduce the surface tension of the liquid, leading to the release of more pungent volatile compounds into the air when a cat sprays over a large vertical surface, such as a wall.
As part of their research, the scientists constructed an artificial garden to distinguish how the odors of cat urine would smell in a natural environment. They found that the porous structure of sandy soil trapped most of the urinary volatile chemicals, leading to a difference in environmental odors between the two gardens, despite using the same urine sample. Additionally, liquid droplets of sprayed urine can easily dry on the surface, resulting in greater emissions of volatile chemicals from the scent mark rapidly as compared to normal urine. This research sheds light on why cat urine sprayed by cats has a stronger odor than normal urine and provides insight into the behavior of cats in marking their territory.
The study highlights the importance of understanding the chemical composition of cat urine and how it contributes to the strong odor associated with spraying behavior. By identifying the specific protein cauxin and its role in changing the behavior of cat urine, researchers have gained a better understanding of why sprayed urine is more pungent. This knowledge can help pet owners and veterinarians better address issues related to spraying behavior in cats, as well as provide insights into the communication and territorial marking behaviors of felines.
Overall, the research on the odor of cat urine sprayed by cats compared to normal urine provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and behavior of cat urine. By identifying the role of cauxin in changing the behavior of cat urine, researchers have been able to explain why sprayed urine has a stronger odor than normal urine. This research can help improve our understanding of cat behavior, communication, and territorial marking, as well as provide practical applications for addressing issues related to spraying behavior in cats.
