A cat marks its territory with its own scent to feel more comfortable and less anxious about potential intrusions by strange cats and predators. A cat may also do this when he is experiencing separation anxiety because his owner works long hours, or he is being introduced to a new home or new cats. Both males and females may mark their territory. When a cat sprays, it usually backs up to the object, holds its tail very high, and the tail appears to tremble or vibrate. Marking behavior is not spiteful; it is a natural reaction of a cat to certain stresses. Never rub your cat's face in its urine or feces. This will not help, and it may have negative effects on your cat's personality and behavior.

1. Make an appointment with your vet for an exam and a urinalysis, to determine if there is a health problem. You might also discuss with your vet the anti-anxiety drug for cats called Buspirone.

2. Decrease the size of your cat's "territory", which decreases stress. Confine your cat to a nice room for a while. Also try changing your cat's litter and litter box. Place the old litter box filled with the old brand of litter in the room. If the box had a hood, remove it. Next to the old litter box place a new, large litter box (without a hood) filled with a different brand of unscented clumping litter. You may have to try a couple of brands. When your cat becomes used to the new litter, use that in both boxes. Scoop the clumps religiously. Put your cat's water and food bowls on the opposite side of the room.

3. While your cat is confined to the one room, soak the urine spots throughout the house with an enzyme deodorant especially for cat urine.

4. Spend a lot of time playing with your cat and giving him affection. Fishing pole style cat toys will give your cat a fun workout.

5. When you let your cat out of confinement (say, one week later), spray Feliway (an analog of feline facial pheromones) on certain prominent places in your house, as described in the Feliway instructions. The pheromones will calm your cat and make him feel more secure. You can purchase Feliway from your veterinarian or call 1-800-786-4751.

6. Naturally you should continue to give your cat lots of playtime and affection.

The above ideas are from Betsy Lipscomb, a feline behavior counselor at Cats International. You can reach this organization by visiting www.catsinternational.org.