In addition to peeing outside the litter box, there is only one other cat behaviour that can throw humans into a state of utter frustration and helplessness: urine splashing.
Urine splashing is such a sensitive issue that some humans seek alternative adoption for their much-loved kitten. In some cases this is the only possible solution, especially if the home is small and the cats living together many, but in all other cases there are better alternatives, for you and your kitten. The important thing is:
- not resigning yourself, thinking that your cat ‘is just like that’, or that it hates you/ spites you
- do not rely on do-it-yourself, following advice heard or read around (on pain of going back to the point )
My intervention will help you to understand what room for manoeuvre is possible for you and your cat and to apply it methodically, towards the goal of ‘zero marking’ or at least towards the most harmonious (and cleanest) family cohabitation possible.
Write a message to info@aliceguardaigatti.it or fill in the form.
I will get back to you as soon as possible!
MARKINGS AS A FORM OF COMMUNICATION
Feline markings are a very complex form of emotional and territorial communication. Territorial animal that it is, the cat has developed different ways of communicating the limits of its space to its own kind and to convey information about itself ‘from a safe distance’. All to avoid wasting valuable energy in fights with other cats. One of these is urinary marking.
Normally in the wild, markings are placed around the perimeter of the cat’s territory and serve as a “placeholder” or diplomatic message: “I was here at such and such a time, come by at a different time so we don’t bicker”. Besides territorial, urine marking can also have a sexual significance and is very important for mating. Urine sprays are also frequent in situations of stress and change.
BUT MY CAT IS FEMALE! BUT MY CAT IS NEUTERED!
Urinary marks generally appear with sexual maturity. Females can also make urinary markings for the same reasons that males do, although less frequently.
And yes, even a neutered cat can start marking, especially if sterilisation has taken place late. This is because marking does not only have a sexual function, but also a territorial and emotional one.
URINARY MARKING: HOW TO RECOGNISE IT
How to distinguish a urine marking from normal pee? Quite simply, in the former case the urine will not only be found on the floor, but also and above all on vertical surfaces, in small quantities. Owners who have caught their ‘scratching’ kittens in the act have learnt to recognise the particular sequence that characterises this behaviour:
- the kitten approaches the chosen area, stops and adopts a particular facial expression called flehmen: holding its muzzle up and neck extended, the cat keeps its mouth half-open, curling its nose and upper lip. In this way it is able to capture the air and detect the pheromones it contains through a special organ called the veromonasal;
- turns around by bringing the back of its body towards the vertical surface and begins to lift its legs in an alternating manner (petrissage);
- He raises his tail, vibrates it and… ssss… sprays urine.
- not always but often, return to the marked area while still adopting flehmen
A marking cat can continue to use the faeces and urine box normally, which is why it is important to treat the marking problem specifically.
In any case, if your kitten continues to spray urine on walls, appliances, curtains, doors, windows, plants, furniture, clothes… one thing is certain: he is not spying on you. But one thing is equally certain: your patience is being tested. So, after a vet check, the second wisest move is to consult an expert to understand the real reasons behind this behaviour and to adopt a targeted action plan.
SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF URINARY MARKINGS
By listening, observing and analysing together, we will be able to identify the triggering reasons for urinary markings and intervene on several levels (environmental, relational, emotional) with strategies that respect both your kitten’s ethological and personal needs. Depending on the case, practical advice will be combined with treatment with flower essences, which are very effective on an emotional level and have no contraindications. Because a dialogue between humans and cats is possible, you just have to look at the world with different eyes.
1 - THE FIRST CONTACT
Write me an e-mail using the contact form or at info@aliceguardaigatti.it and tell me why you need my help: I will get back to you for a brief chat. If the case falls within my area of competence, we will make an appointment for a home visit.
Do you live outside Lombardy or is it not possible to meet? No problem, a video consultation can be arranged.
2 - VISITING YOUR HOME
The time has come to get to know each other! I will come to your home and here the case study will begin, which will last between 1 and 2 hours. The visit includes 3 moments:
- Listening: you will tell me everything you know about your kitty or kittens, their history and your cohabitation.
- Observation: I will ask you to show me the house to gather clues and study it through the eyes of a cat…
- Discussion: I will give you my initial thoughts on the case and the first steps to be taken, weighing up the pros and cons and feasibility together.
3 - A TAILOR-MADE PLAN
Thanks to the impressions and information gathered through observation of the animal, the family and the environment, and after analysis of materials that you will send me (diaries, videos, photos and materials about your cat), I will share with you all the advice and recommendations to follow for a new life with kitty.
Here I will need maximum co-operation and commitment from the whole family to be able to achieve good results together!
4 - HOW IS IT GOING?
It has been a few weeks, how is the situation with your feline companion evolving? Some time after the visit, 14 to 30 days depending on the case, we will get in touch for another discussion.
We will take stock of the situation, understand what is working and discuss any changes or adjustments to the initial plan.
If you are ready to improve your relationship with kitty or take on a new challenge together, write to me!