The cat, like the rest of the felines, is a furry creature that mark your territory in different ways, with their claws, rubbing themselves on the furniture, or marking with urine. Some of these behaviors are not pleasant, so we have to find a solution that pleases both: hairy and human.
We cannot change their species' behavior, but we can do several things to make coexistence happy for everyone, and this is something to keep in mind when we ask ourselves How to stop my cat from marking territory. Let us know what measures we can take step by step, first understanding why it does it and what it is trying to communicate to us.
Why do cats mark their territory?
All cats, male and female, neutered or not, perform some type of territorial markingIt is not an act of revenge or malice, but a natural way of communicate with other cats and to feel safer in their environment. By marking, the cat leaves a “olfactory signature” loaded with information about their identity, emotional state and even their reproductive status.
There are several main reasons why your cat might mark: for define your space and warn other cats that this territory belongs to him; to feel more secure in an environment he perceives as unstable; to manage stress or anxiety in the face of changes at home (moving, new pets, a baby, renovations, new furniture…); for express hierarchy when it lives with other cats; and, if it is not neutered, because reproductive drive, leaving signs that attract potential partners.
Even in quiet homes, it's normal for a cat to mark something when it first arrives in a new home or when another animal is introduced. If the marking becomes frequent or very visible (for example, urinating on walls, doors or furniture) usually indicates that the cat is not completely happy or that something is making it feel insecure.
Marking methods: urine, scratches, and rubbing
To be able to act effectively, it is key to know how is your cat markingA problem of urination outside the litter box for health reasons is not the same as true territorial marking.
At the urine markingThe cat usually stands upright, with its tail held high and sometimes vibrating, and expels small amounts of urine in a spray onto vertical surfaces (walls, doors, curtains, furniture legs). The smell is usually more intense and more persistent than in normal urination. Sometimes small marks may also appear on horizontal surfaces, but always in small quantities.
When the cat simply urinates outside the box For other reasons (rejection of the litter box, pain, urinary tract infection), he tends to crouch and leave larger puddles on floors, carpets, or beds. In these cases, rather than territorial marking, there may be a medical problem or a problem with the litter box management.
In addition to urinating, the cat marks with facial pheromonesRubbing its head, cheeks, lips, or chin against furniture, corners, doors, other animals, or people. This type of marking is usually positive: it indicates comfort and confidenceWhen your cat rubs its face against you, it's saying that you're part of its safe circle.
El nail marking It combines an olfactory signal (pheromones released by the paw pads) with a visual signal (visible scratches). Scratching sofas, door frames, or chairs can serve several purposes: file nailsto stretch, to play, or indeed, mark an area as your ownespecially if the environment is stressful for him or he feels competition from other cats.
Husk it before the first heat
Whether it is a male or a female, it is very important to take it to castrate, that is, to remove your reproductive glands. After this intervention they will not have the cell Therefore, they will not have the need to mark their territory for reproductive purposes. Furthermore, any possibility of them having offspring is eliminated; and to make matters worse, if they were to venture outside, They won't go that far from home and they will be less likely to get into fights.
Castration not only significantly reduces the urine marking (especially that associated with hormones), but territorial aggression and the urge to escape also tend to decrease. In many cases, urine marking is corrected in a very high percentage of cases after surgery, although marks due to other factors may persist. stress, fear, or conflicts with other animalsThat's why it's a fundamental piece, but not the only one, of the management plan.
If your cat is already neutered and continues to mark, it could be due to other reasons: changes in the homeThe presence of stray cats near windows, conflicts with other felines, an unsuitable litter box, or even a urinary tract problem can all contribute to urinary tract issues. In these cases, it's always advisable to consult your veterinarian. veterinarian to rule out diseases and, if necessary, with a feline behavior specialist that helps you identify the exact origin.
Make sure he lives happy and calm
Un stressed cat tends to more of a territorial presence That's someone who is relaxed, especially when the family grows or there are changes in their daily routine. Marking helps them to... feel more secure in an environment that he perceives as threatening.
To avoid this, the furry friend needs to know that he can continue. trusting usTherefore, it's important to continue giving him the same attention and affection as before, otherwise he'll feel quite unwell. With the arrival of another animal or a new human member of the family, it's important to maintain his routine. play, attention and pampering to remain stable, preventing him from feeling displaced.
It's also a good idea to check its surroundings: that it has quiet refuges where no one will disturb them, high places to observe without feeling vulnerable, several water and food sources, and constant access to their litter box. When there are several cats in the house, it is advisable to offer duplicate resources (more than one sandbox, more than one feeder, several beds) to reduce the silent competition that we often do not detect and that triggers marking.
If the stress comes from outside, for example from the presence of stray cats In front of windows, direct vision can be limited by lowering blinds at certain times, using translucent screens, or rearranging the furniture so the cat isn't exposed to so much threatening visual stimulation. In parallel, the use of synthetic feline pheromones In a diffuser or spray, it can help you feel safer at home and reduce the need to dial.
Provide a scraper (or several)
So that it does not scratch the furniture and can climb, It is necessary to provide him with a scratching post (or several). Scratching posts should be placed in the rooms where the cat spends the most time, such as the living room. In addition to protecting your furniture, scratching posts allow the cat to scratch itself. wear down your nailsStretch your muscles and leave olfactory marks acceptable to the family.
He will usually learn to use it on his own, but if you see that he is having trouble, you can teach him by following the tips we give you in this articleIt is advisable to have various types of scratchers (vertical, horizontal, post, cardboard, tower with platforms) and place them strategically in the places where it has already tried to scratch.
Meanwhile learn it, you can spray the furniture with Feliwaywhich will make him change his mind every time he wants to scratch them. These products, based on synthetic feline pheromones, are designed to reduce stress and encourage the cat to mark with its face instead of urine or claws. Combined with attractive scratching posts, toys, and an enriched environment, they are a very useful aid.
It is also important keep your nails in good conditionProvide suitable scratching surfaces, regularly check the length of the nails, and if necessary and if your veterinarian deems it appropriate, trim them carefully. You won't completely prevent scratching, but you will reduce damage to furniture and textiles, and encourage your cat to direct this behavior toward appropriate objects.
Combining early castration, good management of the sandboxProper cleaning of marked areas, use of pheromones and sufficient resources (scratching posts, shelters, sand trays and food points), makes the cat feel so safe and understood that the need to mark is reduced to levels that are very manageable for coexistence.