A method and apparatus for automated identification of at least one transitory emotional state, such as fear, happiness, disgust, etc, of a living mammal are disclosed. At least one sensor is mounted on or in the vicinity of the living mammal, said sensor being configured to detect at least one metabolite molecule(s), and preferably at least one volatile organic compound(s), emanated by the living mammal. Continuously and in real-time the amount of at least one of the metabolite molecule(s) is then determined with the sensor over a period of time. The determined amount of the metabolite molecule(s) is further analyzed to establish whether the amount or the increase rate of the metabolite molecule(s) exceeds at least one predetermined criterion, and when such a predetermined criterion has been exceeded, identifying that a transitory emotional state associated with the metabolite molecule(s) is present in the living mammal.
