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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. It is also important to remember that neutered male and female cats spray mark at around the same frequency, so the sex of cats in a household is not a reliable means to identify the culprit.
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. It is also important to remember that neutered male and female cats spray mark at around the same frequency, so the sex of cats in a household is not a reliable means to identify the culprit.
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.
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. It is important to realise that non-resident cats may enter a home and deposit spray marks.
[[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.
==Typical Causes==
==Typical Causes==
* '''Stress due to environmental change.
* '''Stress due to changes in the owner's routine.
* '''Conflict for resources with other resident cats.
* '''Loss of existing facial or flank marks in the home''': Usually due to redecoration or change of house.
* '''Loss of existing facial or flank marks in the home''': Usually due to redecoration or change of house.
* '''Loss of maintenance of group odour''': Temporary or permanent loss of a social facilitator cat, absence of the owner, or housing of group members apart (at a cattery at at the vet clinic) so that odour is not mixed between individuals and factions.
* '''Loss of maintenance of group odour''': Temporary or permanent loss of a social facilitator cat, absence of the owner, or housing of group members apart (at a cattery at at the vet clinic) so that odour is not mixed between individuals and factions.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
[[Housesoiling - Cat#Medical Assessment|Underlying medical conditions should be investigated]] and treated. Regardless of the cause for the marking behaviour, it is useful to '''increase available resources''' so that cats have easy access to them and perceive their [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core territory]] to provide a surfeit of the things that they need. [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|F3 diffusers (Feliway)]] help to create a sense of core territory and can considerably reduce tension in cat groups. In one UK-based study spray marking was reduced by 91% after 35 days of application of a pheromone diffuser<ref>Mills, D.S., Mills, C.B., 2001. Evaluation of a novel method of delivering a synthetic analogue of feline facial pheromone to control urine spraying by cats. The Veterinary Record 149, 197–199. </ref>
[[Housesoiling - Cat#Medical Assessment|Underlying medical conditions should be investigated]] and treated. Regardless of the cause for the marking behaviour, it is useful to '''increase available resources''' so that cats have easy access to them and perceive their [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core territory]] to provide a surfeit of the things that they need. [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|F3 diffusers (Feliway)]] help to create a sense of core territory and can considerably reduce tension in cat groups. In one UK-based study spray marking was reduced by 91% after 35 days of application of a pheromone diffuser<ref name ="Mills1">Mills, D.S., Mills, C.B., 2001. Evaluation of a novel method of delivering a synthetic analogue of feline facial pheromone to control urine spraying by cats. The Veterinary Record 149, 197–199. </ref>
[[Management of Items Contaminated by Urine or Faeces|Soiled areas should be protected]] to prevent soiling from becoming ingrained and harder to remove.
[[Management of Items Contaminated by Urine or Faeces|Soiled areas should be protected]] to prevent soiling from becoming ingrained and harder to remove.
In the case of spraying caused by an external threat from cats, the '''perceived threat must be reduced''' and the boundary of the core territory strengthened. Changes might include installing an electronic coded cat flap so that outside cats cannot gain access to the home and the use of glass coating film or sprays can be used to make windows opaque enough that other cats cannot see into the home or be seen from inside. This does not affect indoor light levels and the material can be applied to a limited area of window to obscure a selected part of the view. This prevents non-resident cats from using visual threats (posture, eye contact) to intimidate resident cats in their own home. It also prevents the resident cats from using internal vantage points to watch cats outside, and encourages them to go outside instead. This includes preventing reactionary spraying on areas around the window, which are intended to be a deterrent to the outside cat. The coating may be removed after marking has stopped for a period of 8 or more weeks, sometimes in strips in order to make the transition back to normal transparency more gradual.
In the case of spraying caused by an external threat from cats, the '''perceived threat must be reduced''' and the boundary of the core territory strengthened. Changes might include installing an electronic coded cat flap so that outside cats cannot gain access to the home and the use of glass coating film or sprays can be used to make windows opaque enough that other cats cannot see into the home or be seen from inside. This does not affect indoor light levels and the material can be applied to a limited area of window to obscure a selected part of the view. This prevents non-resident cats from using visual threats (posture, eye contact) to intimidate resident cats in their own home. It also prevents the resident cats from using internal vantage points to watch cats outside, and encourages them to go outside instead. This includes preventing reactionary spraying on areas around the window, which are intended to be a deterrent to the outside cat. The coating may be removed after marking has stopped for a period of 8 or more weeks, sometimes in strips in order to make the transition back to normal transparency more gradual.
