The outdoor cat
Much of the cats behaviour is geared towards territory - marking it by spraying, patrolling it, defending it. Many behavioural problems can be caused by territory in some shape or form. The concern of the cat towards its space is fundmental.
Every cat has its own personnal territory which will be fiercely defended should it be intruded. The size and location of the cats relatively small plot will relate to the position of the cat in its social heirachy.
Additional to the cats own territory it will also have a larger range in which the cat will hunt and explore. Normally this area will also overlap other cats range. The level of conflict will relate to how much available food is in these areas. Cats can live in relatively small area if there is an abundance of food.
Cats make their presence known in the territory by marking. If a cat smells that another cat is in the territory it will usually leave and visit later to avoid confrontation.
Males, on the other hand, will fight to establish dominance and a position in the heirachy amongst its social group. Once the cat has proved his position he generally won't have to prove himself again, that is, until another challenges his position.
The indoor cat
The indoor cat will have the same basic instincts as the outdoor cat. The shared territory is obviously much smaller and the times in which the same spaces are shared will apply.
Generally there will be one dominant cat and the rest will share middle rank.The dominant cat can demand the spot he so desires, whislt the rest will pick an area they feel can be their own but this may depending according to the time of day. As per the outdoor cat larger territorial arrangments the indoor cat will time share with the others favourite spots.
The reason for your cat's behaviour maybe due to an underlying medical reason. If you are concerned about your cat, always consult your vet or a cat behaviourist for professional, qualified advice.
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