Marking in cats can be frustrating, but it is important to understand the causes and find appropriate solutions. Why do cats mark? This could be due to stress, territorial behavior or health issues. This article will provide you with useful tips on how to deal with the marking and how to get rid of the unpleasant smell.
Why is your cat marking?
Cats have an incredibly developed sense of smell, which they use to transmit and receive information. Marking, especially with urine, is one of the methods by which a cat defines its territory, expresses its feelings or announces its sexual readiness. While some cats use marking as a normal part of their territorial behavior, others may start marking as a result of stress or health problems.
Typical signs of marking:
- Urinating on vertical surfaces : cats will often turn their backs to an object (such as a wall or furniture), raise their tail and squirt a small amount of urine.
- Unburied feces : if a cat leaves feces unburied, this may be another way of marking its territory.
Medical and psychological reasons
If you notice that your cat has started to mark, it is important to first rule out possible medical causes. Urinary tract diseases, kidney problems or bladder infections can cause a cat to urinate outside its toilet. In these cases, it is advisable to visit a veterinarian immediately.
Stress and psychological factors can be another significant reason. Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment and may mark in response to stressors such as:
- Rearrangement of furniture.
- The presence of a new person in the household.
- Adding a new pet to the family.
- Moves or replacement of the nest or cat tree
How to unlearn marking a cat?
- Neutering or spaying : For male and female cats, neutering is often the most effective method of preventing marking. Hormonal changes associated with the sexual cycle often lead to an increased need for marking. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate course of action.
- Veterinary examination : If you are not sure whether the markings are related to an illness, we recommend visiting a veterinarian and having the cat thoroughly examined. Medical conditions such as urinary tract infections can cause markings, but they usually disappear after successful treatment.
- Stress reduction : Find out what is stressing the cat and try to eliminate the cause. Stable routines and a calm environment often help cats. This may also include adding more areas for the cat, such as raised resting areas, shelters or play areas.
- Pheromones : Consider using synthetic pheromones in a spray or diffuser that mimic the natural chemicals cats release when they feel safe. These products can help relieve stress and reduce marking behavior.
Solutions for your home
When trying to wean your cat from marking, it's important to also focus on practical steps to get rid of the smell and protect your home.
- Use the right cleaning products : Invest in special cat-odor cleaning products that contain enzymes that break down urine molecules. Avoid cleaning products with ammonia, which can smell like urine and encourage the cat to mark repeatedly.
- Prevent access to marked areas : Move objects that the cat marks out of her reach or prevent access to these areas.
- Positive association : Once you identify the places where the cat marks, try rewarding them with food or treats in those places. Cats don't like to soil areas they associate with pleasant experiences, such as feeding.
Try our freeze-dried treats , which are rich in nutrients, without artificial additives, and your cat will love them immediately. Their practical packaging is ideal for everyday use and helps the cat to form a positive association with the places it has previously marked.