What is a Cat Spray Remedy?

Male cats are lovable, interactive and fun to have as pets. They also have the possibility to develop an annoying habit, spraying. This habit can cause a serious rift between the cat and its owner, not to mention the horrible stench of cat urine that spraying creates in a home. Neutering is one way to solve a cat spraying issue, hopefully before it even begins.

  1. Best Prevention

    • The absolute best way to prevent a cat from spraying is neutering.

    What Is Neutering?

    • Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP, explains the procedure of neutering in her Internet article "Neutering the Male Cat." The cat is given anesthesia. The testicles' cords are tied or sutured, and the testicles themselves are removed. Most professional vets use lasers for neutering procedures, so incisions are cauterized immediately.

    Age For Neutering

    • Cat Health's "Neutering Your Cat" Internet article suggests neutering male cats at approximately 6 months old. Consult a vet for the appropriate age to neuter a cat.

    Neutering After Care

    • Most young cats rebound from neutering rather quickly. Pay attention to any vet instructions for caring for a neutered cat. The vet may provide antibiotics and/or pain medication to give the cat for about one week after neutering. Call the vet if you notice any abnormal symptoms in the cat after surgery.

    Positive Side Effects of Neutering

    • Neutering also helps to reduce restlessness and cat fights. A neutered cat generally lives longer than a non-castrated male. In addition, neutered cats are typically more social with their owners and others. It is especially important to neuter a cat that goes outdoors, in order to prevent the propagation of homeless kittens.

    Finding a Vet/Clinic

    • Call the local Humane Society to find a vet or neuter/spay clinic. The ASPCA is also a great resource to contact to find neutering services. Most reasonably sized cities will have low-cost neuter/spay clinics that take cats if the expense is a concern. Some cities will have specials during certain months or weeks of the year for low-cost or free neutering; local newspapers and news stations will usually advertise this type of special.

    Cleaning Cat Urine

    • If the cat does spray before he can be taken to a vet for the neutering operation, clean the sprayed area. If not cleaned, the cat will be attracted to the same spot and be more likely to spray there again. Chemical-based cleaning products are available in most supermarkets and pet stores to clean cat urine, or as Cats of Australia's Internet "Feline Spraying" article recommends, you can use a home remedy like a vinegar and water solution.