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Marking
 It
is fairly easy to distinguish between marking and inappropriate
elimination if the cat sprays urine on vertical surfaces (backing
up, release of small amounts of urine, twitching tail, treading
with the hind legs). You will find small amounts of urine on walls
and furniture in strategically important locations (passage ways,
windows, doors, etc.). Marking on horizontal surfaces is rare.
For successful treatment of marking, it is essential
to determine the original cause of the behaviour
Most commonly, other cats in the environment that induce territorial
conflicts and aggression cause marking. Even after living together
harmonically, problems can occur suddenly and cause the cats to be
insecure and anxious. Other factors that have been linked to marking
include: stray cats on the property, cats entering the house through
cat flaps, construction and other noises, visitors, changes in
family structure, owner's vacation, changes in daily routine, new
furniture, and the scent of other animals on the owner's clothing or
items that are brought home.
Marking
with faeces (middening) is comparably rare. Stool is commonly
deposited in locations that are associated with a specific person
(i.e. clothing, spots where a person sat or their pillow in bed).
Treatment of urine marking
For
successful treatment of marking, it is essential to determine the
original cause of the behaviour. This includes conflicts between
resident cats, stray cats that are seen through windows or
encountered when the cat is allowed outside, or other stressors
mentioned above. These issues have to be resolved with the help of
behaviour modification or management to guarantee the best possible
success.
Cats that are not neutered are more likely to mark than neutered
cats (intact males > intact females > neutered males > spayed
females). In this case, castration is the first step in treatment.
The procedure will stop the undesired behaviour in up to 90% of all
cases.
For prevention, it is suggested to castrate cats before 6 months of
age. Long term studies with cats regarding the effects of early spay
and neutering, show that the effects are overwhelmingly positive.
In addition, urine marking may respond well to medication and
pheromone therapy.
Source: Dr. Petra Mertens, Pet Care Information Centre
www.petcare.umn.edu
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