Why is my cat spraying urine backwards? Is it territorial marking?

If there is no squatting and the tail is high up over her back this may be territory marking and not urination - a normal cat behavior for claiming her territory, particularly if there are other cats in the area

This can happen from stress, and also because Onyx isn't neutered, he may be doing this to show the home is his territory. I'd definitely have him neutered, and use a Feliway diffuser in the home to see if that helps settle him. Cleaning up the marking areas is tough, but I recommend using Skout's Honor cleaning products to get rid of the smell. I've found them to be effective. You can get them online or at a pet store. I hope this helps!

If he is a tomcat, one of the best ways to control inappropriate urination is by having him neutered. Tomcats love to urinate all over everything as much as possible as a means of marking their territory. This sort of behavior usually ceases once the hormones are eliminated. Other things you can try is switching up the litter box or the type of litter, adding additional boxes, changing the amount of litter used, or any other variable thereof. Hope this helps.

It can be a behavioral sign of stress or frustration. If he enjoys outside and is not getting to go outside, then this can definitely contribute to it and he is acting out. If there is another cat in his area outside that he sees it will also make him spray to mark his territory since he can't get to the area outside. You can let him out more, or try feliway plug ins and diffusers to help keep him calm. I would also get a urine sample checked to make sure the is no infection that is causing it.

Personally, I've never found any benefit in using indoor electric fences to manage urine marking. Be sure that the cleaners that you've used to clean up previous urine spots are enzymatic cleaners (Nature's Miracle is one example). Urine marking/spraying typically occurs on vertical surfaces (such as walls or the sides of furniture), where as inappropriate urination occurs more on horizontal surfaces (the floor, beds, etc.). It is important to differentiate between the two since they are typically caused by different things. Urine marking/spraying occurs most commonly in intact male cats, or those neutered later in life, as a result of behavioral changes from hormonal influences. Inappropriate urination on horizontal surfaces can occur due to behavioral changes (typically stress-based) or medical problems (urinary tract infection, bladder stones, crystals in the urine, etc.). If your cat is an intact male, I recommend having him neutered. It is also a good idea to have a urine sample evaluated for signs of infection or crystals to rule out some medical problems that could be leading to this issue. Otherwise, add at least 1 extra litter box to your house, scoop the litter box 1-2 times per day, change the litter at least weekly, consider adding or removing a hood/cover to the box (depending upon the current set up), and use calming pheromone collars/diffusers (Feliway is one example). I hope this helps and that all goes well!

It sounds like your cat might be marking, which some female cats will do. However, she should be checked by a vet to make sure there isn't a medical cause for her urination, such as a urinary tract infection or stress cystitis. Here's a link to some more information on inappropriate urinating in cats: https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/inappropriate-urination/

It's too early to know. Spraying generally occurs on a vertical surface where as inappropriate urination occurs on a horizontal surface. If Zeno has not yet been checked for a bladder infection, I recommend to have this done to help rule out a medical cause. If the veterinarian thinks this is behavioral, there are a few factors to adjust. Cats are sensitive to the type of litter, size of the box and location of the box. If you have more cats, you need 1 litter box per cat + 1 additional box. You should also have a litter box on every floor of the house. This article discusses different types of litter and litter boxes: https://www.petcoach.co/article/cat-litter-finding-the-right-fit-for-your-cat/ In general though, cats prefer large, uncovered litter boxes, clay-based clumping litter that is scoped every day and a private, quiet location. If you have other cats or dogs, if they can access the litter box, it may cause Zeno to be afraid that he could be trapped in the box. Cats are a prey species in the wild and they still retain those instincts. Clean the soiled areas with a good enzymatic cleanser. This will to get rid of any smells. There are things you can do at home to help to keep Zeno relaxed and that may help to ensure good litter box habits. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. Most cats response best to combination therapy. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with house soiling. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.