The difference between regular urination and spraying is in the position and choice of location - when urinating, a cat uses a squatting position on horizontal surfaces. Spraying is not a litter box problem. A cat can have a spraying problem while at the same time properly using his litter box for defecating and urinating. The distinction is important - spraying has different causes and needs to be dealt with differently. Some of these conditions may be life threatening if not treated in time.
Cats are territorial creatures.
They may use a variety of signals to mark their territory and set clear boundaries to other cats. Feline marking codes include scratch marks, scent rubbed off their skin, uncovered feces, and urine sprayed in strategic locations. It is perfectly normal for unaltered males to make territorial claims by spraying. This behavior begins with sexual maturity and is triggered by hormonal changes. With time, however, it can become an inherent part of the cat's behavioral repertoire.