All about the territorial character of cats

Cat at the entrance of his house

Cats are very territorial. Even that extremely affectionate and social furry man is capable of defending those meters of land that he considers to belong to him, he can even fight if he considers it necessary. This is something that, when it is the only furry one in the home, does not usually cause any problem, or not any serious one, but when a second cat is brought in, the situation becomes quite complicated.

For what we are a new member of the family, for our dear "old" friend is a tenant, a complete stranger who is invading your home. Changing your mind is going to take time and patience, sometimes a lot of patience. Why? To answer this question, I'm going to tell you all about the territorial character of cats.

What is feline territory and how is it divided?

Cats need space

The feline territory is a set of areas destined to specific functions, which can be more or less extensive depending, above all, on the age of the cat and whether it is neutered or not. These areas are:

  • Activity area: here the cat does its daily activities: eat, play, relieve itself ... This area is divided into different spaces, so that, for example, eating is separated from eliminating.
  • Isolation zone: he uses this area to spend time alone, either to sleep or to get away from what is causing him at the time Stress.
  • Aggression zone: here the cat can end up attacking if it deems it appropriate.

These three areas are linked by paths, which the furry is forming from the first day it goes outside. They never break, unless the family moves or another cat, stronger than him, throws him out of the territory, something that happens among furry people who always live on the street.

How much space does a cat need?

Cats that never leave the house have a well-defined territory: the house itself; but those who go outside "dominate" a much larger space. This space is greater in the case of male cats that are not neutered, since they are the ones that go in search of the females. Non-neutered cats are also quite far away (1 or 2 blocks), but you will always find them close to their food source.

In the case of those cats that are neutered, the space they need is much less. In fact, I can tell you that males do not usually go more than one street away, and females normally have a territory of about 400 or 500m.

How do you mark the territory?

The cat marks its territory in different ways:

  • With urine: on vertical surfaces.
  • With scratches: furniture, cushions, etc.
  • Rubbing against objects: This is how you leave your facial pheromones.

You have more information on this topic here.

It can be avoided?

No. A cat needs, by its own instinct, to mark its territory. What we can do is castrate it before it has heat, since in this way we will prevent it from marking with urine and, incidentally, unwanted litters. It is also necessary that we provide you with a scraper (or several) so that you can keep your claws sharp.

How can we help you feel more comfortable at home?

In addition to providing you with the basic care, there are a number of things we have to do to avoid unpleasant surprises and, incidentally, make him feel much more comfortable and happy with us. Taking into account that its territory is divided into different zones, what we must do is place your food and water together, but away from the litter box.

His toys, scratching post, and even his bed must be in another room where the family lives. For example, the hall or the living room. In this way he can "hunt", albeit artificially, perfecting his feline predator techniques.

Finally, it is very important that you have a space where you can relax. In this room you should be able to be quiet, without being disturbed by anyone.

What to do when the cat is too territorial

Cats mark their territory in various ways

Those of us who live with cats know that that "wild" part always lasts for them, although of course and with the advice we have given you, they can adapt very well to the home and to live with the family. If you provide shelter, food, water, and lots of love, your cat will feel great around you.

But its deep-rooted roots make it have that feline territory that feels like its own and that no one can pass over. Although it is a normal behavior as we have explained above, it is important to bear in mind that if it becomes a too territorial cat it can bring us problems, especially if we have more pets or if we intend to incorporate them into our family.

The limits of the territory of a wild or semi-free cat

The domestic cat knows where its limits are (the walls of the house), but wild cats or cats that live in semi-freedom can expand their borders as we have commented above. The factors that are included in the territorial fields of the acts depend, above all, on their power source.

A cat will live close to where it has food and water, as well as if there are more cats that are nearby, especially in those cats that are looking for females to mate. Normally, male cats tend to have a larger territory than females and sometimes they can share territory, but it usually causes conflicts between non-castrated males in times of heat.

When does the cat mark its territory?

The cat marks its territory for others and for itself. So others will know that this is their territory and also, it is also self-recognition. It mainly uses visual and olfactory marks: scratches, urine ...) Therefore, a domestic cat needs a scratching post and so that the male cat does not pee all over the place, it is better castrate him.

Functions of marks in cats

Cat markings have several functions

It is necessary to know how to interpret the marks of cats, because it does not always have to do with their territoriality. There are times that these brands have another purpose that you should know:

  • Territorial marks, mark their presence in a place, as we have explained throughout the article.
  • Alarm marks. It occurs when the cat feels very stressed for some reason. It is usually done with the anal sacs.
  • Familiarization marks or identification. Part of your body such as the head or back is usually rubbed to leave the smell on a person or object that you consider does not have your smell and that you should mark it. Although you can also do it simply by showing your love to other beings.

In addition to the marks mentioned above, a cat can also mark its territory in other ways: through traditional communication (auditory: meowing and purring) and visual (positions to mark power such as lying on its back showing the belly or its parts, even throwing some sexual pee).

I hope you have learned a lot about the territorial nature of cats.


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  1.   Rocío Martínez said

    Hello. I am moving to another city and I want to know how I do so that my cat adapts and does not get lost. He is 4 years old and neutered. I have two poodle dogs with whom I live in friendly harmony. Thanks Rocçio

    1.    Monica sanchez said

      Hello Rocio.
      First, put a necklace with an identification plate and the microchip, if it does not have it. You never know what can happen.
      Then, I recommend you keep it at home for at least 4 days (ideally a week) without going out. During that time, you will learn that this is your safe place, where you have your food, water, and your family.
      Then, if you are going to let it out, let it be little by little. First let him look out the closed window, then pick him up and carry him outside, and finally let him go alone.
      In any case, if you go to another city, it is not recommended that the cat go out, as there are many dangers.

      If you need advice on moving, I invite you to read this article.

      A greeting.