Cat's Marking Their Territory

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Cats want to communicate, especially to other cats. Cats mark their territory in several ways. It is an inherited trait, inherited from cats in the wild from many, many years ago. To leave their scent, they will spray urine and/or scratch.

Both male and female cats use urine to mark their territory. As disgusting as this habit is in our lovable pets, we need patience and dedication to help our cats to stop marking.

Prevention can be a cure. If you acquire a kitten, get him or her spayed or neutered before 6 months of age. Get them taken care of before they ever start! This isn't 100% effective, but it does help in a very high percentage of cases.

Spraying:

Cats mark for several reasons, mainly environmental changes and stress related events:

*Moving to a new home
*Remodeling your current home
*New person living in the home
*New pet
*Stress with someone living in the home
*Visitors
*Defining their territory for other animals
*Dominance to other cats in a multi-cat environment
*Initiate sexual activity
*Owner's on vacation and left alone

If, however, you get an older cat that has started marking, be patient. Here are some suggestions that may help in stopping the marking of territory whether your feline is young or old:

*Clean area thoroughly but not with strong scent cleaners, especially ammonia. They may feel they need to over urinate to cover the scent.
*Eliminate or cover up area that was marked.
*Play, feed and treat your cat in the area she wants to mark. It will discourage your cat from marking in that particular area for the obvious reasons.
*Don't let your cat look outside to see other cats. It may encourage them to show dominance.
*Check with your vet for Feliway to inhibit your cat's spraying.

Scratching:

Cat's have natural chemicals in their scent glands which are in their cheeks and flanks. When they rub up next to you or your furniture, they are leaving a message to other cats that they have been there.

They also have a scent in their paws. By scratching on posts, corners, furniture, or other items, they are once again communicating.

These character traits are in every cat, and it doesn't matter if she or he is an indoor cat, outdoor cat, or in a multi-cat home. It is just the natural instinct of a cat.

Your patience and consistency will help to train your cat not to mark their territory. DO NOT be abusive because this will not help! Any kind of punishment will not help. They can't associate the crime to the punishment. Any guilty looks you feel you are getting from them is not guilt but fear. They are really saying, "I am afraid of you!" It will only cause more stress in your kitty which will cause more problems. Check with your vet for more advice if your cat continues to mark his territory.

Lori Kniff loves cats and dogs. She has had a cat most of her life and several dogs. She is concerned with the health and welfare of our pets. Please visit http://www.pawsitivepamperings.com for items that will help you show your love for your cat or dog.

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