Can You Train a Cat Not to Mark? Expert Tips & Tricks
Cats are delightful companions that bring joy and amusement to many homes. Certain breeds, like the Bengal, are known for their playful, kitten-like antics even as adults. When you bring a new kitten home, you’ll soon be teaching them household rules, including how to properly use a litter tray. Fortunately, kittens quickly learn to use their trays, often by mimicking their mothers during the weaning phase.
During litter training, kittens may chew on the litter, so it's best to use clumping litter to make cleaning easier and discourage this behaviour.
However, some cats begin to "mark" areas in the home even after being trained to use the litter tray. Marking is instinctive, serving as a way for cats to communicate their territory to other cats and sometimes to their owners. If your cat starts marking suddenly, the first step is to rule out any medical issues such as cystitis or urethral blockages, which can make urination painful and lead them to avoid the litter tray. A vet visit is essential to diagnose and treat any health problems before addressing the behaviour.
Different Ways Cats Mark Their Territory
Besides urinating, cats have various natural marking behaviours. These include rubbing their heads against objects or people, scratching surfaces, and spraying urine in small sprays onto vertical objects.
Understanding Head-Rubbing and Affection
Head rubbing and gentle head butting are signs of love and contentment. Cats deposit pheromones from glands on their faces onto furniture or their owners to signal ownership. This type of marking is usually harmless and often welcomed as a sign of affection.
Scratching Is a Scent Marking Behaviour too
Clawing furniture and other surfaces is another way cats mark territory. Their paws have scent glands that leave a unique marker when they scratch. While this is normal, it can be destructive if directed at valuable furniture. Providing good quality scratching posts near favourite scratching spots can redirect their behaviour and protect your furniture. In stubborn cases, using techniques like placing double-sided sticky tape or safe cat repellent sprays on unwanted areas can discourage scratching.
Decoding Urine Spraying and Marking
Urine spraying involves a cat backing up to a vertical surface and releasing a spray of urine, often as a communication signal. Tom cats are especially prone to this, which is why neutering is strongly recommended to reduce marking. Female cats may also spray when stressed. Spraying and marking differ slightly as marking usually involves squatting on horizontal surfaces.
Stress and sudden changes such as moving house or redecorating can trigger increased marking. Re-establishing routine, giving extra attention, and using synthetic feline pheromone sprays can help your cat feel more secure and reduce marking.
How to Train Your Cat Not to Mark
- Spay or Neuter Your Cat: Neutering significantly reduces urine marking caused by reproductive instincts.
- Provide Sufficient Resources: In multi-cat homes, ensure each cat has its own litter tray, scratching post, food, and resting places to reduce competition and stress.
- Maintain Clean Litter Trays: Clean trays daily to encourage use and avoid odours that deter cats.
- Use Appropriate Cleaners: Clean marked areas with enzymatic cleaners that neutralise odours rather than ammonia-based cleaners, which can attract further marking.
- Reduce Stress: Keep a consistent routine, provide places to retreat, and consider pheromone diffusers or sprays that mimic natural calming signals.
- Block Access to Marked Areas: Temporarily restrict your cat’s access to problem spots or cover surfaces with plastic or aluminium foil to deter marking.
- Never Punish: Avoid punishment, as it increases anxiety and may worsen behaviour. Use gentle positive reinforcement instead.
Final Tips for Cat Owners
Remember cats are sensitive and intelligent creatures. Understanding their behaviour and needs is key to managing marking behaviour compassionately. Patience, kindness, and veterinary advice when needed will help you and your feline friend maintain a happy home.
For those looking to find a kitten or adopt a cat, consider reputable breeders or local shelters to ensure ethical practices and a healthy pet.
