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Every animal has a sense of the territory that it claims for itself. Some animals have a wide range of territory, especially wild animals that roam or travel in packs as they graze or hunt for food. Animals will clearly mark what is considered their territory to warn other animals of the same species not to cross the lines. A large, wild cat will rub against trees, stumps, rocks, or other stationary objects, leaving a musk scent that is distinctive to himself. They also mark territory by leaving urine as they travel. Domestic cats allowed outside will also use urine to mark their territory. Whenever you see a house cat rubbing the sides of his face against an object, he is activating his scent or musk glands to leave a scent that says, "This territory is taken. Cross at your own risk".

Domestic, or common house cats, will often become agitated when anything new is added to the home, which is considered their territory. Cats do not like a lot of change, rearranging, or removal of items in or from the home. After an item has been carefully studied and approved as a new part of your cat's territory, she will mark it with her scent glands. She is essentially adding the new item to her territory. You will notice that your cat rubs the sides of his face against a table leg, lamp stand, or chair in a manner that appears he is scratching an itch. He will re-new his scent markings on a regular basis as the original scent fades.

Male cats that are allowed outside will fight any male cat that invades his territory. Sometimes, he will fight female cats unless they are in heat. In fact, unless he considers an animal a source of food, he will usually fight animals of other species if he is extremely territorial. These are instincts that are genetically encoded for survival that cats relied upon before they were domesticated.

Cats also consider the people in their lives as part of their territory. I adopted two male kittens that were basically left at my doorstep. Both males, they are very jealous of each other and of any visitors to our home. While Andy marks me with his scent glands, Amos attempts to mark me with his urine. I must admit that it took a while for me to figure out why Amos would occasionally jump up into my lap and quickly squat. He did manage to mark me a few times before I learned what he was about to do.

Knowing about your cat's habitual behaviors and natural instincts will give you good insight into some behaviors you may find strange. Ever notice how your cat behaves whenever you bring home a new item for the family room? Try watching his behavior when you leave a large empty box somewhere in the room. Cats are so much fun to watch as they attempt to decide if something in their territory stays or goes.

Learn more about this author, Barbara Stanley.
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