Nonstop Meowing and Pee Marks? Tips on How to Beat the Heat!

​Question:  My kitten has started meowing incessantly within the last few weeks.  I also caught her urinating on the wall during one of these episodes.  She is only 6 months old, do you think she has a urinary tract infection or could she be going into heat?  Kris

​Answer:  Kris, the likely answer to your question is that your kitten is going through a heat cycle.  Cats go through a heat (estrus) cycle around 6 months of age.  Cats are induced ovulators which means that they will continue to go through heat cycles until bred.  Urinating on vertical surfaces often is a visible sign of urine marking, her way of signaling for a mate.  I would recommend that a vet take a look at her to be certain that there is not a more serious problem occurring.  Once a normal physical exam is completed, you could get her scheduled for a spay.  Often spaying is all that is needed to eliminate the urine marking, but should it continue to occur then we need to look at other methods of behavioral control.  Be certain to clean the marked area with an enzymatic cleaner which breaks down the urine molecule thus eliminating odor and the urge to remark.  If a standard household cleaner is used, the scent will fade but not be completely eliminated and the animal will often remark the area.  If this inappropriate urination behavior continues- the sooner you address the problem, the easier it may be to correct.