A recent study published on May 28, 2025, in the journal PLOS ONE reveals that domestic cats can distinguish between their owner’s scent and that of a stranger. Conducted by researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture, the study involved 30 pet cats presented with scent samples from their owners, unfamiliar individuals, and unscented controls. The cats spent significantly more time sniffing the unfamiliar scents, indicating their ability to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar humans based solely on olfactory cues.
The researchers observed that cats initially used their right nostril when sniffing new scents, switching to the left as the scent became more familiar. This behavior suggests lateralization in the feline brain, similar to patterns seen in dogs, birds, and fish.
Personality traits also influenced the cats’ responses. Male cats with neurotic tendencies engaged in more repetitive sniffing, while more relaxed males and all female cats displayed consistent behavior regardless of personality.
Additionally, many cats exhibited face-rubbing behavior after sniffing the samples, which researchers interpret as scent-marking and evidence-evaluation behavior.
While the study confirms that cats can recognize familiar human scents, it remains unclear whether they can identify specific individuals solely by smell. Further research is needed to explore this aspect of feline cognition.
These findings enhance our understanding of the social and sensory behaviors of domestic cats, highlighting the importance of olfaction in their interactions with humans.
