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Tom-cat odour and other pheromones in feline reproduction

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Abstract

The function and suppression of urine ‘spraying’ by cats is discussed as also is the source of tom-cat odour. It seems unlikely that tom-cat odour is derived from the lipid in the proximal convoluted tubule of the kidney, however its production by the anal glands has not yet been proven. Although male cats show a flehmen response when sniffing urine, smell seems to play a more important role in reproduction in the female than the male. The available data suggests that valeric acid may function as a female/female pheromone in cats by inducing or facilitating oestrus. Nepetalactone, the active ingredient of catnip, is probably not related to any naturally occurring pheromone in the cat but simply acts as an hallucinogenic drug.

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  1. Department of Veterinary Physiology, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Summerhall, EH9 1QH, Edinburgh, (UK)

    K. P. Bland

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Bland, K.P. Tom-cat odour and other pheromones in feline reproduction. Vet Res Commun 3, 125–136 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02268958

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