Urine Marking and Spraying Behavior in Cats

What is urine marking or spraying?

Urine marking is when a cat leaves small amounts of urine on surfaces to communicate, rather than simply to empty their bladder. The term urine spraying is used when urine is deposited onto vertical surfaces. A spraying cat backs up to the surface, usually quivering their tail, and then, with little or no crouching, sprays urine onto the surface.

Although spraying is the most common type of urine marking, some cats mark by urinating on horizontal surfaces. Cats can also mark by depositing stool, scratching objects, and rubbing their face or body along surfaces.

Why do cats “mark” with urine?

When cats mark surfaces with urine or feces, they are depositing chemicals known as pheromones. Animals use pheromones to communicate with other members of their species. Urine and feces are not the only sources of pheromones. Cats have pheromone-secreting glands in several areas of their bodies, including their feet, cheeks, and the base of their tail. As cats move about or scratch surfaces, the scent glands on their feet leave pheromone deposits. When your cat rubs a corner of a chair with their cheek, they are marking that surface (cheek marking is called bunting).

Pheromones convey personal information such as whether a cat is ready to mate, and may even convey information about a cat’s mood. Urine marks can also signal “ownership.” Marking is a natural and normal behavior. Free-roaming, unneutered male cats may mark with urine many times per hour.

Indoor cats also need to communicate. Cats almost certainly do not recognize that their urine marking is problematic for the people in their home. Additionally, urine marking can indicate that a cat is experiencing distress. A cat that is physically or emotionally uncomfortable in their environment may mark surfaces in an attempt to communicate this discomfort.

Territory and other cats

An indoor cat that feels threatened may leave a mark to identify an area as their safe territory. Urine marking can be triggered by the sight of an outdoor cat through the window. This outdoor cat may be viewed as a potential invader of the indoor cat’s territory and the indoor cat might communicate “no vacancy” by spraying directly on or near the window.  

Territorial marking may also occur when two or more cats share a home. Cats that do not enjoy sharing spaces may attempt to establish territories by leaving marks in prominent locations.

Changes in scents or household routines

Changes in the scents in a cat’s environment may trigger marking. Cats sometimes deposit urine onto new objects brought into the household, presumably to create a common scent or mask an unfamiliar one.

Cats may mark their environment in response to unexpected or unpredictable household changes such as  a new schedule, the addition of a person or pet, or even a remodeling project. In these cases, the familiar pheromones in their marks may be soothing, creating a sense of security.

Frustration

Frustration can also trigger marking. For example, a hungry cat with an empty food bowl or an indoor/outdoor cat waiting for a door to open may spray urine, usually close to the source of frustration. Cat experts now recognize that, 

To help prevent frustration and distress, indoor cats require an enriched environment that provides ample opportunities to engage in natural cat behaviors. Most cats benefit from activities that provide social interactions with their people, physical exercise such as climbing, and mental stimulation, including “hunting,” solving puzzles, and learning tricks.

Physical discomfort

Finally, physical discomfort can trigger marking behavior. If your adult cat suddenly begins marking, stops using a litter box, or begins to spray inside the box, be sure to have them examined by your veterinarian.

Are male cats more likely to mark with urine than female cats?

Both male and female cats can mark with urine. Urine marking is most common in intact (unneutered) male cats. When an intact male sprays urine, it will have the characteristic “tomcat” odor that is strong and pungent. Castration, or neutering, changes the odor of the urine and may reduce the cat’s motivation for spraying, but approximately 10% of neutered males and 5% of spayed females will continue to spray. Cats in multi-cat households often spray, but cats that are housed alone may spray as well.

How can I tell whether my cat is marking or avoiding the litter box?

Cats that need to eliminate but are not comfortable with their litter box may urinate or defecate outside their box as they seek an alternative toileting area. In most cases, they do not spray urine. They are not attempting to communicate but are simply emptying their bladder or having a bowel movement. Sometimes, a behavior professional is needed to distinguish between marking and toileting outside the litter box.

Most cats that mark do so by depositing urine on vertical surfaces. Depending on the trigger, there may be one main location or several locations. Urine marks are usually left in socially important areas, frequently used areas, or close to whatever triggered the behavior. You may find urine marks near doorways or on windows. Cats may also mark newly acquired possessions. Occasionally, cats mark surfaces with their feces.

Could an underlying physical or behavioral illness cause urine spraying?

