How to Stop a Cat From Spraying Inside

Urine spraying by cats is not the same as a cat wetting the floor or refusing to use the litter box. It is the backward spray of urine onto a vertical surface, often by male cats. Cats that spray urine indoors do so for a variety of reasons, from marking their territory to expressing feelings of angst among other reasons. Whatever the reason, it is an unwelcome behavior that demands immediate attention to avoid further destruction of property and unhealthy contamination of surfaces.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzymatic cleaner
  • Vinegar or urine removal spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spay or neuter the cat. This solves the majority of spraying issues and is most effective on tomcats and those under six months of age. While most stop immediately, others take up to six months to give up spraying, and a small percentage continues spraying.

    • 2

      Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to check for health issues that may be causing the spraying.

    • 3

      Remove aggressive or threatening cats from the spraying cat's environment. Close curtains or shades to prevent the cat from seeing others outside. Close off cat doors to reassure the cat that others cannot access its home territory.

    • 4

      Eliminate the odor to discourage the cat from marking the same places again, as they instinctively do. Use a black light to illuminate the areas where urine reside remains. Use a non-ammonia enzymatic cleaner, such as laundry detergent, followed by a spray of half white distilled vinegar and half water or a product manufactured to remove urine available at pet stores.

    • 5

      Assess changes in the cat's life to determine possible causes of stress. Consider changes in schedules, locations, new pets, family members coming or leaving, and the number of cats in the household. Treatment will involve returning the cat to its comfort zone if possible, but may possibly include an antianxiety medication if external factors can't be changed.

    • 6

      Provide the cat with increased attention and affection, including petting, play time and quiet time together, as an insecure cat may spray.

    • 7

      Purchase a commercially available anti-spray device located at a pet store, such as CatScram that emits a high-pitched sound repellent to cats. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend one.