What is the purpose of territorial marking in cats?

Territorial marking in cats primarily serves the purpose of establishing territory. By marking their environment with scent, cats communicate to other animals which areas they consider their own. This behavior can involve rubbing their scent glands located on their face against objects, scratching surfaces to leave both visual and scent markers, and even urinating in specific locations.

This marking is crucial for their survival as it helps minimize direct confrontations with other cats, clearly defining boundaries and reducing territorial disputes. Understanding this behavior sheds light on a cat's natural instincts and social organization in the wild, where territory can be a critical factor in securing resources such as food and shelter.