What are pheromones?
Pheromones are chemical substances produced by many animals and emitted to transmit certain information or influence the behavior of individuals of the same species.
These molecules are usually released in sweat, urine, saliva or other body fluids. When other individuals within the same species perceive these chemicals (usually through the sense of smell), it can affect their behavior or physiology in specific ways.
Pheromones play a key role in a variety of behaviors and physiological processes, including:
- Reproduction: Many animals, including insects and mammals, use pheromones to signal their fertility or attract a mate.
- Territorial behavior: Some animals mark their territory with pheromones to warn other individuals of the same species that the area is already occupied.
- Social communication: In social insects such as bees and ants, pheromones are used to communicate information within the colony, for example to signal danger or point out a food source.
- Mother-child bonding: Some mammals, including humans, produce pheromones that help strengthen the bond between mother and newborn child. It has been debated whether humans are affected by pheromones in the same way as other animals. Although some studies suggest that humans may be affected by certain chemicals in a manner similar to the pheromone response, this topic is still the subject of research and debate.
How do cats communicate through pheromones?
Cats use pheromones as an important way to communicate with other cats. These chemicals help the cats transmit information about their emotional state, territory and more.
Here are some ways cats communicate through pheromones:
Territorial Marking:
Cheek glands: Cats have scent glands on their cheeks. When they rub their face against objects or people, they release pheromones from these glands. This is a way to mark their territory, but also a way to leave a "comfortable" or "safe" scent mark. Foot glands: When cats scratch things, they also release pheromones from glands in their paws. This is another way of marking territory.
Social communication:
Head Scent Glands: In addition to the cheek glands, cats also have scent glands between their ears and on top of their heads. When they rub their heads against things or people, they release pheromones from those areas. This can be a way of creating a link or bond with the object or individual.
Stress or Threatening Communication:
Anal and tail glands: Cats can secrete pheromones from anal glands when they feel threatened. In addition, they have scent glands at the base of the tail that can release pheromones when they are agitated or stressed. When a cat feels threatened or scared, it can spread a special scent that warns other cats. Urine marking: Although this is primarily seen as a behavior to mark territory, urine also contains pheromones. When cats spray or urine mark, it can convey information about the cat's identity, sex, and reproductive status.
To make it easier for people to deal with behavioral problems in cats, such as urine marking or scraping, synthetic pheromone products, such as Catmist, have been developed. These products mimic the natural "calming" pheromones that cats produce, which can help reduce stress and unwanted behaviors.