Why Are My Cats Spraying?

If you are having problems with your cats spraying and constantly marking their territory, there are a few things you can do to stop them from doing this. Many cat owners become frustrated with their cats, since this type of behavior can be difficult to stop.

Spraying is when cats leave a small amount of urine in the house. They usually do this on vertical surfaces such as furniture, walls or door frames. Spraying isn’t really a training issue, it’s actually your cat making their presence known.

There are several reasons why cats suddenly start spraying. It could be because your cat is marking their territory, letting other cats know they live in your house. Sometimes spraying is a sign of a medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection. Male cats that are not neutered spray to let female cats know they are around and available. When cats are stressed or anxious is another reason that causes them to spray the house. If you and your cat have moved recently, your cat may be marking their territory. An addition to the family such as a new pet, or a baby can make your cat feel insecure, which can result in them spraying your furniture. When someone leaves the family, either permanently, or during the day for work, can often result in cats spraying. Making any changes to your home such as remodeling, painting or even rearranging the furniture, can make your cat feel they need to re-mark their territory. However, if you are painting, it will help to remove the smell.

Not all cats spray, however, some cats are more prone to doing this than others. Male cats that are not neutered are prone to spraying more than males that are neutered. Female cats that are not spayed are also more prone to spraying than females that are spayed. Have your cat spayed or neutered as soon as possible, unless you plan to breed them. This is not only healthier for your cat, but will also reduce the chances of your cat spraying. This does not always work, however the percentages are optimistic. A large percentage of cats that are spayed or neutered, stop spraying immediately with only a small percentage ceasing within about three to four months later. There’s even a smaller percentage of cats that, regardless if they are spayed or neutered, will continue to spray.

If you see your cat spraying, before correcting them, find out the reason why they are spraying. Watch your cat closely to find out why they are spraying. Watch their body language. When you see your cat start to spray, distract them whatever way you can. There are several ways you can do this, such as rattling a tin can with coins or marbles in it, clapping your hands or using a water bottle or water pistol to divert them from spraying. It may take awhile for your cat to stop spraying completely, however, this has proven to be the best and most effective method to break them.