What behavior do male dogs and cats often exhibit upon reaching sexual maturity?

Male dogs and cats often exhibit spraying behavior upon reaching sexual maturity as a way to mark their territory and communicate their presence to potential mates. This behavior typically involves the animal releasing urine in small amounts onto vertical surfaces. Spraying is instinctual and can be influenced by hormonal changes associated with sexual maturity, often signaling to other animals the male's readiness to mate.

In contrast, while behaviors like chasing or jumping can occur in male animals, they are not specifically tied to sexual maturity in the same way that spraying is. Hiding is usually more indicative of stress or anxiety rather than a behavior linked to mating instincts. Therefore, spraying is the most accurate representation of common behavior exhibited by male dogs and cats when they reach sexual maturity.