How to Stop Cat Spraying

If your cat is spraying inside your home, you are familiar with the terrible odor and the difficulty in getting your cat to stop this behavior. Why is your cat spraying, and what can you do about it?

Cats spray for many reasons. The most common one is to mark their territory so that other cats know of their existence. Or, the cat may be looking for a mate. Spraying may also be a display of aggression or due to conflicts between several felines living in the same home. Just seeing a strange cat outside can cause spraying. Medical problems such as bladder infections can cause the behavior. Stress can also be a culprit whether due to changes in routines, a new pet in the household, or loneliness.

Usually, male cats are known for spraying. However, some females will also spray, especially when they are in heat. The spray smells different than regular urine as chemicals produced in the anal glands are mixed with urine when the cat sprays.

After you have determined why your cat is spraying, you can attempt to solve the problem. If your cat has not been neutered or spayed, this may offer the quickest solution to the problem, as most cats will stop spraying once they are altered. The surgery is most successful if done before the animal matures. However, some altered cats will continue to spray.

Be sure to keep litter boxes scooped and cleaned regularly. Cats may spray to protest their dirty litter box. Also, keep routines in place such as feeding times and litter box cleaning frequency. Be sure to clean up the sprayed areas with cleaners containing enzymes so that the cat will not be able to smell the odor and spray in the area again.

Health problems can lead to spraying issues. If you have not been able to find a reason for the behavior, consult a veterinarian. Your cat could have a bladder infection or other medical issue that needs attention. Also, vets can prescribe anti-anxiety drugs that may address the issue, since you may not be able to tell that the behavior is stress-related.

If the issue is other cats in the home, you may have to keep the warring cats in separate parts of your home or even resort to giving a pet away. A pet that sprays in one home may not display the same behavior in a new environment.

You may also want to consider consulting a cat behaviorist who can work with you and your cat to alter the unwanted behaviors.

Read Part II of How to Keep Your Cat from Spraying

Menu

Cat Breeds

How to Stop Cat Spraying

Get Feline Info News
Name:
Email: