Summary
A study by Tokyo University of Agriculture found that cats can tell the difference between their owner's smell and a stranger's smell. The research showed cats spent more time sniffing the scent of unknown people compared to their owner's scent, indicating they can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on smell.
Key Facts
- The study involved 30 cats presented with different smell samples.
- Odours were collected from the owner, a stranger, and from a clean swab.
- Cats sniffed the stranger's scent longer than their owner's scent or a clean swab.
- Cats use their strong sense of smell to recognize and interact with other cats.
- It is not yet clear if cats can identify specific people by smell.
- Cats also rubbed their faces against the tubes, a behavior to mark their scent.
- Previous studies show cats can recognize human voices and body language.
