Both male and female cats squat in order to relieve their bladders. But when they spray, they stand up with their rumps towards a solid object. The tails usually quiver during the spraying act. The resulting urine is left on places that are usually at the nose height of an average cat.
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Misconception
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Although unaltered male cats are the most prone to spray, both male and female cats will spray. Once they get in the habit, they may continue to spray even after neutering.
Significance
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The urine leaves chemical messages to other cats. In a male cat, it is a sign that this is his territory. In a female cat, it is usually a sign that she is in heat.
Consideration
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According to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," cats may begin to spray urine when they are under stress. This could be when a new cat is brought into the home or a feral cat moves into the yard.
Treatment
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According to "Understanding and Training Your Cat," neutering males stops spraying within a week in 80 percent of the cats, with another 10 percent stopping within six months.
Training
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Neutered cats that still spray can be deterred if they are caught in the act. Making an unpleasant noise like clapping hands or squirting the cat with a water pistol will let them know they have done something wrong.
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