A research team at Tokyo University of Agriculture has discovered that cats primarily use their sense of smell to tell their owners apart from strangers rather than relying on sight. Published in PLOS One in May, the study sheds new light on cats’ surprising cognitive abilities.
While it was known to researchers that cats use scent to identify other cats, it was unclear whether they do so with humans. This study confirms that cats apply the same method to humans. Cats have about 200 million scent receptors – roughly 40 times more than humans.
Researchers tested 30 house cats using scent samples from their owners and strangers. The cats sniffed unfamiliar scents twice as long as familiar ones and used their right nostril more, suggesting the brain processes unfamiliar smells differently.
The study also noted personality differences. Skittish male cats returned to scent tubes more often, while calmer ones lost interest quickly. Female cats showed no clear pattern based on personality.
Researchers say the findings highlight that cats form bonds in subtle ways. Knowing how strongly cats rely on smell can help owners ease stress during moves or adoptions. The most reliable approach is to provide familiar scents and allow the cat time to adjust.
J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1751271458/1613368089
1. Where was the cat study done?
2. How many scent receptors do cats have?
3. What did the study find about male cats?
4. Why is smell important to cats?
1. Have you seen a cat sniffing things?
2. Why do pets like certain smells?
3. Do you think cats are smart animals?
4. How do you show love to your pet?
A research team at Tokyo University of Agriculture has discovered that cats primarily use their sense of smell to tell their owners apart from strangers rather than relying on sight. Published in PLOS One in May, the study sheds new light on cats’ surprising cognitive abilities.
