Spraying marks are found on vertical surfaces as a cat sprays by backing up into an object. They also have less volume than simple urinating. The urine emitted during spraying will smell stronger as the cat releases certain chemicals to send messages to other cats. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Spraying is more common in un-neutered males, multiple cat households, and in households where there have recently been changes. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Cats are territorial and like to claim certain things and areas. Urine marking is your cat’s way of letting other cats know of his presence and which portions of the house belong to him. If you live in a multiple cat household, your cat is likely claiming territory. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Spraying is also a mating ritual for cats. Spraying is very common during mating season, and the pheromones in the cat’s urine communicate their availability to breed. If your cat is not neutered, he may be spraying for this reason. [5] X Research source
Is there a new baby or pet? This might mean your cat feels threatened and wants to mark his territory. Are there any neighborhood cats that could be coming into your yard, causing your cat stress? Have there been any changes to your cats routine? Cats dislike change, and sometimes act out when their routine is disrupted. Do you have multiple cats in your home? If so, do they all have enough space? Have there been any changes to the litter box lately?[6] X Research source
Feed your cat at the same time each day, and keep his litter box, bed, and toys in the same areas. [7] X Research source If you have company, put your cat in a separate room. This is especially important if your visitors have cats of their own whose scents may be transmitted via their clothing. This can trigger stress, and in turn spraying. [8] X Research source Certain pheromone sprays, available at most pet stores, are designed to calm cats. If you know a big change is coming, such as a new household member or pet, investing in one of these sprays can help cats transition. [9] X Research source
Provide multiple perches. Cats love to be up high to observe. You can either clear a window sill or space on a bookshelf or purchase cat condos/cat trees from local pet stores. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Have multiple sources of food, water, scratching posts, and toys available. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Provide more than one litter box. Although spraying is different from urinating, limited litter box space can trigger territorial responses like spraying. Invest in more than one litter box, and scoop both daily. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Anything that can be washed in a washing machine should be, using standard detergent. [14] X Research source A concoction made from 50% water and 50% white vinegar can be placed in a spray bottle and squirted onto surfaces where a cat has sprayed. This neutralizes the odor and discourages future spraying. [15] X Research source Local pet stores, branches of Petco, and even some supermarkets and department stores sell cleaners laced with synthetic pheromones and certain enzymes that remove odors that encourage spraying. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Move furniture your cat likes to perch on away from the window. Consider investing in a cat tree to give them an alternative resting spot. [17] X Research source Close windows, blinds, or doors. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Consider attaching a motion detection devise to your lawn sprinkler, which will cause the sprinkler to squirt water towards your cat when he goes to the window. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Keep on a schedule, even if it’s tough. When the new baby, your schedule will probably change dramatically. Try as best you can to keep consistent with your cats feeding, sleeping, litter box cleaning schedule. Do not give your cat extra attention before the baby arrives, as he will become accustom to added affection. This will result in a bigger letdown when the baby comes, which might make your cat act out for attention. Introduce new toys and baby supplies to your cat by letting him smell and examine them after unwrapping. Anything with a new or unfamiliar smell can cause spraying. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
If possible, have your cat neutered before he is 6 months old. More than 90% of cats will not start spraying if they’re fixed in this time frame. [22] X Research source In older cats, roughly 87% will stop spraying after being neutered. While the majority stop immediately, a little under 10% will take a few months to cease spraying. [23] X Research source
Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, given orally, can be obtained by consulting your vet. These can ease tensions caused by a multiple cat household or anxiety caused by an erratic schedule. [24] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Always consult with a veterinarian, and know your cats medical history. Certain medical issues can interact poorly with medications. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source All medication has potential side effects. Ask your vet what side effects to look for, and how severe such side affects are, before giving your cat any meds.
