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All cats have home territories. They mark these territories to inform other cats of their presence.
A cat's territory, or home range, usually includes hunting grounds, denning areas, water, favorite lookout points, and resting spots. In general, a cat will not accept the presence of another cat of the same sex within its territory.
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Bobcat Territories
| Female home ranges usually do not overlap, and their size is determined by the availability of food. Male home ranges overlap those of females and are much larger. Their size is determined by the density of females rather than food.
Domestic cats also have home ranges. Because they don't have to hunt, the size of their home range depends more on sex, age, and temperament. Indoor cats claim the whole house as their own and will defend it vigorously against intruders. Cats mark their territories to communicate their presence. They leave their scent by spraying urine and depositing feces in strategic locations. Secretions from glands on their chins, cheeks, and tails are also rubbed onto objects within the home range. |
| This cheetah is marking the tree with his scent. Other species may leave scratch marks on tree trunks or scrape the ground with their hind feet while urinating. These signals warn of their presence and allow cats to avoid crossing each other's path. |
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