The intensity of [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core territory]] and [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial and flank marks]] can be enhanced using F3 diffusers (Feliway). These should be positioned in each of the rooms in which the cats spend a lot of time, and used at a rate of 1 per 50-70 m2. F3 may have no effect if used at less than this rate.
The intensity of [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core territory]] and [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial marks]] can be enhanced using F3 diffusers and spray (Feliway). These should be positioned in each of the rooms in which the cats spend a lot of time, and used at a rate of 1 per 50-70 m2. F3 may have no effect if used at less than this rate.
Having made the core territory safer, the aim is to enable the cats to re-establish a pattern of [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|territorial defence]] outside. The cats should be given vantage points within the garden that allow them to control their territory, but which face away from the house so that non-resident cats cannot use these perches to threaten the owner’s cats. Non-resident cats may have favourite places from which they use long-distance visual threats to intimidate the client’s cats. These should be removed or altered so that they are unusable. For example, placing anti-burglar "prickle strips" onto shed roofs to make them uncomfortable to sit on.
Having made the core territory safer, the aim is to enable the cats to re-establish a pattern of [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|territorial defence]] outside. The cats should be given vantage points within the garden that allow them to control their territory, but which face away from the house so that non-resident cats cannot use these perches to threaten the owner’s cats. Non-resident cats may have favourite places from which they use long-distance visual threats to intimidate the client’s cats. These should be removed or altered so that they are unusable. For example, placing anti-burglar "prickle strips" onto shed roofs to make them uncomfortable to sit on.
If indoor marking has been caused by conflict between cats in the home then '''comprehensive environmental enrichments''' should be provided. The aim is to provide separate [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|factions]] with their own resources so that they can effectively live independently within a shared domestic space. This ability to coexist without competition actually increases the likelihood that the cats will develop an affiliative relationship.
If indoor marking has been caused by conflict between cats in the home then '''comprehensive environmental enrichments''' should be provided. The aim is to provide separate [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|factions]] with their own resources so that they can effectively live independently within a shared domestic space. This ability to coexist without competition actually increases the likelihood that the cats will develop an affiliative relationship.
Urine marks are self-perpetuating because the marker needs to refresh them periodically to maintain their meaning. When cats spray indoors, this creates an environment that contains a mixture of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial]] and [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Spray Marking|urine marking]] odours that disrupts the continuity of the [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core territory]]. For these reasons, it is very important to thoroughly [[Management of Items Contaminated by Urine or Faeces|remove urine odours]]. Scented products and those containing ammonia should not be used to clean up spray marks because they may intensify urine odours and leave an objectionable smell that encourages over-marking. Feliway diffusers, which contain a synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of feline facial marks may be used to supplement facial and flank odours. These scents may also be harvested from the cats and then spread around the house.
Urine marks are self-perpetuating because the marker needs to refresh them periodically to maintain their meaning. When cats spray indoors, this creates an environment that contains a mixture of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial]] and [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Spray Marking|urine marking]] odours that disrupts the continuity of the [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core territory]]. For these reasons, it is very important to thoroughly [[Management of Items Contaminated by Urine or Faeces|remove urine odours]]. Scented products and those containing ammonia should not be used to clean up spray marks because they may intensify urine odours and leave an objectionable smell that encourages over-marking. Feliway diffusers and spray, which contain a synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of feline facial marks may be used to supplement facial and flank odours. These scents may also be harvested from the cats and then spread around the house.
Group odour is crucial to maintaining a conflict-free multicat household, but once relationship breakdown occurs the cats are unable to maintain or re-establish this for themselves. In the same way as for treatment of [[Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats in the Same Household#Treatment|inter-cat aggression in the household]], it is possible to classically condition an association between the odour of a specific cat or [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|cat-faction]] and the presentation of food or play. The scent is harvested from the facial and flank regions of the individual cats (or factions) onto separate cloths. The cloth from one individual or faction is then regularly presented to one of the other cats before giving food or play, until that cat shows a positive response to the odour. That cat’s cloth is presented in the same way to the group or individual represented by the cloth. Initially the presentation of the odour may cause some alarm. However, after repeated presentation, each cat should begin to rub against the cloth when it is presented, which indicates that the odour has been fully accepted. The body odour of the factions or individuals may then be merged, by exchanging odours between them ''[see diagram below]''. In situations where there is overt aggression between cats it is best to isolate them for a period of 1 to 2 weeks and reintroduce them as if bringing in a new cat for the first time.
