Urinary Choices

Although everyone who's owned a cat may differ, it turns out that cats are actually selective about where they urinate.

A study by European scientists showed that a breed of wildcat would, as expected, mark its territory with urine. The scent markers defined that territory and alerted potential interlopers to keep their distance. But rather than just fire away at any old object, it turns out the cats chose specific kinds of trees and plants for their attention.

They were partial to trees with natural oils and surfaces that would intensify the scent and make it last longer. The stronger scent marked the territory more clearly, and naturally the longer-lasting scent would not need renewed as frequently.

Which of course makes sense to cats. The more time you have to spend marking your territory, the less time you can spend napping. And even wildcats are just not the same without their basic 20 hours of sleep each day.