Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Indoor marking and [[Inappropriate Elimination - Cat|housesoiling/inappropriate elimination]] often occur together in the same household, and in a multi-cat household several cats may be involved. The common factors are discussed on the [[Housesoiling - Cat|housesoiling page]]. An important part of reaching a behavioural diagnosis must be to [[Housesoiling - Cat#Identifying the Culprit|identify the culprits]].  

Indoor marking and [[Inappropriate Elimination - Cat|housesoiling/inappropriate elimination]] often occur together in the same household, and in a multi-cat household several cats may be involved. Common factors are discussed on the [[Housesoiling - Cat|housesoiling page]]. An important part of reaching a behavioural diagnosis must be to [[Housesoiling - Cat#Identifying the Culprit|identify the culprits]].  

More than one cat may be involved, and it should be remembered that, in some cases, the culprit for indoor marking may not be a resident cat at all. Intact male cats and despots may enter the homes of other cats to take food, and then leave urine marks within the home. In these cases, treating the resident cats will have no effect on the marking behaviour and, in fact, increasing the level of resources available within the home may raise its value and therefore encourage the despot to try to take it over. In such circumstances, an electronic coded cat-door would need to be fitted.

More than one cat may be involved, and it should be remembered that, in some cases, the culprit for indoor marking may not be a resident cat at all. Intact male cats and despots may enter the homes of other cats to obtain food or shelter, or to oust the resident cat. They may then leave urine spray marks within the home. In these cases, treating the resident cats will have no effect on the marking behaviour and, in fact, increasing the level of resources available within the home may raise its value and therefore encourage the invading cat to enter more frequently or try to take over the territory.

 

Due to the high cat population density in many areas, and the high frequency of reported incidents of home invasion by no resident cats, it is generally advisable for all cat owners to use a microchip controlled cat door to prevent other cats from entering the home.

[[Feline Communication Behaviour#Claw Marks|Claw marking]] may also be involved as part of the indoor marking behaviour.

[[Feline Communication Behaviour#Claw Marks|Claw marking]] may also be involved as part of the indoor marking behaviour.