First it is important to understand just why they tend to start this obnoxious behavior, then you can start working on getting them to stop.
Marking for cats is a form of communication, cat Urine contains Pheromones unique to each cat that gets out the message of either this is mine or mating season has begun.
Yes female cats can mark also, in fact unfixed female cats will mark when they are in heat to announce their availability.
Normally this behavior will occur outside but if the cat is feeling threatened or stressed they could move inside.
Now that we know what marking is all about lets discuss what can be done to stop it if it moves into the house.
Getting your cat fixed is the first issue.
Early neutering or spaying can stop cats from ever starting this behavior, studies for cats that are older and neutered show that * 87% of all male cats stop after castration * 78% stop immediately * 9% stop in a few months * 13% keep spraying Now for that 13% that continue to spray there are some other issues to address here.
Usually it will be some sort of stress that is causing this to behavior.
Some common stresses are: * Feeling over crowded in a multi-cat home * moving to a new home * new addition either animal or human * loss of family member either animal or human This is just a short list but you get the idea.
Addressing what is causing the stress is the first step to eliminating the problem with your cat marking.