Before a behavioral diagnosis is made, the regular veterinarian must rule out possible medical problems that might be causing the cat's spraying behavior, such as urinary tract and metabolic diseases. Blood tests, a urinalysis, and other diagnostic procedures may be ordered.
The next step is for the behavioral veterinary specialist or veterinarian to distinguish between urine marking and urination by either observing the cat's posture or by noting the location of the deposited urine -- whether it is on a horizontal or vertical surface. A diagnosis of urine marking can be made if, while urinating, the cat stands with its rear legs very straight so that its hindquarters are slightly higher than the rest of its body. A marking cat also holds its tail either straight up or directed forward at a 45 degree angle, quivers its tail, and makes treading movements with its feet. Occasionally, a cat may mark in a squatting posture. In addition, subtle behavioral differences from those manifested during urination may be observed. For example, the marking cat usually only sniffs the area before expressing urine rather than both before and after, as occurs with urination.
