Cats don’t have a ton in common with dogs, but they’re both territorial animals, meaning they like to mark their area. Sometimes cats mark with their scent by rubbing up against things. Not a problem, right? Unfortunately it’s not always that simple. Oftentimes urine is the marker. If you do notice urine outside the litter box, first you have to rule out accidental soiling.

Accidental Soiling:

Looks like regular urinating. When a cat eliminates by accident, it looks like she is sitting with her rear legs pushed out slightly.

Can happen for medical reasons. Sometimes cats get Feline Urological Syndrome, an inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder that can cause accidents. Since Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease increase thirst, these illnesses could also be the problem.

Can have to do with the litter box. If you don’t clean the box frequently your cat may want to avoid it. Detergents, chemicals, or scented litter may also encourage her to seek another place to eliminate. If you know cleanliness and odors aren’t the issue, think about the location you’ve chosen. You should pick a well-lit spot that doesn’t see a ton of foot traffic. Also avoid carpets; if your cat misses the box the smell will sink in, which encourages more accidents.

Can involve feces. Cats don’t usually mark their territory this way. Lower intestinal problems might be to blame—like parasites and food allergies.

Urine Spraying:

Happens standing or squatting. Your cat will back up to a vertical surface—likely a door or window—lift her tail, and forcefully spray a small amount. She may also choose an object she associates with a person or animal who instills anger, frustration, stress, or fear.

Is common in pets that aren’t spayed or neutered. Most often spraying stems to sexuality. Toms spray before they’re going to mate and queens do this to attract males.

Has various causes: desire for attention, a reaction to change, a response to a new pet or person, or a result of interacting with an outdoor cat who then walks by the window (threatening her territory).

How to Handle Spraying:

* Spay or your neuter your cat if you haven’t already.

* Visit your vet to rule out medical problems.

* Block the windows so she won’t feel threatened by outside cats, or install a sprinkler to discourage feline visitors.

* Clean accidents thoroughly so she’ll be less likely to return to the spot. Avoid ammonia-based products which smell like urine. This defeats the purpose!

* Reestablish marking spots as feeding areas; animals generally won’t urinate where they eat.

* Move the items she likes to mark or cover them with Saran wrap.

* Hang aluminum foil in the areas she sprays. When she approaches it the foil will make noise—and if she urinates, it will spray back on to her.

* Help her warm up to new people in your house by having the person feed, groom, and play with her.

* Introduce new cats slowly over time by keeping them in separate spaces and gradually increasing their time together.

* Make sure the litter box is size-appropriate, and get one for each cat you have.

* Modify the behavior when you see it by making a loud noise or spraying a water pistol.

* Avoid the urge to punish your cat. Fear could aggravate the problem.

Tags: cat urine marking