What Is Cat Territory Tag?

A lot is said about the territoriality of cats, especially in situations such as fights with other animals. However, there is a lot of ignorance about cat territory marking, so we’ll talk a little bit about that below.

Feline territory marking is the process in which cats leave signs, whether visible or olfactory, to others of the same species, so that they know that a certain place or object belongs to them.

This is achieved thanks to different behaviors and strategies that cats use, they are very intelligent animals, with an extraordinary and complex body language and pheromones.

Although territory delimitation is one of the main reasons why cats resort to marking, it is not the only one.

Contrary to what many people think, cats are social animals and through marking, it’s as if they came to be known among the other felines in their region.

This is very important during periods of heat, as it is the cat who goes looking for males and, through the traces of urine and pheromones, they find a partner. Let’s look at some peculiarities of this process.

territory delimitation

Have you ever noticed your cat rubbing itself against objects, animals or people? As sweet as this may sound, this gesture is your cat’s way of telling other felines that these objects belong to him.

Cats produce pheromones through glands located throughout the body, including the paws. Through this brushing, the cat imbues all surfaces with which it comes in contact with its scent, so that when it rubs against your legs, it is indicating to other animals that you belong to it.

There is a hypothesis that cats carry out a territory marking, also when they crush objects, be they pillows, their legs or other surfaces on which they usually rest placidly. However, it is also said that this behavior is a reflection of your childhood stage.

Another way cats have to delimit their territories is through small amounts of urine. Cats’ urine contains pheromones produced in their anal glands, which warn other cats that this territory belongs to someone else.

Cats also use these little urine squirts to mark their favorite spots, especially those where they can rest in peace.

However, when cats urinate in places where we spend a lot of time, for example our bed, it means that they are claiming ownership of that space that is completely impregnated with our scent.

Another reason why cats pee on our beds or furniture has to do with an attempt on their part to tighten the bonds of affection with us.

Also, scratches are visible indications that objects that might interest other cats already have an owner.

They are a way of informing not only of their presence, but also their size, and are largely an intimidating element for other animals.

during heat

As we reported at the beginning of this article, tagging also has a strong communicative connotation. Once a male cat (if not neutered) detects the presence of a female in heat, it will begin to urinate constantly in order to attract the female.

Through the strong odor of the pheromones they discharge when they urinate, they inform the cats that they will be able to enter their territories without inconvenience, as they are willing to reproduce.

However, for cats, this is not a year-round behavior, as it disappears as soon as the heat season has passed.

Likewise, through play, the cat performs different types of signals that allow other felines to know if they are welcome or not in other people’s territory.

Although it’s not very common, many cat owners comment that their pussies invite other cats into their homes to share food, a roof or a safe space where they can play.