Products to Stop Cat Spraying

A cat spraying---depositing a small amount of urine on a vertical surface to mark its territory---and a cat urinating outside the box are problems with the same results, except that spraying is used primarily for boundary-setting, but avoiding the box may have medical roots. Either behavior creates a pungent odor that's difficult to remove. The best way to resolve this stinky situation is to curb the cat's urge to spray.

  1. Prescriptions

    • Have the cat checked by a veterinarian to determine if there's a medical reason for the spraying. Cats with cystitis, a bladder infection, a urinary blockage, joint stiffness or even senility may spray. The resolution could be antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory or some other prescription medication to relieve symptoms. If the cat is upset, the vet may prescribe a mild tranquilizer.

    Pheromones

    • Artificial pheromones mimic the scent a cat leaves on surfaces to mark its territory. They help to calm the cat so it doesn't feel compelled to set boundaries. Those on the market today are virtually odorless to humans and come in sprays or long-lasting plug-in room diffusers. The key is to use them consistently.

    Dry Powders and Mineral Rocks

    • These products are most effective on smooth surfaces, absorbing stains and odors. Powders absorb urine, and mineral rocks use electrically charged particles to absorb odors. Rocks can be "rejuvenated" and reused by setting them in the sun for a certain amount of time.

    Enzymes

    • Enzymatic cleaners break down urine's odor-causing molecules. They work on just about every surface, including carpet, but full results may take weeks. Some enzyme products also contain bacteria that devours the molecules once they're broken down so the odor is completely removed and the cat will no longer recognize the area as a spraying spot.

    Other Deterrents

    • Some cats hate the sound of their urine hitting tin foil---taping a sheet to the area can make it unattractive. If there's something outside upsetting the cat, such as a strange cat on the loose, close the drapes or put an obstruction in the window so the cat can't see out. If the problem is indoors, segregate the cat in a room with a litter box until it's using the box without fail. This can take weeks. Also, get the cat spayed or neutered if it's intact. Unneutered males are most likely to spray, but females will as well.

    Tip

    • Carpet cleaners that mask odor, or cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach, only make the smell worse, and the cat is likely to spray there again. The only way to end the behavior is to completely eliminate the odor, not just cover it up with another one.