How long do cat pheromones last?

Thanks for your reply. Cats have a real knack for going after shoes as well... and clutching them between their paws. And rubbing up against them too.

I reckon it depends on the surface, whether it’s smooth or porous, but on wood for instance—like an unvarnished table leg or the corner of a wall—it likely lasts much longer than just a few days, more like a few weeks or even several months (especially what’s known as "scent marking"). That explains the sometimes strange reactions some cats have when they’re exploring a new environment after moving house, for example.

Thanks for your reply. I must admit my cats have a real knack for rubbing up against everything... and it’s the same story with the scratching posts. I’m going to have to buy a new one; the rope has all unravelled.