Common feline problem behaviors: Urine spraying

Abstract

Practical relevance: Urine spraying (synonymous terms include urine marking or scent marking) is commonly described as urine deposited on vertical surfaces while the cat is in a standing position. With the increasing trend of keeping cats indoors in some countries and the potential resultant increase in frustration-related behaviors, urine spraying may occur in the home. Although also a normal feline behavior, it is usually not deemed acceptable when the cat targets household possessions. Urine spraying is a common behavioral complaint that practitioners receive from cat owners and has the potential to disrupt the human-cat bond. In fact, feline elimination issues are a frequent reason cited by owners when they relinquish their cats to shelters and rescue organizations.

Clinical challenges: While the location of the deposited urine should be diagnostic, this is not always the case. Urine marking can occur on horizontal surfaces, thus complicating the diagnosis. Urine spraying by intact males and females is used to signal availability for mating but the behaviour can also be exhibited by neutered animals. Multiple factors including medical problems can trigger the onset and maintenance of urine spraying, and correct identification of these is necessary for treatment to be most successful.

Evidence base: This review draws on information from multiple studies that have been published on the normal aspects of urine spraying in cats, the frequency as reported by owners, the relationship of urine spraying to intercat aggression and various treatment options including behavior modification, pheromone therapy and use of psychoactive medication.

Keywords: Urine spraying; intercat aggression; normal behavior; vertical deposition.

Figure 1

Cats that urine spray are usually standing with their tail upright, and perhaps ‘treading’ their feet. Courtesy of Dr Margie Scherk

Figure 2

A potential trigger for urine spraying may be the presence of non-resident cats outside the home. Image ©iStock/Greenseas

Figure 3

(a,b) Two examples of how to create spraying stations for cats that persist in urine marking. Initially these litter box set-ups are positioned at the cat’s preferred location, but once use is established they can often be moved to a less conspicuous location or discontinued if treatment is successful. In some cases they may remain indefinitely if the cat will only spray there and nowhere else. Image (b) courtesy of Dr Jacqui Neilson

Figure 4

Double baby gates can be used to keep cats in one place and stop them from spraying in a location that will damage household possessions; this method may not be useful long term, however, if other inciting stimuli are not addressed

Figure 5

After prolonged therapy the owners of this cat divided the home into two separate zones and the resident cats lived happily without fighting or urine spraying

Figure 6

Climbing towers allow cats to arrange themselves vertically, helping to provide a safe location away from, for example, another cat. Courtesy of Cathryn Jordan