Answer: The spraying of urine on vertical objects, primarily by tom cats (unneutered males). Is a method both of marking their territory and of advertising that they are ‘available’ for mating. The urine of cats contains various chemicals known as pheromones which act as scent markers.
This scent marking of his territory, and particularly its boundaries, helps the male to familiarize himself which is environment, and reassures him when he re-encounters the scent later. It also informs other males of his existence. However, it is not an effective deterrent in preventing ‘trespassing’ by other cats; rather it serve to indicate that they should proceed cautiously to avoid unwanted meetings. Usually any ‘interloper’ will sniff at the mark and then stroll on apparently unconcerned, often after putting his own mark near it.
During the breeding season, the characteristic pungent scent of tom cat urine attracts sexually respective females. The increased level of male hormone (testosterone), plus the increase in anxiety and excitement at this time, contribute to an increased frequency in spraying, both indoors and outdoors. Indeed, with male cats used for breeding (stud toms), spraying indoors is so commonplace that the animals are almost always kept in special quarters away from the owner’s residence.
Spraying is more likely to occur when there are several male cats in a household and neighborhood, and particularly when cat is introduced to a new territory. It is often performed at certain times of the day. The male first examines the object. And then turns his rear towards it. With his back partly arched he raises his tail, makes two or three paddling movements with his hind legs and then quite accurately sprays urine backwards over the area in the fine jet to a height of one to two feet.
Male which have been castrated, before or after puberty, (the onset of sexual maturity is usually between six and nine months’ old), are less likely to spray but may do so, particularly if they feel threatened, for instance by new cats appearing in there territory.
Entire female may also spray urine. Some normally do so during breeding season when their urine contains the pheromones attractive to the male; (pheromones of both males are sexually attractive to the posit sex). Other female may spray if their hormone balance is disturbed, for example by drugs to prevent or daily oestrus (‘heat’). For anatomical reasons for these females squirt the urine out in a series of droplets rather then a fine jet.
After spraying it is common for the animals (male or female) to smell the area. Often it will rub its face in the damp patch and then by further rubbing of the face transfer the scent to other objects in turn. Male may rub their hindquarters on the marked area or make agitated clawing movement whilst smelling the mark.
Most of this marking by urine spraying fortunately takes place out doors. But spraying indoor is a problem that can arise in male and females both entire and neutered if they feel their territory is being threatened or if they become frustrated. This type of emotional disturbance can be triggered of by the arrival of a new member of the household or even by a new piece of furniture or carpet, or by overcrowding, (e.g. six or seven cats in the same householder), or by same change in its environment, such as moving house. Some cats may also spray urine at any visitors to the house. And as mentioned previously, spraying indoors by entire male and female can be particular problem during the breeding season.
At times a cat will being to spray, a urine normally, on carpets, furniture or breeding, apparently out of resentment, e.g. at being scolded or being prevent from doing something it wishes to do, or even being fed food it doesn’t like.
