Why Do Cats Spray Inside?

Feline spraying can be frustrating, malodorous and expensive to fix. However, with the proper understanding of what your cat is attempting to express, it can also be an avoidable annoyance.

  1. Causes

    • The most common occurrence of feline spraying is found in sexually mature male cats, though both male and female can spray. Oftentimes spraying is a way of marking territory, as cat spray contains pheromones that convey messages to other nearby felines. Usually a tom sprays to mark the boundaries of his territory and households with more than one cat tend to fall prey to spraying more than single cat households. Cats can also use spraying as communication to their owners; if a circumstance of their living is displeasing, a cat will spray to express its unhappiness. Spraying is not a litter box training issue--it is typically done deliberately.

    Medical Problems

    • Spraying can indicate an illness, and a trip to the vet may be required. An inflammation of the urinary tract infections can be mistaken with spraying, though it is always a good idea to tell your vet if you think your cat is spraying indoors.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Preventing cat spray can be as simple as getting the cat spayed or neutered; roughly 90 percent of adult male cats will stop spraying after they are neutered. It is also beneficial to ensure a cat home alone has plenty of food, water and entertainment, as loneliness is often a reason for spraying. Though spaying will stop a female cat from spraying while she is in heat, neutering will not stop a tom that sprays when he sees the suitcase, a warning of an oncoming absence. Give the cat treats and leave the suitcase out when a trip isn't pending, so the cat will cease seeing it as a threat.

    Treatment/Cleaning

    • Another important step in treatment and prevention for spraying is to keep previously sprayed areas clean. Follow your nose; a sprayed spot will have a pungent odor-- (though some cat owners find it useful to seek out stains with a black light. Once the spot is located, treat it with a cleaner/deodorizer. Enzyme-based products work best. Some everyday household items, such as peroxide or a water and vinegar mix, also help remove stains and smells.

    Calming Your Cat

    • A pheromone spray, when applied to frequently sprayed areas, can calm cats and break the spraying cycle. In more extreme cases, it may be necessary to medicate the cat.