Cats use pheromones to communicate in a number of ways. Pheromones produced by the pads on their feet tell cats to avoid dangerous places. Pheromones produced in the tail and anal sacs provide sexual information for mating. Facial pheromones make cats feel calm and secure. Cat urine contains pheromones used to mark territory to demonstrate dominance or attract members of the opposite sex.
Cats resort to urine marking because they are positively or negatively excited.
They might be reacting to a new member of the household - either animal or human. They may be reacting to a move or a remodeling project in their current home. They also may be having problems with another pet or person. Feliway spray mimics the facial pheromones, comforting the cat and reducing the impulse to mark with urine or scratch. Clinical studies conducted on 61 cats demonstrated a significant reduction in marking behavior.