Group odour is crucial to maintaining a conflict-free multicat household, but once relationship breakdown occurs the cats are unable to maintain or re-establish this for themselves. In the same way as for treatment of [[Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats in the Same Household#Treatment|inter-cat aggression in the household]], it is possible to classically condition an association between the odour of a specific cat or [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|cat-faction]] and the presentation of food or play. The scent is harvested from the facial and flank regions of the individual cats (or factions) onto separate cloths. The cloth from one individual or faction is then regularly presented to one of the other cats before giving food or play, until that cat shows a positive response to the odour. That cat’s cloth is presented in the same way to the group or individual represented by the cloth. Initially the presentation of the odour may cause some alarm. However, after repeated presentation, each cat should begin to rub against the cloth when it is presented, which indicates that the odour has been fully accepted. The body odour of the factions or individuals may then be merged, by exchanging odours between them ''[see diagram below]''. In situations where there is overt aggression between cats it is best to isolate them for a period of 1 to 2 weeks and reintroduce them as if bringing in a new cat for the first time.
'''[[Feline Communication Behaviour#Claw Marks|Claw marking]]''' often exists as a sub-problem in indoor spray marking cats. Claw marks have a similar territorial function to [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Spray Marking|urine spraying]] and the rate of claw marking may increase along with indoor spray marking. Providing cats with good claw marking sites that fit with their need to defend territory can be an effective way to shift the pattern of marking from spraying to clawing. Claw marking posts or pads may be positioned close to windows, doorways and cat doors. They can be made more attractive by rubbing them against existing clawing sites and then raking them with a wire brush to simulate real claw marks. Undesirable claw marking can be deterred by daily application of F3 spray, combined with the provision of a nearby alternative scratching place.
'''[[Feline Communication Behaviour#Claw Marks|Claw marking]]''' often exists as a sub-problem in indoor spray marking cats. Claw marks have a similar territorial function to [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Spray Marking|urine spraying]] and the rate of claw marking may increase along with indoor spray marking. Providing cats with good claw marking sites that fit with their need to defend territory can be an effective way to shift the pattern of marking from spraying to clawing. Claw marking posts or pads may be positioned close to windows, doorways and cat doors. They can be made more attractive by rubbing them against existing clawing sites and then raking them with a wire brush to simulate real claw marks. Undesirable claw marking can be deterred by daily application of F3 spray, combined with the provision of a nearby alternative scratching place.
===Pheromones===
A number of studies support the use of [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|pheromonotherapy]] for the treatment of indoor marking in cats<ref name="Mills3">Mills, D.S., Redgate, S.E., Landsberg, G.M. (2011) A Meta-Analysis of Studies of Treatments for Feline Urine Spraying. PlosOne. 6(4), 1-10.</ref>.
The product Feliway contains a synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of the facial marking secretion of cats<ref name="Mills1" />.
The presence of this chemical signal deters spray marking on a specific spot, and the general concentration of the chemical signal in an environment may reduce stress and interact conflict that underlie spray marking.
Current evidence suggests that Feliway diffusers or sprays need to be used for a minimum of 4 weeks in order to produce a reduction in spray marking<ref name="Mills3" />.
===Psychoactive Drug Therapy===
===Psychoactive Drug Therapy===
Medication can be very effective; a study by Landsberg & Wilson found that 20 out of 25 cats treated with [[Clomipramine|clomipramine]] at a mean dose of 0.54mg/kg showed a reduction in spraying within 4 weeks<ref>Landsberg, G.M., Wilson, A.L. (2005) Effects of clomipramine on cats presented for urine marking. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 41(1), 3-11.</ref>. In a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of treatments used for indoor spray marking both [[Fluoxetine|fluoxetine]] and clompiramine were found to reduce spraying by at least 90%<ref>Mills, D.S., Redgate, S.E., Landsberg, G.M. (2011) A Meta-Analysis of Studies of Treatments for Feline Urine Spraying. PlosOne. 6(4), 1-10.</ref>.
Medication can be very effective; a study by Landsberg & Wilson found that 20 out of 25 cats treated with [[Clomipramine|clomipramine]] at a mean dose of 0.54mg/kg showed a reduction in spraying within 4 weeks<ref>Landsberg, G.M., Wilson, A.L. (2005) Effects of clomipramine on cats presented for urine marking. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 41(1), 3-11.</ref>. In a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of treatments used for indoor spray marking both [[Fluoxetine|fluoxetine]] and clomipramine were found to reduce spraying by at least 90%<ref name="Mills3" />.
