Why does the cat constantly mark? How to stop a cat from marking its territory. Instructions for use. Manners lessons for animals

Cat marks are a mixture of urine and secretions with an individual scent. Cats begin to leave them from the moment of puberty, from 6 to 10 months. The behavior model was formed in wild cats during the process of evolution, as a mechanism of self-preservation, and later remained in domestic cats. It is useless to scold and punish a pet, because its behavior obeys instincts:

Territorial instinct . The wild ancestors of cats used marks to protect their personal hunting space from the invasion of other animals so that there would be enough food. Domestic cats use marks to communicate information about themselves: gender, physical condition and health, age, status. This is a way to identify yourself in the house and assert yourself. Any unexpected event enhances the manifestation of the territorial instinct: a visit from guests, the appearance of a new animal or family member, moving, rearranging furniture and renovations.
Sexual instinct . Males and cats during estrus use marks to attract representatives of the opposite sex, show readiness for mating, and limit the territory from the invasion of potential rivals.
Hierarchical instinct . By smell, cats secure their leadership position; if several pets live in an apartment, the strongest of them will mark.
Emotional imbalance . When surrounded by their own scent, cats calm down and feel more confident, so in a state of psycho-emotional stress they mark intensely. The reasons include jealousy of other pets and people, melancholy from loneliness or lack of attention, fear, and nervous tension.

Owners should not confuse the cat's desire to leave its scent with emptying its bladder. When urinating, cats sit down, place marks while standing, and raise their tail vertically. Animals relieve themselves in inappropriate places for other reasons: from an inconvenient or unclean litter box to problems with the urinary organs.

What to do

Shouting and punishment will have the opposite effect: the animal will feel a threat to its safety and will begin to mark more intensely. It is possible to change a cat’s behavior: reduce the level of sex hormones, scare off with unpleasant aromas, use educational methods.

The most acceptable way is to castrate the animal at 7-9 months, before the first marks appear. During surgery, cats' ovaries are depleted, and cats' testes are removed. In animals, the concentration of hormones drops, the reproductive instinct does not awaken, and the pet does not mark. After castration in adulthood, behavior changes more slowly, it will take from 1 to 6 months, and cats with a strong territorial instinct do not stop marking throughout their lives.

Behavior correction

Training has a lesser effect, but affects animals with weak leadership qualities. The kitten is immediately shown who is in charge in the house, correct behavior is encouraged and reinforced with training. If a pet is raised in an atmosphere of permissiveness, he will feel like a leader, then marks cannot be avoided. Sometimes you will need advice from a zoopsychologist. He will understand the emotional and psychological problems of the cat and tell you how to correct the behavior.

If an adult cat continues to mark after castration, felinologists advise showing him your leadership. The cat is taken by the withers and lifted: in this position, he loses his position as a confident male. Then they look into the eyes and at the same time imitate a cat hissing. The pet is released, the place where he left the residue is cleaned. Educational measures are applied only at the time of the commission of an offense.

Repellent odors

Cats do not like citrus, spicy, perfume scents. They avoid the place where there is a cotton pad soaked in essential oil of grapefruit, orange or perfume. This method works temporarily until the smell disappears.

Pet stores offer repellent sprays. The preparations do not harm cats, do not leave stains, and contain components with a strong aroma that cats do not like:

Api-San Defense;
Anti-scratch Faithful friend;
Beaphar Stop-it Cat;
Biovax Repel.

The spray is applied daily to the marks from a distance of 20 - 30 cm. Cats perceive odors differently, the same aroma repels one cat and leaves another indifferent.

How to get rid of odor

A persistent smell appears even after one mark of 2 - 3 drops, so the problem arises - to find the area where the cat left marks. To do this, use a UV flashlight; in the dark, the marks glow greenish. To eliminate the repulsive odor, the area is treated with chemicals or home remedies. Before treatment, the stained area is cleaned: washed with water and a universal detergent or soap solution. Stains on clothes, curtains, shoes are pre-washed and dried.

Household chemicals

Cat marks contain uric acid. It crystallizes, does not dissolve in water, and transmits a characteristic odor that is difficult to get rid of. Conventional washing powders, floor and wall cleaning products are not suitable for eliminating cat marks. Oxygen stain removers remove dirt, but do not cope with odor. Chlorine-containing preparations enhance the aroma of cat urine and marks and are toxic to animals. Products with acid remove urinary stone from trays and tiles, but damage other surfaces.

Chemicals from pet stores

Preparations for removing cat marks and odor contain additional components: bacteria to break down uric acid or enzymes - enzymes to speed up the chemical reaction.

Owners respond positively to the following drugs:

OdorGone Animal Gold neutralizes odors, consists of natural ingredients. The product is sprayed, left until dry, and not washed off.
Zoovorsin removes marks from carpets, upholstery, car seats, and fabrics. The concentrate is sprayed onto the stain, after 5 minutes the residue is removed with a napkin or vacuum cleaner.
Amway LOC - universal concentrate for washing any surfaces, laundry.
Zoosan - liquid for treating hard surfaces, can be used in the presence of animals.
Odor Kill - concentrate for removing stubborn odors from hard and fabric surfaces.
Urine Off for kittens and cats - non-toxic liquid for dilution in water and floor treatment.
VergasSoft - spray to remove the smell of marks and urine of cats.

