There was a discussion last year on the forum with several opinions regarding this. My trees have a faint cat urine smell, was about ready to eliminate some local cats until I realized it was coming from my trees. Just something you learn to live with so that we can enjoy their fruits. They seem to have a stronger scent as the weather gets hotter. Hope this won't keep you from collecting more varieties.
Woody.

There is a hiking trail in California called Holy Jim Trail. It has a grove of wild figs along the way. I think the smell is heavenly.

I assumed they smelled like chicken.

They definitely have an odor, but it doesn't bring cat urine to mind for me. Just a musty fig smell and I enjoy it.

Yes, they have a scent, more so at certain times. I do not find it objectionable.

Peg

Maybe stick a litter box outside so the cats quit peeing on your tree. FF

My recently bought figtree also smells of catpiss! The warmer the wheather, the stronger.
The variety was sold to me as 'Nero', does that ring any bells?

If I witnessed any cat even trying to use one of my fig trees for a litter box it would soon become Opossum food! Same goes for any other critter, 2 or 4 legged. Opossums make nice little garbage disposals and have never had a problem with them in the garden unlike other pests. Sorry to get off topic.
I too am not bothered by the odor of my trees except when they break dormancy early and I have to bring them out of the basement and into our sun room, can get a little strong in an enclosed area.
Woody.

Thanks for the information on the smell. The smell will not keep me from growing figs. I have too much time and money in them. Also I like to eat figs.

Vern

dutch,

see http://figs4fun.com/fvar-M-P.html#NERO

Fig trees can't smell... they don't have noses ;)

~james

Pit,
Thanks for the pointer, i already looked, but no mention of aromatics pleasant or otherwise.

I wonder what smelly fig variety is discussed here, an answere would be helpful...

Angeniet

My Petit Negri has a definite figgy odor. The odor increases on hot days and when the sun shines on the plant.
I also have an Italian Golden Honey which doesn't seem to have an odor.

Nancy

Curious minds would like to know, what might be planted next to figs to mask or complement the odor?