Any persistent urination or defecation outside the litter box is a reason to have your cat examined by your veterinarian. Lab work may be needed, including a urine test. Medical conditions such as infections, gastrointestinal disease, and arthritis can cause a cat to urinate or defecate outside their litter box. 

Behavioral conditions can also lead to avoidance of the litter box or a preference for an alternative elimination area. If there is no physical explanation for the behavior, it is important to consult with a veterinary behaviorist for an accurate assessment and an effective treatment program.

How do I treat a spraying or marking problem?

Treatment for marking focuses on decreasing your cat’s motivation for spraying. For that reason, the first step is to investigate the behavior to determine the underlying cause. The location of the urine marks, the frequency and timing of marking, and the number of locations can help with the assessment. If you have more than one cat, their relationships will need to be explored—there may be underlying conflict triggering the behavior.

The following steps can help identify and address the cause:

• Review household changes. Try to recreate the timeline and recall whether there have been any changes in the household. Cats are very sensitive to their physical and social environment. Remodeling, purchasing new furniture, or adding or losing a pet or person may be important. A veterinary behaviorist will consider all these factors, as well as your cat’s physical and emotional health, when determining the reason for the behavior.
• Discourage outdoor cats from approaching. If you discover your cat is marking because they are agitated by a cat they see through the window, try to deter outside cats from getting close to your house. If the other cat lives nearby, try talking with your neighbor about the situation. You may also place a motion-activated water sprinkler outside the window.
• Limit your cat’s view of outdoor cats. Depending on your home’s layout, you may be able to close off rooms that provide a close-up view of other cats. Another option is to apply opaque window coverings that attach to your windowpanes and block the view of the outdoor cat. It may be necessary to keep certain windows closed to prevent the outdoor cat’s scent from coming inside.
• Address conflict with other household cats. If your cat’s marking is related to uncomfortable social interactions, such as conflict with another household cat, work on improving that relationship. Cat communication can be subtle—it can be difficult to identify signs of aggression or fear. A veterinary behaviorist or other qualified professional can assess the social interactions and design a treatment plan to reduce marking by reducing conflict.
• Discuss spaying or neutering. Talk to your veterinarian about whether your cat is a candidate for spaying or neutering. If your cat is healthy and will not be used for breeding, spaying or neutering can sometimes resolve marking behavior completely.
• Provide appealing litter boxes. Be sure all cats in your home can easily access clean, appealing litter boxes and that there are plenty of boxes—one box for each cat plus one extra. 
• Clean marked areas. Clean any sprayed sites with a product that neutralizes odor, such as Urine Away™.

What if my cat keeps returning to spray an area I have cleaned?

Cats mark to leave a message, so it is not surprising that, when the odor is cleaned up and the message is erased, a cat might immediately refresh the area with more urine. Cleaning is still recommended, but on its own, it does not usually eliminate marking.

Change how the area is used. For cats that only leave marks in one or two areas, changing the purpose of the area can sometimes resolve the problem. For instance, since most cats do not leave urine marks near their feeding or resting places, placing a feeding dish or cozy bed in the marked area may help.

Encourage other forms of marking. It is also possible to encourage a form of marking that is more acceptable in the home. For example, cats that rub surfaces to mark may be less likely to spray urine in the same location. Furthermore, the pheromones found in the cheek glands seem to have a calming effect on cats, so encouraging facial marking can be an effective treatment for spraying.

Synthetic feline pheromone products such as Feliway® may help reduce urine marking. Depending on the product, they are available as room diffusers or sprays. Diffusers release pheromones into the room, while sprays can be applied to marked areas according to the label instructions. Ask your veterinary team which product is appropriate for your cat.

Provide a suitable marking surface. Some cats can be encouraged to spray in a modified litter box placed in a preferred marking location. A backsplash, such as a Plexiglas panel, can protect the wall. Alternatively, two plastic litter boxes can be arranged to make an L-shape, with one box upright to catch the marked urine.

What should I do if I catch my cat spraying?

If you catch your cat about to spray, try gently distracting them. A novel sound can often be used as a distraction. Or, you may be able to encourage your cat to engage in a different behavior by waving a wand toy or using a treat trail.

Do not scold or otherwise try to frighten your cat. Cats are very sensitive to any form of punishment, even verbal reprimands. Punishment can cause fear and can permanently damage your cat’s trust in you.

Can medication help treat marking?

Although marking can be a completely normal form of feline communication, for many indoor cats, there is an emotional component to the behavior. Medications that address anxiety and frustration can be helpful alongside other treatments.