Before using medications, study the instructions and follow the recommendations.

Folk remedies

Home remedies do not harm animals, remove odors no worse than chemicals, but are cheaper and more accessible:

Laundry soap launders, removes stains on fabric, breaks down enzymes of cat marks, reduces odor.
Table vinegar mix with water in a ratio of 1 to 3, then wash smooth surfaces with the solution, soak clothes, curtains, and wipe shoes.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide interact and form oxygen. Sprinkle the stain with baking soda, apply a 3% peroxide solution on top, and leave overnight. Then rinse with clean water. Baking soda leaves marks on fabrics.
Lemon juice diluted in water 1 to 1. The solution is used to treat surfaces, fabrics, shoes, and impregnate furniture. The acid breaks down the elements of the marks, and the lemon aroma repels.
Iodine oxidizes cat secretions: 20 drops are added to a liter of water, the solution is wiped on hard surfaces or dark fabrics, the mixture colors light ones.
Alcohol or vodka removes odors from upholstered furniture, carpets, and fur clothes.

The only method to avoid cat marks is to castrate your pet on time; if this is not done, patience will be required to adjust the animal’s behavior and neutralize the smell.

Every cat owner, without exception, is familiar with the situation when the baby has grown up and begins to mark in the apartment. The foul smell irritates both the olfactory organs and the nervous system of the owner and family members. And the smell can be the reason that he can start his business in the house again. In the article I will describe the reasons for the trouble. I’ll tell you how to wean a cat from a nasty habit using folk remedies. I will teach you what to do if the measures taken do not lead to a positive result.

At what age do male cats begin to mark territory?

First, let's look at what a cat's mark is. Common people attribute the unpleasant process to a reluctance to go to the litter box.

In fact, the composition of the sprayed substance, in addition to urine, contains pheromones, hormones and seminal fluid.

The bully's manipulations are also different from the actions of emptying the bladder.

When urinating, cats sit down, lowering their tail.

Marks are usually left on a vertical surface. To do this, the ugly creature turns around with its butt, straightens its hind limbs as much as possible so that the stream hits as high as possible. Then it makes movements with its tail, reminiscent of shaking, while spraying an erupted stream.

This is how creatures communicate with each other, receiving the necessary amount of information of interest (physical condition, readiness to mate, territorial status).

It is impossible to take into account all the nuances associated with the emission of fetid fountains. Some individuals manifest themselves at a young age (2-3 months). Infantile creatures begin much later. Personal qualities, predisposition of the body, and speed of development influence. In 75%, puberty occurs after reaching 7-8 months. It is then that the ability to spray a jet is formed.

The vast majority of owners have no idea why and what factors provoke unsightly behavior.

And what time do cats start marking? As soon as puberty begins.

Reasons why cats mark in the house

Let's look at the reasons for this unfortunate misunderstanding:

Sexual desire. It ranked first. An effective way to resolve the issue is castration. Surgery to remove the testes is permitted once the kitten reaches six months of age. If the male has not previously experienced a natural call, he may not mark in the future. As for adult ladies' men who have known the delights of love, they can start gushing again within three months after the execution. There is a change in hormonal levels. During the recovery period, it is not recommended to give corrective medications. The operation itself causes a serious shock to the body. If after the specified time the situation has not changed, contact your veterinarian. Perhaps the reason is different.
Insufficient attention. If a person does not devote time to the pet, does not respond to the signs given, he proceeds to decisive action. A mischievous person spoils things belonging to the owner, a sleeping place, a favorite chair. When it achieves its goal, the owner experiences strong emotions. To solve the problem, you need to reconsider your attitude, devote time to active games and affection. Prove to the offended person that he is loved and appreciated.
Fear. The feeling of fear contributes to the malodorous manifestation. With its own scent, the coward feels safe. It is advisable to find the source or reduce its impact. It is useful to devote additional time to the ward and distract him with physical exercises. He will quickly forget about the frightening impact.
Physical ailment. When experiencing pain, representatives of the cat family attract attention with marks. The solution is to take him to the clinic to determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Jealousy. The appearance of guests, especially those staying for several days, new family members lead to the reaction in question. Increased care for a person or animal hurts the proud owner. The problem is fixed by returning the location. Show that the attitude has not changed. Having realized the inappropriateness of anxiety, the pretentious creature will stop the tricks.
Fight for territory. Typical when living in private houses or holiday villages. Walking around the boundaries of his possessions, the warrior daily leaves marks that fence off his open spaces. Fighting is useless. It happens that an animal defends a place in the sun and in a home. The reason is purchasing another sofa, moving an ottoman, or replacing the bedspread on your favorite chair. It is impossible to predict actions. Again, the only way out is to show attentiveness and rigorous care. It makes no sense to punish in this situation.

The operation solves the problem 100% when the cause lies in sexual instinct. In other circumstances, temperament and character play a role.

