Territory marking: where and why do these cats do? How do we react?

The marking of surfaces, objects, people and animals is very important for cats. The territory can be marked by sketches with urine, but also with the help of claws or muzzle. While the last form of marking can be perceived as positive by the masters, the other two are disapproved. What does it mean to mark the territory for cats? How do we react to this behavior?

In the marking process, the pheromones and specific smells remain on different objects, surfaces or various individuals. Depending on the situation, there are several reasons why this behavior occurs. In general, cats mark their territory to feel calm and safe and to report their presence, especially if there are other cats at home and to create and strengthen the connections with them.

What is the marking of the territory?

Do you want to know more about the marking of the territory in cats? Well, as I have already said, this action is manifested by the touch of urine of various objects. The marking of the territory is an easy behavior to identify when we carefully notice the cat. It approaches an object (usually the windows of the windows, the doors, the corners of the walls, the curtains, the places where the cat’s paths intersect in the house, objects that have a smell of strong pheromones, places where humans or other animals are often found), they smell it, turn their shoulders, shake their tail.

Usually we are talking about small quantities of urine, which leaves a trace on the object, but sometimes we can find greater quantities of urine behind the object. Once the territory is marked, the cat will leave the object.

Territory that marks in cats: causes and meanings

Cats mark the spaces in which they live or visit in many ways, the urine that run are one of the most widespread. The marking of the territory in cats indicates the presence of a «master» or «owner» of the respective space. Marking the territory in Motani can also mean availability towards females or removing male rivals, while in the behavior of the female cat that marks the territory it can mean the search for a partner. Therefore, it is necessary to consider that this phenomenon does not only occur in males, but the female cat marks the territory.

Another cause of the marking of the territory is also the state of the disease, stress or imminent danger that a cat feels. Most of the time, the introduction of another cat can be a real territorial threat to cats. Changing the cat habitat can also be a source of stress for your cat, such as the redevelopment of the apartment or switch to a new address. New furniture can also be an invasion of the territory for a cat, which is why it can resort to extreme measures such as marking the territory through urine.

The lack of the owner at home for a long time can also arouse the stress and anxiety of a cat, being frequent causes of the local marking. Even the various diseases of the urinary tract such as urinary infections, renal failure or feline immunodeficiency can lead to manifestations similar to marking. It is important to inform yourself about the frequency with which a cat urine, in order not to discover these conditions too late!

What kind of cat marks its territory?

The marking of the territory by the urine is more common among unstoppable engines, but after the castration the engine marks the territory with urine. This usually happens more frequently when there is more than one cat at home. More social tension and more similar behaviors in other cats, more frequent will mark the engine.

The need to mark the territory can be caused by visual contact with other cats (through glass), sounds (cats that are outside), changes in the environment, the disappearance of the previous marking signs by the intense house, the frustration caused by the failure of basic needs. Stress, hunger, boredom, lack of contact with the teacher.

What is the difference between the marking of the territory and urinary?

We must make the difference between urination and mark the territory. First of all, when the cat hates, the amount of urine is large and the cat chooses horizontal, non -vertical surfaces, trying to cover the urine, even if it does not use the litter. This is very important, because it can report problems with urination, for example the onset of a urinary disorder.

The cat carefully observed the cat is necessary when we want to distinguish between marking and stress in unwanted places due to a condition. If you are not sure what the reason for the urination outside the litter is, a visit to the vet is required, to which you should describe the behaviors and symptoms you have noticed. If necessary, the cat will receive a treatment.

It is better to visit the veterinarian when we cannot identify the reason why the cat hates, rather than ignore the symptoms that could indicate injuries that can cause death, if they remain not treated. If the reason why the cat marks the territory is a behavioral problem, you can start making small changes to improve cat conditions, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

What should I do when the cat scores its territory?

First of all, you have to think if all the basic needs of the cat are satisfied. The cat must have its own litter (at least one liter per cat), periodically clean with adequate animal solutions, to which it has easy access and to be placed in a safe place, which will provide intimacy (compared to other cats).

In addition, the cat must have a special place to relax, preferably at the top, where they can rest on their own and can observe the environment. If there is more than one cat at home, each one must have a separate place, where it can be withdrawn. It offers cat surface cats/special objects to refine the claws, on which it can mark its territory scratching, a behavior for which it must be rewarded with delicious snacks.

How did you solve the problem of marking the territory in the case of cats not coming?

There are numerous solutions regarding the problem of marking the territory, but each of the variants requires an implementation time of 2-3 months. A variant you had to consider would be to increase the time spent with your cat. In addition, the arrangement of funny playing fields or in the favorite food service can gradually solve the territory in cats.

Of course, there are also variants involving drugs or even surgical care. The casting of the engines (orchidctomy) or the castration of cats (ovariohisttectomy) can be the only solution to solve the problems relating to the marking, in the case of cats not coming. The castration will subsequently lead to the decrease in the marking activity, also to its disappearance.

How did you solve the problem of marking the territory caused by a conflict between cats in the house?

The marking of the territory in the cats can also be influenced by the tension between the cats you have at home, if you have the most. Ideally, you should try to reduce the number of cats in the same apartment. If you don’t want to give up any of the quadrupeds, we recommend that you create enough space to carry out their activities. It provides games parks and rest spaces for each cat creating additional spaces, vertically. In addition, if you own multiple copies, it would be ideal to have a litter in addition to the number of cats.

In this way, you will be able to create harmony in the life of your cats and they will no longer have to mark the space, because they will benefit from a sufficient one in which they can be performed with everyone.

How did you solve the problem of marking the territory caused by a conflict between cats and cats away from home?

When your cat interacts with cats outside the house and agitated due to conflicts with them, we suggest you ensure your cat a space to limit their access to windows and doors, to avoid visual, olfactory and auditory contact with neighboring cats. Over time and, of course, spending quality time with your cat, will no longer have stress factors to determine the territory. It is sufficient to know how to read body language in cats to understand if the problem of stress that triggers the marking is resolved or not!

What not to do

Do not punish the cat for urination, because punishments destroy the relationship between the master and the cat, the teacher becomes a stress factor. As a result of punishment, the cat can urinate on various objects in the absence of the master, when he leaves the house. We wouldn’t want to go to the vet and tell him «my cat pee in bed»! You can give the cat a limited space, in which to feel at ease and safe, limiting access to other rooms, so that they are not stressed and do not feel the need to mark.

Marking the territory in cats: recommended products to solve the problem

Beds and beds for cats

Cats sleep on average 15-16 hours a day, which is why it is important to guarantee a safe and comfortable place for sleeping. The beds and beds for cats are the ideal solution to eliminate stress from the cat or cats. Made by comfortable and qualitative materials, these special beds will create a comfortable personal space, thus reducing the factors that lead to marking.

Cat furniture

We have already established that a new playground will arouse the interest of your cat and that all stress or anxiety will disappear when it has a cat furniture that can be climbed and played. Make your cat happy by purchasing such a set that includes Sisal parts to refine the nails, further toys or tunnels and you will surely say goodbye to mark the territory in cats.

Litter for cats

Cats are extremely hygienic animals when it comes to personal needs, which is why a cat litter is an excellent choice for a cat of apartments. Practical and comfortable, existing in a variety of shapes, motifs and colors, catrele for cats can contribute to the elimination of the marking of the territory in cats.

The marking of the territory is a perfectly natural behavior of cats, this is their way of defining the boundaries of their territory. But since this behavior leaves desirable when the entire apartment is completely unfortunate, we recommend that you consider our solutions against this problem. Of course, not before deciphering what the causes of the sign of the territory are!