How to Keep Cats From Spraying in the House

Cats communicate messages through scent, most of which is undetectable by humans. When a cat rubs its face against a vertical surface, it's leaving a message that says "I'm here." Unfortunately, they can also leave a scent that humans can smell, in the form of sprayed urine. Cats spray because they want to mark territory, or because they're upset about something. The problem most often occurs in male cats that have not been neutered, but both male and female cats can spray whether neutered or not.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzyme cleaner
  • Aluminum foil
  • Tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Neuter your cat early, before puberty if possible. Cats reach puberty around the age of six months. A cat that has been neutered before reaching adulthood is much less likely to start spraying. If the cat is already an adult, neutering may stop the spraying behavior.

    • 2

      Watch the cat's actions when urinating to see if it really is spraying. If it is squatting to urinate, then it is not spraying. A cat that sprays will hold its tail high, back up to a vertical surface, and quiver its tail as it sprays a jet of urine.

    • 3

      Clean up sprayed urine with an enzyme cleaner specifically intended for cat urine. Normal soap and water is not enough because cats have a sense of smell that is much better than ours. Any smell left over will encourage the cat to spray the spot again.

    • 4

      Cover the sprayed spot with aluminum foil and tape it into place. The loud noise that the urine makes when it hits the foil may startle the cat and prevent it from repeating the behavior. Plus it makes the area easier to clean.

    • 5

      Think about what happened immediately before the spraying behavior started. Some cats don't like change. Figure out what changed in the cat's life and change it back, if possible.

    • 6

      Watch for strange cats in the area. Your cat may be upset if they can see a strange cat from the window. Keep strange cats away from your yard by blocking points of entry.

    • 7

      Watch for signs of conflict between the cats in your house. Conflicts are not always open fighting. Staring, growling, and approaching other cats in a stalking posture are signs of threatening behavior. Watch the other cat's reaction towards the threatening cat. If the cat avoids looking at the other cat or flees, you have a social problem.

    • 8

      Ask your veterinarian about calming drugs. Just like people, some cats need medication to function normally. Pheromone sprays or prescription drugs may be necessary.