However, a neutered specimen acts out much less frequently; the fluid secreted is practically odorless.

In some cases, the scoundrel educates the owner by imitating the marks.

Raises its hind end, shakes it with its tail, but does not release any liquid. For the owner, this is a reason to think about what does not suit the striker.

Folk remedies to combat tagging in the apartment

Let's look at what to do at home to prevent unpleasant messages:

Caring attitude. In addition to feeding and caring for your pet, spending time with each other is important. It is advisable to alternate joint games with quiet activities. Caress, praise, stroke, show how dear and loved the creature is.
Counter marks. Another way to fight. Mark the naughty boy's favorite places with your scent. Eau de toilette, deodorant, and air flavoring will work. Alternatively, wipe off the cat's antics with stale linen.
Lay foil around the perimeter of the home. Bullies don't like to step on it.
Treat corners and other surfaces with lemon juice. The pungent smell scares away the ugly.
Spray your home with liquid containing feline happiness pheromones purchased at a pet store. Normalizes the psychological state, eliminates the desire to mark.

What to do if the methods you use do not help

There is a non-standard method of dealing with tags. Since wild cats usually live in a pride, one male leads the community. Others obey the leader.

Act according to the principle of natural instincts. The owner’s task is to show who is boss in the house so that the animal stops marking.

No matter how comical the following actions may look, clarity of reproduction guarantees success.

As soon as the bully plans to spray the stream, take it by the scruff of the neck and raise it at head level. Making hissing sounds and looking into the cat’s eyes, lightly slap the face with your fingers without causing pain. It is necessary to bring to the consciousness of the male that the owner is embittered. If the pet breaks out, ask for help holding the bully.

Continue the manipulation until the pupil begins to meow pitifully and looks away. This will be a signal of humility. Forced measures are carried out until the recalcitrant creature realizes its weakness.

No matter how well-mannered, calm and peaceful the cat may look, it is possible that it will begin to mark.

The owner's primary task is to carefully monitor the pet's behavior. Psychological factors identified at the initial stage (fear, jealousy, lack of attention, etc.) will make it possible to adjust the conditions of the fidget's detention and solve the problem that has arisen.

When you decide to get a cute kitten, you rarely think about problems like strong-smelling marks all over the house. Kittens' urine does not have a very pungent odor, and they get used to the litter box quite quickly. It would seem that everything is in order now. But by the beginning of puberty the situation may change. You need to be prepared for this in advance. Today we’ll talk about when cats start marking their territory.

When you choose a pet

According to statistics, boys from a cat family are more readily adopted. In this case, the owner will not have unwanted offspring, which is considered a great advantage. But few people take into account that cats have a strong instinct to mark their territory and make themselves known to both surrounding males and females. When this happens in a natural environment, or at least in private gardens, the marks will be noticeable only to those to whom they are left. But in an apartment, a heavy cat spirit will make the space unsuitable for life. Therefore, it is important to know in advance when cats begin to mark their territory and take appropriate measures.

Instincts, not vices of education

This is true. You and I cannot change what nature has laid down. But this is precisely what makes it possible to say quite accurately when cats begin to mark their territory. Upon reaching sexual maturity, the cat is “obliged” to inform all females and males about this. So it means that this territory has an owner, and other males are prohibited from entering it.

To do this, it raises its tail and twitches slightly, releasing small amounts of urine, pheromones and seminal fluid. This scented message contains information about the cat's age and readiness to mate. If your pet constantly walks in the garden or on the street and leaves its marks on trees, then they will not cause trouble to anyone. It is much worse if he lives in an apartment. When cats begin to mark their territory, it becomes very difficult to live with them under the same roof, as well as to wean them from this habit.

Age limits

They are quite conditional, and will differ depending on the breed, climatic conditions, nature of maintenance and nutrition. Despite this, there are average statistical data. When talking about the age at which cats begin to mark their territory, they most often mean the age of 8 months. By this time, the level of sex hormones in a young cat rises so much that he will involuntarily try all the ways to find a partner. And of course, this list will include inviting cries and odorous marks on curtains, doors, and upholstery.

It is not necessary to know exactly at what age cats begin to mark their territory. It is enough just to carefully observe your pet. With the onset of maturity, cats experience some changes in behavior and appearance. Their jaws are clearly defined, and their whole body becomes more muscular. At the same time, the cat begins to show aggression towards other cats and mark the territory so that they do not take it over.

what can you do

Some owners believe that pets have dull instincts. In fact, they are as strong as those of wild felines. This is especially true for the reproductive instinct. If you lock your pet in an apartment, it will lose weight, refusing the food offered. In addition, the animal will try to get out of the apartment, growl, and climb cabinets.

Therefore, the owner must think in advance about how many months the cat begins to mark, and by this age determine the procedure. If you plan to use him for breeding, then you need to organize free range for him, when he can fully satisfy his instincts. If this is impossible to do, and there is no one to breed the cat with, or you did not plan to use it in breeding activities, then decide on the castration procedure even before the cat begins to leave odorous marks.

How else does the instinct of dominance manifest itself?

