Cats spray to mark territory and for mating. It is also called marking and is not malicious or sneaky behavior. Urinating outside the litter box is known as inappropriate urination. Inappropriate urination is divided into two main categories - behavioral problem or physical cause. Cat spraying and inappropriate urination are common reasons cat owners take their cat to the veterinarian. Punishing or yelling at your cat will not help and may increase stress levels.

When a cat urinates it squats down, but when it sprays it stands upright and sprays against a vertical surface. Your cat will back up to a vertical area with an intense look of concentration, tail twitching and lifted, and spray a small amount of urine from beneath its tail in short bursts. Various places may include a wall, couch, bed, countertop, drapes, or piles of clothing.

Spraying is marking behavior, not a litter box problem. It is an important part of nonverbal communication among cats, helping to establish and define boundaries and reassure cats what area (territory) belongs to them. Sprayed cat urine contains pheromones, a substance produced by animals that is used for communication. Combinations of pheromones are like human fingerprints.

Several different pheromones are secreted by different regions of a cat's body. By signaling to other cats, they affect a number of behaviors, including attracting a mate. Some pheromones mark objects and boundaries, while others send a signal of familiarity and well being. Cats have other methods to mark territory, such as scratching or rubbing against something, or not covering their feces. But spraying is the most common method of marking.

Intact male cats (not neutered) mark because of their testosterone, but neutered male cats also spray if aroused. Females cats spray, especially intact females when in heat.

If your cat is urinating outside the litter box, have your veterinarian perform an examination to eliminate the possibility of a medical problem or physical illness.

Cats are clean animals. Urinating outside the litter box is usually a sign that there is something wrong with either the cat or the litter box. A common physical problem causing inappropriate urination is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), but can also be caused by bladder stones, urinary tract infections, or diabetes. Physical problems can be life-threatening if not treated right away.

Behavior problems include litter box aversion, territorial marking, or a subtle form of bullying known as intercat aggression.

If your cat is spraying or exhibiting inappropriate urination, adjustments in your home can usually solve the problem.