Researchers at the University of California, Davis, explored how domestic cats use their sense of smell to share information with family members. The findings were published in Scientific Reports, a peer reviewed science journal.
The team showed that the odor emitted by cat glands is carried by a mix of volatile organic compounds. Aldehydes, alcohols, esters, and ketones make up much of this scent profile. While a human may not detect the exact meaning behind a cat’s odor, these compounds play a pivotal role in feline social life. Scent marks help define territories, attract potential mates, and deter rivals.
To uncover the biological basis of these scents, researchers examined anal gland secretions from 23 domestic cats. They used a combination of DNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, and microbial culture techniques to map both the chemical signals and the microbes present in the secretion.
The analysis revealed that the cat microbiome is dominated by five bacterial groups: Corynebacterium, Bacteroides, Proteus, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus. The relative abundance of these bacteria varied considerably from one cat to another and was influenced by factors such as age, diet, and body weight. This variation helps explain why individual cats may have distinct scent signatures that others can recognize.
Across the samples, researchers identified hundreds of volatile compounds in the anal gland secretions. The specific mix of chemicals appears to be shaped by the dominant microbial communities, creating a flexible system for emitting social information that can reflect a cat’s health, status, and environment.
The authors of the study note that their work contributes to a broader field of inquiry linking microbial communities with olfactory signals in mammals. Beyond cats, scientists have examined scent and microbiota in species such as dogs, foxes, pandas, hyenas, and even humans to understand how microbes influence communication and social behavior. These findings collectively deepen our understanding of animal intelligence and the subtle chemistry that underpins social interactions. [Citation: SciRep study, UC Davis]
Historically, researchers have considered the role of scent in felids as a key channel for nonverbal communication. This study adds a modern molecular perspective, showing that bacterial activity within scent glands can shape the odors that others detect. The work highlights the interconnectedness of host biology and microbial ecosystems, suggesting that changes in diet, age, or weight could alter a cat’s chemical signals and, consequently, its social life.
Overall, the UC Davis investigation emphasizes that smell in cats is not a single chemical cue but a dynamic, microbially influenced blend. This blend can convey information about identity, reproductive status, and health, influencing how cats interact with their kin and with other cats in shared spaces. The research invites further inquiry into how owners can support healthy microbiomes in their pets and how environmental factors may influence scent-based communication over time. [Citation: Scientific Reports, UC Davis research team]