It usually wakes up in cats with the onset of puberty. Not all individuals immediately declare themselves in the most dramatic way. Some people instead rub against the upholstery, leaving their scent on it. For the same purpose, they scratch doors and furniture, as well as wallpaper, with their claws. But when the cat begins to mark the territory in the apartment, this outweighs all the listed inconveniences. Just a few days - and when you walk home, you are simply faced with an elastic stream of smell that haunts you.

Explaining to a pet that the main thing in the house is the owners, and not the cat, in most cases it will not work. But you can try to wean him from this habit. Let us note once again that this is not so easy to do. Instincts are the basis for the functioning of the animal psyche, but they do not possess consciousness.

But what should you do first after you determine that the cat has begun to mark its territory? How to understand what is happening to him? The first step is to contact an experienced veterinarian. It is necessary to know for sure whether this behavior is a consequence of diseases of the urinary system. This usually requires going to an examination and getting tested. If problems are identified, the specialist will prescribe effective treatment.

The old way

How did we all teach kittens to use the litter box when we were kids? That's right, they caught the animal and poked its muzzle into the puddle. Therefore, when choosing what to do if the cat begins to mark its territory, many people remember this method. Unfortunately, it has a number of disadvantages. Kittens leave puddles unknowingly, and they are easily detected. Usually these are transparent puddles on the floor. And, being sent to a convenient tray, in which they can also bury waste products, they quickly get used to it.

A growing cat makes marks in a different way. It approaches a vertical surface and, raising its tail, sprays onto it a small amount of a mixture of pheromones, sex hormones, urine and seminal fluid. It’s very difficult to find this place, but it smells all over the house. If you managed to waylay the criminal, then catch him by the scruff of the neck and shake him well. If the cat meowed pitifully, it means that he recognized you as the main one in the house. Perhaps the marks will stop.

Special means

When a cat begins to mark territory in an apartment, the owner is ready to do anything to make it stop. Supermarkets offer a huge selection of liquids and sprays, patches and similar products to scare animals away from the area chosen for the marks. It's no secret that cats usually return to one or more favorite corners.

The effectiveness of these funds can be debated for a long time. Here, your pet’s inclinations and his sensitivity to a particular composition will most likely play a role. Some people rub the corners with lemon for this purpose, others sprinkle them with black pepper.

Observe the visit to the tray

Be sure to take time and see how your pet behaves around him. If he:

Places the front paws on the edge of the tray or completely, they remain outside it.
It is not the filler that scrapes, but the rug on the floor.
Does not bury its waste products in the contents of the tray.

All this suggests that using this device is inconvenient for him. You need to either choose a larger tray or change the filler. It happens that it is too large and the pet does not like it.

If there are several cats in the house

In this case, it is even easier to answer the question of when cats begin to mark the territory of the house. As soon as one of them thinks of it. If a strict hierarchy has already been established among the pets, then this will be perceived by others as a demonstration of strength and power. But most often, at home, individuals coexist peacefully, and have not yet had time to fight well. Therefore, the answer to such a challenge will be numerous marks throughout the house, from which any loving owner will have the most No, we do not encourage throwing animals outside. They need to be castrated on time, trained and trained to use a tray. Then the likelihood of such problems will be minimized.

Pet is stressed

If the cat started marking relatively recently, then you need to remember what has happened recently. Has the animal experienced severe stress, fright, moving or treatment from a veterinarian? If the owners ignore their pet, it will try to attract your attention. Even if in this way. This happens when the owners, who previously loved their cat dearly, give birth to a child.

The pet remains forgotten. Moreover, they begin to chase him out of the room where the baby is. In this situation, if the cat is being chased by an angry owner, then this can be perceived as an exciting game. Of course, until the assault begins. But even this is better than being ignored. Here you need to remember once again what time cats begin to mark the territory of the house. If we are talking about a young cat, then, of course, this is most likely due to a hormonal surge and puberty. But if your pet is already several years old, and the problem has appeared for the first time, then you need to think about the reasons more deeply. So, in order to avoid excesses, you need to pay attention to your pet. That is, communicate with him, stroke and caress him, play, hold him on your lap.

The cat is scared

This also happens. In this case, the animal begins to leave marks not because it wants to make itself known. He’s just extremely uncomfortable, and having staked out the territory, the cat feels some relief. Now my home is my fortress. Fear can be triggered by a long absence of a beloved owner or moving to a new place of residence, illness and its treatment with intramuscular injections.

To exclude this reason, you need to understand what the animal is afraid of. It's not that difficult if you spend enough time with your pet. Feeling your love and care, the pet will understand that it is under reliable protection.

Jealousy

This is true for our pets no less than for people. They are great owners, and they do not want to share their owner, as well as their home, with strangers. Therefore, the arrival of a new member of the household is often painfully perceived. If your pet has always been disciplined (especially if he has already been neutered), and now he has started marking the house, then perhaps this is his way of letting the new family member know who is boss. This may also apply to the situation of protracted repairs, when builders appear at home every day to perform various works.

