Territoral Markings
Cats have scent glands on their head: the temporal glands are above the eyes on either side of the forehead and the perioral glands along the lips. Both these sets of glands are used for marking by rubbing the head against the chosen object or friend. When the cat rubs with his forehead, he finds pleasure in this and often purrs. When he marks with the lips and chin, he reacts in the same manner, and even drools with pleasure, especially if the chosen aera has been previously marked by another cat. Consider it an honor when your cat rubs his head or lips up against your fingers when you are petting him!
The tail glands are used as the cat weaves itself through his owners legs, such as at feeding time. The cat winds its body around the legs, while leaning into the person's legs, allowing his forehead and lips to rub, followed by the contact of the entire length of the body, and finally the tail, which is wound around the person's leg and wiped along the area to be marked.
The strongest and most annoying type of marking territory is performed by very dominant male cats. The cat will turn his back and spark a few drops of a very distinctive and very foul odorous urine at the object. Some female cats spray as well, although it is uncommon. It is quite annoying if the cat performs this behavior indoors, as the urine is very strong of scent, and is sticky and hard to clean from walls, rugs, and furnishings.
Even neutered cats spray. Most of the time, it goes unnoticed until the cat has formed a habit of it. The cat may start this behavior due to change in the environment such as the introduction of a new pet, baby,the moving of old furniture or addition of new furnishings or even phsycological trauma such as death or divorce.
Try to catch your cat in the act. Signs to look for are the arched back with the tail straight up and quivering. The urine will shoot a few drops straight out onto the object.
