How Cats Mark Their Territory: The Language of Scent
Cats are extremely territorial, so it’s no wonder male cats have so many battle scars. Or how your cat treats your home like their own kingdom. But how do they let others know what is theirs? Keep on reading to learn how cats mark their territory.
Cats have their own way of making a place feel like home. We humans use decorations or furniture, but cats rely on scent to mark their territory. This helps them feel safe and comfortable while also sending messages to other cats.
Rubbing Against Objects
When a cat rubs its face on you, furniture, or doorways, it’s leaving its scent behind. Cats have special scent glands on their cheeks and chins that help them do this.
It’s their way of saying, “This belongs to me”. It helps them feel more at ease in their environment.
Scratching
Cat’s paws have scent glands that leave a faint smell behind when they scratch. This not only keeps their claws healthy but also helps them claim an area as their own.
If your cat scratches a certain spot often, it’s probably because they want it to smell familiar to them.
Urine Marking
Some cats spray urine on vertical surfaces like walls, doorways, or furniture to mark their territory.It may be frustrating for you, but it’s a natural way for cats to feel more secure.
Male cats do this more often, but females can spray too. They tend to spray if they feel stressed or uncertain about their surroundings.
Middening
Middening happens when a cat leaves feces in open areas instead of burying them in the litter box.
This is less common, but when it happens, it usually means the cat is feeling insecure or wants to warn other animals to stay away.
If your cat starts doing this suddenly, it may be feeling stressed.
Marking With Paws and Tail
Cats can leave their scent behind by simply walking around or resting in certain places. Their paw pads and the base of their tails have scent glands that release tiny amounts of their smell.
Every time they knead a blanket, stretch on the floor, or curl up in their favorite spot, they’re marking it as familiar and safe.
Final Thoughts
Cats don’t mark their territory to be bossy or aggressive but to feel safe and secure.
Only when we understand these frustrating or amusing behaviors can we support them. We can help them feel safer, more secure and comfortable.