Sometimes even an ordinary guest visit can cause an animal to be jealous. Especially if he sees that the owner has turned all his attention to the guest, and he was asked to leave. Today, veterinarians say that cats can even be jealous of gadgets when they see that their beloved owner spends all his time only on a computer or tablet. Again, the best way to solve this problem is to allocate your free time and attention wisely. If you have a pet, then you need to pay enough attention to it.

Instead of a conclusion

You can answer with approximate accuracy what time cats begin to mark their territory. It is usually around 8 months of age when they begin puberty. But for some representatives it may be 6-7 months, while for others it may be 11-12. But if you do not want to deal with the problem of marks, then it is best to castrate your cat closer to 8 months. If you tighten it, your pet may start making marks. This will become a habit, and even after castration he will not stop leaving them.

All other reasons should not be ignored. A lot also depends on how comfortable your pet is at home, how loved and protected he feels. There are many cases where an uncastrated cat lived for many years with its owner and never marked the house. But after the death of his owner, he remained in the care of relatives, who did not particularly favor him. This is where the problems began. The cat became harmful, they tried to spank him, educate him, but he continued to leave marks with double zeal. At the same time, few people thought about how much this creature needs affection.

And are you tired of endlessly cleaning the floors and walls from stinking puddles? Most likely, your cat’s bad habit is related to his sexual desire. Use Sex Barrier to effectively solve problems of territory marking and unwanted behavior in your cat.

The cat marks: what should the owner do?

If you think that only you have the problem of endless cleaning after a cat that makes marks in the apartment, then you are mistaken. Most owners are faced with the fact that their pet, obeying the instinct of reproduction, begins to spray the odorous secretion of the house in the most inappropriate places.

Neither persuasion, nor education, nor restriction of movement space helps in the fight against such “sabotage.” The cat marks in the house, not paying attention to anything, although it would seem that the pet is smart and understanding.

Our article was created to help those who are desperate in the fight against cat marks. After reading it, you will learn:

For what reasons can a cat persistently mark in the wrong places: these could be health problems, the owner’s mistakes in arranging the toilet, or the pet’s sexual desire;
What are pheromones and how to deal with marks if their cause is your pet’s love passions: we’ll tell you how to wean a cat from marking during heat, using three methods;
Why is the use of Sex Barrier in solving marking problems in cats better than castration, and how to use the drug correctly so that the cat does not mark.

The cat marks the territory: the main reasons for unwanted behavior

If your cat begins to mark, you should not immediately attribute his behavior to a harmful character. First of all, pay attention to the health of your pet. Marks in the wrong places can be a signal of a dangerous disease - urolithiasis. The cat experiences pain while going to his litter box. The pet thinks that by changing the place of defecation, he will get rid of pain. Cats with urolithiasis often choose another place to relieve themselves, also to attract the attention of their owner. The pet is trying to point out its problem to the owner.

We list the symptoms that appear along with the signs that will help you recognize a dangerous disease in time:

Presence of blood in the urine (pinkish tint of urine);
Difficulty going to the toilet. The cat tries, but cannot empty its bladder (this condition requires urgent intervention from a veterinarian);
Restless behavior and depressed state. If your animal begins to mark for no apparent reason or you notice the listed signs of ICD, take your pet to the veterinarian at the clinic.

After a trip to the veterinarian, it turned out that the cat is healthy? Learn about other causes of marks besides illness.

Toilet whims: a pet marks because of an uncomfortable toilet

The smell in the tray. Some animals refuse to go into the litter box if it is already dirty. The most impatient of them begin to mark.
Uncomfortable toilet. The cat may not like the location of the tray, for example, if it is in an insufficiently secluded place.
The tray is too big or too small. The dimensions of the tray must correspond to the size of its visitor.
The owner's attempts to forcefully keep the cat in the toilet.

For those who suspect that their cat has started marking due to an inconvenient toilet, we will tell you how to place your mustachioed friend in his litter box.

Rules for arranging a toilet: choosing a tray

Many cats love trays with bars that don’t get their paws dirty. It is important to rinse this tray thoroughly after each time your pet goes to the toilet. The tray can be filled with special absorbent granules. Then daily cleaning after your pet will only include removing solid waste from the litter. The granules absorb moisture and odor well, but tend to stick to the paw pads or roll out over the sides of the tray during instillation. To avoid litter spillage, choose a tray with high sides commensurate with the size of your cat. The pet should be comfortable using its toilet.

Where to put the tray?

The cat must have free access to the litter box at any time. The place where you install it should be cozy and secluded, hidden from prying eyes. The ideal place to install the tray is in the corner of the bathroom or toilet. To prevent the cat from spreading the litter stuck to its paws, place a fleecy or corrugated rug under the tray. When leaving the litter box, the cat will leave litter stuck to its paws on the mat.

Do not place the litter box near where your cat eats. Instinctively, cats will never go to the toilet where they eat.

How to choose a filler?

If you decide to use litter for the litter box, choose it according to your cat's taste. Surprisingly, some animals completely refuse to go to one type of litter and choose another. If at first you were unable to satisfy your pet’s taste, try other types of fillers; there are plenty of them in pet stores.

