Cat marking territory: what to do?

 Cat marking territory: what to do?

Tracy Wilkins

Animal behavior is full of intriguing situations. Both dogs and cats, for example, have the habit of marking territory. The problem is that when it comes to felines, this can give some headache to guardians, as scratches and pee scattered around the house are inevitable. But after all, what makes cats behave this way? The neutered cat marks territory, oris this exclusive to animals that have not undergone castration surgery? How can the guardian deal with this type of situation and avoid the cat marking territory? To answer these questions, we have prepared an article with the most relevant information on the subject. See below!

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Understand the reasons behind a cat marking territory

It is not possible to define exactly at what age a cat begins to mark territory, but this is undoubtedly a very unpleasant behavior for those who have to live with felines. The most common ways a cat marks territory are through urine outside the litter box and the famous scratches on the furniture of the house and / or its humans. But after all, why do these animals do this?

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There are many reasons that can explain this behavior of the cat. The main one is somewhat obvious: instinct. Felines still carry many habits of wild life and, therefore, they feel the need to establish a "power" relationship with other living beings, determining who owns a territory. Therefore, changes of house or the arrival of a new member in the family can makeIt is also possible that the cat does this to try to attract the attention of the opposite sex, in an attempt to crossbreed if the cat is not neutered.

In addition, when the demarcation happens because the cat urinates out of place, other causes that may be associated with this is stress or illness. In this case, it is worth seeking the help of a veterinarian to understand what is happening with the animal's health.

Does a neutered cat mark territory?

Many people wonder if neutered cats mark territory, and the answer to that is: it depends. In most cases, neutering inhibits this type of cat behaviour because, with the decrease in sex hormones in their body, the animal no longer feels the need to attract the opposite sex or to repel other animals. Therefore, this territorialism is often left asideHowever, this is also something that will depend on the personality of the cat. If he likes to feel in power, and it is something that is independent of his hormones, there is a possibility that the neutered cat will mark territory.

Cat marking territory: what to do? Here are some tips to put an end to it

You have a kitten who is definitely a territorialist, so how do you get the cat to stop marking territory? Well, as already mentioned, neutering these animals is an option that usually has very positive results, in addition to being a measure that helps prevent various diseases and unwanted pregnancies. But if even the neutered cat marks territory, there are other options that can also be used.help prevent this type of behavior, such as investing in house catification and thinking of ways to distract the kitten. Relaxed cats with a good quality of life rarely feel the need to do this kind of thing. Oh, and of course: you can't forget to take the animal to the vet periodically, huh? Sometimes the reason for peeing out of place can also be an illness.

If the problem is not urine, but scratches: invest in cat scratchers. They are a great toy alternative for felines and are made for just this purpose. Thus, you divert the kitty's attention from the furniture in the house and direct it to the new object.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.