Marking Territory

Many cats scent mark their territory with urine. The urine marker does not squat in the normal bladder-emptying fashion.

Instead, the cat backs up to a vertical object, raises its quivering tail, then pulsates a spray of urine against the object. Urine is intentionally left as a "calling card" for other cats.

Scratching furniture serves a similar purpose. A well-scratched piece of furniture is a visible way of marking territory. These problems can be diminished or eliminated using "aversion" methods.

A squirt from a water pistol or a sudden loud noise just as your cat takes aim or begins to scratch can be sufficiently offensive to stop the behavior. Neutering is the most effective way to reduce urine marking.