Factory-produced fillers absorb well and do not require frequent replacement. The tray is cleaned as it becomes dirty and an unpleasant odor appears.

How to stop a cat from marking. Tricks in education

If your cat continues to ignore the litter box and leave marks in the apartment, despite a properly arranged toilet, we recommend that you resort to small tricks. They will help play on your pet’s instincts and, perhaps, get rid of unwanted behavior.

Wash the marked area with disinfectant. The smell left by the cat must be eliminated. It is the smell of the places where the mark was left that attracts the cat for subsequent tricks.

After cleaning, place orange peels or ground pepper in a dry place. Cats are repelled by strong smells. Many owners make the mistake of using vinegar to discourage their pet from getting marks in unwanted places. Vinegar only enhances the smell and, on the contrary, attracts your pet.

At the pet store you can purchase a special spray form for weaning your cat off marks. The same sprays are also available for toilet training your pet.

If repellents do not give the desired result, use regular double-sided tape. Stick it on the place where the cat gets into the habit of going. It will be unpleasant for your pet to step on the sticky surface, and he will forget the way there.

Smell is very important to a cat. A pet that smells its food will never go to the toilet near this place. If it is not possible to put food there, simply wipe your pet’s face with a dry cloth, then wipe with the same cloth the place where the cat is used to marking. Soon the pet will understand that shitting is prohibited there.

Have you tried a lot of methods, but your pet continues to persistently mark in the wrong places? Perhaps the reason for this behavior is sexual hunting.

Love affairs: the cat marks to attract the kitty

A distinctive feature of the physiology of cats is the ability to leave not only puddles, but also to spray urine on walls, furniture and other objects. This is explained by the structural features of their urethra, which has special narrowings (stenoses). They serve to speed up the passage of sediment present in the urine.

The smell of urine that a cat can spray is very persistent. In addition, the function of smell in cats is closely related to the function of reproduction. With the help of smell, the cat marks his territory and signals to surrounding females that he is ready to mate.

What are pheromones and how do cats use them?

Pheromones are special substances with which cats leave messages to each other that only they can understand. Such substances are found in large quantities in the animal’s urine, especially when it is in search of a sexual partner. Cats skillfully use pheromones in order to achieve their goal - meeting a cat.

Another function of pheromones is to signal to stranger cats that entry into this territory is prohibited. Violation of the ban threatens conflict between animals.

When does a cat first show signs of heat?

Puberty in cats occurs at the age of 8-10 months. From this moment on, the pet will actively show readiness to meet the cat. The peculiarity of the physiology of cats is that they are ready to mate all year round. The pet's sexual heat may intensify during the off-season. As a rule, cats express their readiness to mate by spraying an odorous secretion. However, there are other signs that your pet is marking due to heat:

Aggressive behavior. The cat can show aggression towards the owner and other pets.
Loud screams. A cat who wants a cat will scream loudly, instinctively trying to signal a potential mate. A screaming cat can be so tireless that it continues its concert not only during the day, but also at night. This brings a lot of inconvenience to the owners, and sometimes their neighbors.
Attempts to escape from home. A sexually mature cat will not miss the opportunity to sneak out of the house through an open door or window. This behavior poses a danger to the animal, since an escaped cat can get hurt on the street: get hit by a car or be attacked by dogs.

The cat marks the territory: how to wean it off? Three ways to defeat tags

There are three ways to solve the problem of a cat marking its territory during sexual hunting:

Realization of the natural needs of the animal (mating).
Castration (removal of the gonads by surgery).
Use of a contraceptive drug.

We will talk about each of these methods in more detail.

Mating - a method to rid a cat of sexual desire?

Perhaps, partly fulfilling the cat’s natural needs will help solve the problem of unwanted pet behavior. However, rest assured, a cat who knows a cat will continue to demand to meet his partner with even greater force. In addition, if your cat does not represent a breed value, then the kittens born from such a meeting risk joining the ranks of stray animals in the future.

Pros and cons of castration

Castration is the removal of an animal's reproductive glands through surgery. This operation is common among owners of non-pedigreed animals who want to quickly and permanently get rid of the problem of unwanted marks. Indeed, correction of a cat's behavior through castration is possible. However, there is no complete certainty that a cat will stop making marks after castration.

Nowhere is the lack of mutual understanding between a cat and its owner more evident than in the issue of cat litter. If the cat (cat) uses it regularly, there is peace and grace in the house. As soon as she stops doing this, the whole life of the family turns upside down.

How to avoid this sensitive topic and establish a “relationship” between a cat and its litter box, we will discuss in this article.

So, let's consider the following important points:

THE DIFFERENCE OF URINATION FROM SPRAYING IN CATS

First of all, you need to understand exactly how your cat behaves. If a cat urinates on horizontal surfaces such as the floor, carpet or bathtub, it is called normal urination.

Object spraying On the other hand, vertical surfaces such as walls, furniture or curtains usually become. There are, however, cats that still spray horizontal surfaces, such as shoes or clothes lying on the floor.

So first you you need to figure out what you are dealing with - regular urination or spraying. In addition, it happens that cats refuse to defecate where they should.

