Urine Spraying (Marking)

What is it?

Urine marking is the use of urine to communicate; when the urine is sprayed onto a vertical surface, it is called spraying. Marking leaves pheromones carrying information about the cat. It is most common in unneutered males, but neutered males and spayed females can also spray. Common triggers include seeing outdoor cats through a window, tension between cats in the home, changes such as new people, pets, furniture, or remodeling, frustration, a lack of enrichment, and physical discomfort.

What signs should I watch for?

A spraying cat backs up to a wall or other upright surface, often quivers the tail, and sprays a small amount of urine with little or no squatting. Some cats instead leave small puddles on horizontal surfaces, such as near doors, on windows, on new items, or on clothes. Any sudden change in litter box habits, or urination outside the box, should be checked by your veterinarian.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Your veterinarian will first rule out medical problems such as infection, gastrointestinal disease, or arthritis, often with a urine test. Treatment then aims to reduce the cat's motivation to mark: block views of outdoor cats, ease tension between household cats, provide one clean litter box per cat plus one, clean marked spots with an odor-neutralizing product, and use synthetic feline pheromone products. Placing food bowls, beds, or scratching posts at marked spots can help. Neutering may reduce or stop spraying, and anti-anxiety medication can be a useful addition. A veterinary behaviorist can help with complex cases. Never scold or punish your cat; it increases fear and damages trust.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Spaying or neutering, plenty of enrichment, enough litter boxes, and keeping changes gradual all help prevent marking.
• Many cats improve once the cause is identified and addressed.