Why a Cat Is Urinating on People & Things

If your cute cat is urinating in inappropriate places, he may be marking his territory. Perhaps the little one is feeling threatened by a big change in his life, whether it be the absence of a beloved human companion or the presence of a new household pet. By asserting that something is his own, whether your physical self or a large mural in your bedroom, the poor guy is trying to regain control. This type of behavior is particularly common in unfixed cats. When a cat sprays you or any other human being, don't interpret it as a mean or vengeful act. Felines simply don't think in the same way as humans. Whether your kitty urinates on you or rubs his head against you, he's basically tagging you as his own, nothing more and nothing less.

Both male and female cats often turn to spraying when they reach reproductive maturity. Spraying is a way to convey a very simple chemical message to felines of the opposite gender: "I'm ready to mate." Although tomcats may spray at any time, queen cats typically spray only during their heat cycles, which occur every couple of weeks or so. Getting your cat fixed -- the earlier the better -- is a good way to eliminate or at the very least reduce this rather disgusting but normal habit.

If your cat is suddenly relieving himself in the most inexplicable of spots, whether it be your leg or the area rug in front of your sofa, medical issues may be to blame. Take your pet to the veterinarian for an examination and to check whether everything is in fine working order, healthwise. Your cat's urine woes may be related to urinary tract infection, bladder stones, diabetes, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, among other ailments. A cat will try to suffer quietly, so be watchful and take action quickly.

When a cat is upset about the state of his litter box, it may compel him to go elsewhere to relieve himself, from your lap to the floral painting in your den. Many different factors can contribute to a cat's dissatisfaction with his litter tray situation. Perhaps you don't thoroughly clean the box out enough and your pet just doesn't feel comfortable going in there. Maybe the sides of the box are too tall and it isn't easy for him to maneuver his way in and out. Consider the exact location of the box -- maybe it isn't discreet enough for your privacy-loving kitty. Not to mention, the actual litter may be bothering your cat. The fragrance may be too harsh or the texture may not be fine enough, for example. Also remember that a lot of felines simply don't react well to sharing a litter box with another cat. You should have one prepared litter box for each cat, plus one. Some cats have "surface preferences" when it comes to urinating. If your cat suddenly seems to enjoy going No. 1 in your lap, perhaps it simply feels better to him than the litter box. If you think this is the case, perhaps invest in a finer-grained litter for your kitty or experiment with elimination options beyond traditional litter.