If your cat sprays urine on objects and is not neutered, then it is time to have surgery. Males begin marking their territory with urine when they reach sexual maturity, which is around the age of seven months. Castration almost always solves the problem of spraying.

REASONS FOR A CAT REFUSING HIS TRAY

The tables below show main reasons, why does a cat mark territory and why does a cat ignore its litter box and chooses other places as a toilet.

IF A CAT MARKS ITS TERRITORY

It happens that even after being neutered, a cat continues to mark its territory. As a rule, this means that the cat is afraid for her. This behavior can be caused by a number of reasons, for example, the appearance of an unfamiliar cat or a new animal in your home.

In order to solve the problem of spraying, first of all, you need to understand what scared the cat. And then you should try to eliminate this factor or somehow mitigate its influence.

IF THE CAT STOPS USING HER TRAY, you must contact your veterinarian immediately. If your cat urinates without choosing a spot, it may be a sign of a condition known as Feline lower urinary tract disease(ZNMPK). It happens that cats suffering from this disease sometimes go to their container, but urinate very small amounts of urine. If the disease is in an acute stage, the cat may not be able to control the urge to urinate, forcing her to urinate wherever she has to. It happens that a cat begins to associate painful sensations during urination with the cat litter box.

UTI associated with the formation of crystals in the urinary tract is a very serious disease and can cause the death of a cat. As soon as you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, contact your veterinarian immediately.

There are also a number of other medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, that can cause urinary problems in your cat. Any abnormalities in bowel movements or water/food consumption should be consulted with a veterinarian.

TRAINING A CAT TO USE A TRAY

What to do and where to start?

LET'S START WITH THE MOST BASIC - THE CAT TOILET

Critical, long look inspect your cat's litter box. Right now, right at this minute. What does he look like? Do you keep it clean? Can we say that you sift the filler twice every day and regularly wash the tray itself? If you do not do all this, it is quite possible that this is why your cat does not use the litter tray intended for her, deciding to find a cleaner place with a less pungent odor. Some cats have such hygiene requirements that it is not enough to sift the litter twice a day and regularly wash the litter box. These cats need you to clean their litter box even more often.

In addition, under certain weather conditions, namely high humidity, there is a need for more careful care of the cat litter. In a bathroom where people shower frequently, the humidity is also increased and the filler will take longer to dry. Therefore, if you have a closed tray in the bathroom, it is better to remove the top part from it.

Check how much filler is in the container. To make it convenient for a cat to dig holes and bury its feces, the layer must be at least five centimeters. If you use clumping litter, you need to periodically add a few handfuls, as some of it will be removed in the form of lumps.

If you suddenly change the type of filler, there is a chance that the cat will stop using its litter box. The cat expects the litter box to have the same smell (or lack thereof) and the same surface texture as the last time she visited. If the litter has a completely different texture or smell, it may discourage your cat. If you decide to change the type of litter, do it gradually so that the cat has time to get used to it. First, add very little of the new litter to the regular one, and then, over the course of about one week, change the ratio in favor of the new one.

HOW TO DETERMINE THAT A CAT DOESN'T LIKE TRAY LIFTER?

If your cat doesn't like the litter, you may observe the following signs:

The cat stands on the litter with only its hind paws, and places its front paws on the edge of the tray;
- the cat does not bury its feces (although some cats never do this at all);
- scrapes the floor or carpet nearby, not the filler;
- defecates on the floor or on the carpet next to the litter box.

If you pay attention to these signs in time, you can avoid a situation where your cat completely refuses to use the container.

Do not place the cat litter on the carpet. Some cats mistake the soft surface of the carpet for litter. The carpet will seem especially attractive to the cat if the tray is not clean enough. If you have carpets everywhere in your house, it is best to place a piece of plastic or linoleum under the cat litter box.

There are some cats that, despite all your efforts, will never go to the toilet a second time, where they have already urinated once. If this is about your cat, then you will have to put another litter tray so that your pet can use it if you have not yet removed the first one. Just don't put it too close to the first one, otherwise they will look like one big box.

RE-EDUCATION OF A CAT IN 4 STAGES:

Let's start by talking about what not to do.

In no case you can't punish a cat for defecating or urinating in the wrong place. Don't poke her with your nose the old fashioned way into the puddle she made. This method NEVER works, despite the fact that it is generally very cruel and only makes the problem worse. As a result, the cat will think that it is being punished for the very act of eliminating itself. She won't understand that you only dislike her choice of location and will think that every time she does her own thing she will be punished. She will become even more nervous. Since for some reason she is not happy with the tray, she will find a secluded place to avoid harassment from you. In addition, the cat will begin to be afraid of you.

What else you should not do: you can't hit a cat.

The cat will be sure that she is being punished for discharging her needs, and will begin to avoid us. Another popular, but completely ineffective method of training is to grab the cat by the scruff of the neck while she is urinating and force her to sit in the litter box. If you think that you will be able to instill in a cat the correct behavior model by lifting it into the air at the moment when it performs its natural needs, you are deeply mistaken. Believe me, she knows perfectly well where the tray is.

