Scientists at Yamaguchi University discovered that cats' sprayed urine has a stronger odor due to cauxin, a protein that enhances volatile emission and adhesion.

Scientists at Japan's Yamaguchi University discovered why cats' sprayed urine has a stronger odor. Their study in the Journal of Chemical Ecology found that the distinctive smell comes from cauxin, a protein that reduces urine's surface tension, enhancing volatile emission and increasing adhesion to surfaces. This makes the scent more easily detected on vertical surfaces, such as walls and furniture.