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Cat Urine

By Tess Thompson

Domesticated cats do not urinate at odd places just because they want to irritate you. Cats, just like their bigger relatives spray at odd places to mark territory. It is an inherent behavioral pattern that they have retained from the times when they were required to ensure survival and reproduction. Normally a cat will urinate at a flat surface on ground or the litter box.

But when it is marking territory, it adopts a different method to do so. A cat who is trying to convey to other cats that the territory marked is taken it turns its backside to the object and sprays at nose level. This specific behavior of cats can cause particular annoyance for the cat owners. Another aspect that is difficult to manage for the cat owner is feline urinary incontinence.

Cats have been living with humans for more than 9000 years now after they were first domesticated in Egypt. Over the years, the relationship between humans and cats has assumed the status of a symbiotic social adaptation. Cats add pleasure to the lives of their owners and share lives with them on a daily basis.

Proximity to human population, at the same time, has exposed cats to human ailments and infections that they did not have to confront with in the wild. When a cat gets sick or stressed, it is most likely that the urinary tract gets infected. Incontinence is a direct outcome of urinary tract infection in cats.

If your cat is spraying excessively or is doing so at odd places, the first thing you should do is to consult a veterinarian. If you notice that your feline friend is straining or making odd, painful noises while urinating, it is a sure sign of prevalence of feline urinary infection. Stress is another factor that may result in a higher frequency of spraying. Stress factors may include introduction of new pets or changing homes.

The condition of the litter box may also be a reason why your cat is urinating at strange places. Cats prefer a clean litter box. It is even better if there is more than one in the house at lonely and secluded places. Make sure that you clean the litter box properly at least once a week. There may be a case of a particular litter box not being up to the mark for the cat. Cats, as most cat owners know to their dislike, are pretty finicky. If you have bought a new litter box, change it.

Early spaying is no guarantee that a cat will not spray and annoy cat owners. The above factors remain relevant whether the cat is neutered or not. Abnormal urinary habits often result in the unfortunate decision to abandon'the cat.

Before you look towards abandoning the cat due to urinary tract issues or any other behavioral issues, try and rule out medical and other factors directly related to urination. Cat urine is very caustic by composition and therefore while looking for treatment, it will do you good if you keep cloth diapers, cleaners and gloves handy for cleaning carpets and furnishings.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search/cat#Impact_of_hunting
http://thecatsite.com/Care/48/Combat-Cat-Urine.html
http://pets.ca/pettips/tips-47.htm