So what do you need and can do?

STEP 1: CLEANING SURFACES

First, you must make sure that the carpet and furniture do not seem like a good substitute for a litter box to your cat. Start by cleaning surfaces to remove urine stains and odor. Also, use products that will make them less attractive to your cat. Getting rid of urine smell is not as easy as you might think. Regular household cleaners cannot cope with it, although they help get rid of stains. At the same time, if the carpet or baseboard smells of urine, the cat will most likely want to mark this place more than once. It is very important to get rid of the smell so that your cat's sensitive nose does not lead him to this place again.

STEP 2: TRANSFORM FEAR INTO JOY

If a cat sprays objects, marking them with pheromones, this means that he is in an excited, restless, excited state. Usually the cat comes to this state, feeling a threat to its territory. If your cat is not marking his territory and is simply urinating in inappropriate places, this may also mean that he is stressed, scared and agitated. Compare this behavior to the times when your cat rubs against objects or caresses your legs. In this case, pheromones are secreted by glands on the cat's face, and its emotional state can be described as calm, satisfied and friendly.

If you look carefully around your home, you will see that cats do not mark the places they rub their faces against. This is why we recommend applying pheromones (available at pet stores), secreted by glands on your cat's face, to the areas where she has sprayed.

Where you apply pheromones, the cat will smell a familiar, soothing smell.

Spray the areas where the cat has marked twice a day for a month. The first results appear in about a week. If after a month your cat returns to his previous behavior, repeat the procedure every few days. As soon as you see that the cat has begun to rub its muzzle in this area, you can stop using pheromones.

STAGE 3: CONTAINMENT

By thinking like a cat, you will understand that the purpose of restraints is not to scare or punish the cat. You must be able to manipulate the cat's natural behavior. It's like nudging her in the right direction. Always keep in mind that cats do not respond well to force, so some sort of “guidelines” are needed here.

There are quite a lot of such “recommendations”. Some of them are completely unobtrusive. Depending on how persistent your cat is in his habit, you will either be able to get by with a couple of methods, or you will have to use the entire range of behavior correction tools.

Typically, cats do not relieve themselves near their nest, so you need to make it clear to her that those places in the house that she has made her toilet belong to the area of her nest. Now she thinks that the space behind the sofa or the wall under the window belongs to the periphery of her habitat. To change your cat's attitude towards these places, put a small bowl of food there(however, this can only be done after you have removed the stain and neutralized the urine odor). If your cat only urinates in one place, start feeding her there regularly until she changes her habits. If she did this in several places, place a bowl with a small amount of food on each of them. It is not your goal to overfeed the animal, so do not add too much food. You can still feed her in her usual place, reducing the portions a little and putting the rest in small bowls. The smell of food in the areas where the cat defecated (as well as the smell of pheromones) will help the cat change its assessment of the situation in a positive direction.

This method should be used for at least several weeks. If the cat does not relapse, you remove one bowl for one day. The next day you put it back, and the next day you put it away again. If the cat does not start urinating in this area, you remove the bowl permanently. After a few days, do the same with another bowl, and so on until you have removed everything.

If you don't want to place food bowls around the house (or can't because your dog is around, for example), or if your cat keeps urinating in the wrong place even though there is a food bowl there, don't worry. Next method which you should try is to make the places chosen by the cat uncomfortable for her. If a cat is uncomfortable standing on a surface, she will likely not want to use that area as a litter box. Buy a plastic rug from a home improvement store, one that has bumps on one side. These bumps are actually made to prevent the rug from sliding on the floor, but you will be placing it with the bumps facing up. The cat most likely will not like standing on the bumps. If you place a rug along the wall, it must be wide enough, otherwise the cat will spray the wall when it comes to the edge.

If your cat doesn't have particularly delicate paws and doesn't care whether there is a mat or not, apply a few strips of double-sided tape to it. For some cats, it is the combination of bumps and adhesive tape that has the desired effect.

You might think that when teaching a cat to mark its territory, it would be convenient to use a water pistol? However, there are a number of difficulties here. First, the cat must be caught “in the act,” which is easier said than done. In addition, even if you catch the right moment and spray the cat, she will understand that it is your doing. What conclusion will she draw? It's better to stay away from the owner. And he will find more secluded places for spraying. This method is only effective if the cat does not see you. It's better to leave it in order to stop her from begging or jumping on the kitchen stove.

STAGE 4: BEHAVIOR CORRECTION

We assume that a cat that relieves itself outside of the litter box is already under stress. Therefore, we need a method by which we will give her the opportunity to experience positive emotions and become calmer and more confident.

You need to transform the areas your cat considers to be a litter box from border territory to a nest using play therapy. Start playing with your cat near the areas she used as a litter box. However, do not get too close to the rug, as if your cat accidentally steps on it while playing, it will develop unpleasant associations with the game.

Thus, using all the listed methods and techniques, you must stock up on one more important thing that we so often lack, namely patience. Most often, problems with urinating in the wrong place or spraying the area in cats do not appear overnight, so it is impossible to solve them in one day. Be patient, observant and attentive to your pet and everything will work out!