Psychoactive drug therapy is often prescribed for cats with indoor marking problems. However, to be successful, the '''underlying reasons for the indoor marking must also be addressed'''. Medication does have a role in longstanding cases where the number of marked sites is large, or when marking has become habitual, or there is an emotional problem that may benefit from temporary drug support. Analysis of the general emotional state of the animal is important. SRI/SSRI drugs such as fluoxetine and clomipramine are beneficial for cats that are habitual indoor markers, or show a pattern of anxious, reactionary spraying. [[Selegeline|Selegiline]] benefits behaviourally-inhibited cats that will not explore their environment, or that display fearful reactions followed closely by reactionary spraying when they see certain cats lurking outside the home. These drugs will not help confident cats that show no signs of anxiety or fear and are merely using spray marks, albeit inappropriately, as part of a calmly considered strategy to control territory in the house. Hormonal preparations have no role in the treatment of indoor marking.
Psychoactive drug therapy is often prescribed for cats with indoor marking problems. However, to be successful, the '''underlying reasons for the indoor marking must also be addressed'''. Medication does have a role in longstanding cases where the number of marked sites is large, or when marking has become habitual, or there is an emotional problem that may benefit from temporary drug support. Analysis of the general emotional state of the animal is important. SRI/SSRI drugs such as fluoxetine and clomipramine are beneficial for cats that are habitual indoor markers, or show a pattern of anxious, reactionary spraying. [[Selegiline|Selegiline]] benefits behaviourally-inhibited cats that will not explore their environment, or that display fearful reactions followed closely by reactionary spraying when they see certain cats lurking outside the home. These drugs will not help confident cats that show no signs of anxiety or fear and are merely using spray marks, albeit inappropriately, as part of a calmly considered strategy to control territory in the house. Hormonal preparations have no role in the treatment of indoor marking.
====The Decision to Use Psychoactive Drugs for Indoor Marking====
====The Decision to Use Psychoactive Drugs for Indoor Marking====
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for cats with indoor spray marking appears to be enhanced by the use of drug (fluoxetine, clomipramine) and synthetic pheromone treatments (F3 fraction of facial mark, Feliway®). In a meta-analysis of treatment effect, fluoxetine appeared to be the most effective medication, but sample sizes in both of the included studies was small. Both fluoxetine and clomipramine produced a large and significant increase in the proportion of cats showing a cessation or 90% reduction in spray marking (the primary outcome measure for the meta-analysis). Studies suggest that a period of 8-16 weeks is required to establish efficacy of either of these drugs. In the same meta-analysis, treatment periods of 4 weeks with Feliway produced no significant increase in the proportion of cats showing a cessation or 90% reduction in spray marking (primary outcome measure). However, a large effect was detected when comparing the number of cats that reduced spraying compared with baseline (secondary outcome measure)<ref name="Mills3" />. The authors indicate that synthetic pheromones do reduce the overall incidence of spraying only after 4 weeks. This suggests that a combination of pheromone and pharmaceutical interventions, with environmental modifications, is most likely to produce a rapid response and good outcome.
However, cats with a history of indoor marking are likely to relapse at some point in the future, because this behaviour is normal and situations outside the owner’s control may create the conditions for a new bout of marking. Typical times when marking may re-emerge are after major home redecoration or reorganisation, after a house move, or the introduction of a new stressor (new baby, new pet). Spring and summer are times when cats seek to re-establish territorial boundaries, and are therefore a time when there is an increased risk of conflict and stress between cats.
It is possible to minimise the risk of recidivism by continuing to provide an excess of resources and maintaining a suitable core and garden territory for the cats. If a new bout of marking is anticipated, then the environmental changes and Feliway diffusers may be temporarily reinstated.
It is possible to minimise the risk of recidivism by continuing to provide an excess of resources and maintaining a suitable core and garden territory for the cats. If a new bout of marking is anticipated, then the environmental changes and Feliway diffusers may be temporarily reinstated.
* Provide adequate resources for the group.
* Provide adequate resources for the group.
* When cats are temporarily removed from the group (such as when going to the vet clinic) they should be reintroduced carefully after trying to re-label them with the group odour. They should be allowed several hours of isolation to groom and clean themselves, and then be allowed access to use beds and resting places that carry odours that will help to mark the returning cat with the group odour.
* When cats are temporarily removed from the group (such as when going to the vet clinic) they should be reintroduced carefully after trying to re-label them with the group odour. They should be allowed several hours of isolation to groom and clean themselves, and then be allowed access to use beds and resting places that carry odours that will help to mark the returning cat with the group odour.
{{Learning
|videos = [[Video:Spray Marking Problems in the Cat|Spray Marking Problems in the Cat video]]
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==References==
==References==
|date=August 28, 2014
|date=August 28, 2014
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[[Category:Feline Housesoiling]]
[[Category:Feline Housesoiling]]