Cats Marking Territory

Cats in the wild use marking as a way to communicate with one another. The actual process of marking can take a few different forms from scratching to spraying. A common marking behavior is spraying. Spray is actually created when the cat mixes a small amount of urine with glandular secretions called pheromones. These are the components that make cat spray have its distinctive and potent odor. Other common marking behaviors are leaving pheromone and/or visual markers through scratching and rubbing against objects. Marking with feces can also occur, although this is seen less frequently.

Pheromones play a very large role in a marking and a feline's life. Cats use these pheromones to mark their territory in many ways. Cats have glands that produce pheromones on their mouths, chin, face, cheeks, ears, paw pads, anal area, and upper surface of the tail. When your cat rubs up against you, or rubs up against your furniture he is actually leaving a little trace of pheromones that say, 'this is mine', in a friendly way. When a cat scratches he is not only leaving a mark through pheromones, but he is also leaving a visual marker that says, 'this is mine!'. Spraying is another way for cats to release pheromone, however, this way usually meant to say, 'stay out', in a more defensive tone.

Cats of both sexes (although males tend to mark more than females) mark as a sign to other cats that a certain territory is theirs and/or that they are the dominant cat in the area. Cats in heat and males responding to a cat in heat will do a lot of marking as they go on their quest to find a mate.

It is fairly simple to break a cat of bad scratching habits (see scratching area for specifics), and urine or fecal marking behavior (both however do require time and patience). In most cases spaying or neutering the cat will be enough to stop him/her from marking. If that doesn't fix the situation try to reduce your cat's need to mark by making sure your cat feels his/her territory is sound and that his/her dominant position (or position in the hierarchy) is safe. This means you will need to figure out why he/she is marking (is there a new cat in the home, can he see another cat from a window, did you just get a new pet, are you favoring another cat who isn't the 'dominant' one) and then try to combat the problem from that route.

If your cat has marked quite a bit in the past you will need to remove all signs of the mark using a special odor control solution. Although you may feel you have cleaned the area thoroughly and that it smells fine, cats have a keen sense of smell and will most likely still designate the area as being marked unless you have used an odor neutralizing solution designed for cat urine and spray. Until the area is truly clean your cat will continue to go back to it and re-mark. You can purchase such products at your local pet store. You can also help your cat stay away from the spot by spraying it with a vet-approved cat repellant which can also be found at your local pet store.

Note: Cats can mark due to illness. So before you start trying to correct marking from a behavioral standpoint take your cat to the vet to rule out any sort of health problem that could be the culprit.

Medical and care advice on this article is for your knowledge and information only. It is not a substitute for a veterinary appointment or an actual diagnosis for your pet. If you feel your pet has a health or behavior problem please consult your veterinarian immediately for specific advice tailored to your individual pet.

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