Why do cats spray and mark their territory?

Are you sick of constantly smelling your cat pee around your home? Are you wondering why your cat constantly urinates at a particular area despite getting them a litter box?

Cats urinate to mark their territory. This territorial marking lets other animals in the neighbourhood know of their presence. It also signals their reproductive condition. This marking behavior begins at about 5 to 6 months of age.

Cats that have not been neutered or spayed mark the most compared to their neutered or spayed counterparts. But most often even desexed cats can show signs of marking. Female cats mark their territory by spraying, to let other cats know their presence and when they are looking for mate. So, this is usually done on a vertical surface and with their their tails high they spray urine and you can see their tail quiver as they do so. Normal urination happens on a horizontal surface with your cat squatting.

There are a number of reasons for a cat to spray:

• To feel secure in their own territory.
• If they are anxious.
• If their litterbox is not clean.
• If they feel stressed. Common stressors include presence of new scents or sounds at home, other cats or dogs threatening them, etc.

Here are a few suggestions to solve the marking problem:

• Clean the soiled areas with an cat enzymatic cleaner.
• Condition your cat to play in the same area he used to mark on and make them to associate that area with play.
• Provide them with a litter box kept in a private area where they can safely go without fear of disturbance by noises at home or the presence of other cats and dogs.
• If you feel your cat is stressed then you need to identify the stressors and slowly work at desensitising them. For instance, if they fear the loud barks of your neighbour’s dog you can record the barking sound and keep playing it to your cat slowly and repeatedly for them to get over the fear. Ensure they have their own safe place in the corner of your home for them to retreat incase they feel they need to escape.
• Take them to the vet for a checkup as constant spraying could indicate an urinary tract infection.

You can always consult your vet or a behaviourist for their professional advice.

Happy parenting!