The pattern of urination typical of male cats but occasionally seen in females; after backing up to a vertical surface and while holding their tail erect, they void urine in a stream posteriorly onto the object. A form of olfactory communication, especially territorial marking. Called also urine marking.

• inappropriate s. — spraying on household objects. A common behavioral problem in domestic cats that may be related to stress or overcrowding, but sometimes it is caused by urinary tract disease.