Question:
Hi everyone,

I see there is another post on spraying just a few posts down and I read through that, but it didn't seem to answer my question so I hope you don't mind me starting another one.

I have an 8/9 month old neutered male kitten, and no other pets. He is a 100% indoor only cat, and I am nearly completely certain that my immediate neighbors don't have any pets themselves. There have been a few incidents of what I believe to be him spraying (once when I was at my parent's house and their terrier chased him up the stairs, and once or twice when we were playing with a scarf and I believe he was trying to mark it as "his" [?? does this make sense??]).

Today when I came home from class, I noticed a wet spot on the couch (which I believe in and of itself is unusual for spraying). It was maybe about the size of a quarter in diameter, and I don't believe it was urine as it had a far more musky (and fairly strong) odor. His behavior has been otherwise normal as far as I know, with him being SLIGHTLY more aggresive (although honestly, it fluxuates so much anyway its hard to tell), and eating slightly less than usual.

My question is this: with no other pets of my own, being on the sixth floor (so there aren't any nearby observable cats or anything to illicit this response), what could cause this kind of behavior? I know it isn't necessarily problematic, but honestly, I have very little idea what "normal" kitten/cat behavior is. The only thing I can think of, is I believe my neighbors are returning from a 4 month sabbatical in South America and have been moving around quite often right outside my door, could this cause this?

Any help would be appriciated. Of course, I am slightly concerned that this could be indicative of a greater problem (especially with his gradual slight decrease in appetite over the last few weeks), but since i know so little I figure I should double check.

Thanks,
jbr4gg

Answer:
Personally I think that spring fever has arrived as there are many posts about spraying cats as of late.

I think that male cats even if neutered still have the need to mark their territory especially if they feel threatened in some way or if they happen to be able to smell or hear a female in heat. (Remember their senses are much higher than ours.) It's a natural thing for them to do. And shouldn't be punished. It's just up to us to clean up and discourage it in inappropriate spots when possible.

I would however be concerned with a decrease in appetite and maybe a check up is in order to see if there has also been a decrease in weight. This also happens when the weather gets warmer... but you should get it checked out.

Answer:
It does seem like there are more posts about spraying lately! All of my animals (2 cats and a dog) have been more active, trying to get outside, etc since the weather started to warm up.

I wonder if this is not spraying though. Not that I am any expert on that... Do cats have anal glands like a dog? It almost sounds like yours is doing something that one of my cats does when she gets really excited about something. She doesn't spray, but lets out this very stinky musky odor, and a small amount of liquid. It doesn't happen very often and has only occurred when she gets very excited, like one time a mouse was in the house. I dont' think this is considered spraying... not sure what it is but mine did do it more when she was younger, so possibly yours will grow out of it.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Kristin7
Do cats have anal glands like a dog?

Yes. They can sometimes have problems with them too, they become stuffed or plugged or something and have to be drained:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/analsac.html

Apparently they are used in the same manner as a skunk, just not nearly as powerful.

Answer:
Wow thanks for that link...good to know, I think Palomine is in need of a vet visit now, I figured the squirting was just him spraying but now with the added 'scooting' he's been doing lately it sounds more like an anal sac problem....

Answer:
Fascinating, I never knew, thanks for the info.

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