Things That Make Cats Stop Spraying

The instinct to mark territory by spraying is present in both male and female cats, although it is far more common in males. It's possible to keep your cat from inundating your home with his personal calling card but it's not always easy. With persistence, however, the spraying problem is manageable.

  1. Taking Back the Territory

    • Cats often choose a particular spot to spray. If your cat has such a spot, holistic veterinarian Dr. Richard Pitcairn DVM suggests giving the area a thorough scrubbing. Don't use ammonia because cat urine already contains ammonia and you'll simply add to the spot's appeal. Top your effort off with a spritz of mint-scented liquid instead.

      Tincture of peppermint or spearmint is available at your health food store, or even flavoring from the grocery store might permanently discourage kitty. Don't use essential oils because they can be toxic to cats.

      Dr. Pitcairn also suggests securing tin foil over the favorite spot. You'll protect whatever is underneath, and kitty will get a taste of his own medicine when his fur is splattered with spray. (Reference 1)

    Neutering

    • Nip the spraying problem in the bud with your tomcat by neutering him before the age of six months. Ninety percent of cats neutered at that age, says Dr. Race Foster, DVM, never get into the habit of spraying.

      Neutering him will also prevent him from reproducing. If he's neutered, his risk of injuries and abscesses from fights with other tomcats will diminish tremendously. Neutering takes only a day and most young cats recover in a very short time. (Reference 2)

    Handling Conflict

    • Cats in multicat households sometimes develop conflicts, with one of them seeking to dominate the other. The cat being bullied may resort to hiding, refusing to venture from her safe place to use the litter box. Give this cat her own space and litter box off-limits to the dominant cat.

      Be a peacemaker by making each cat feel secure. They'll both be less likely to spray with equal shares of your attention. Play with them, groom them and feed them equally. (Reference 2)

    Remove Stress

    • Anxious cats often spray to reassert their territories. If you've moved recently, or if your cat can see strange cats from your home, stress spraying may result.

      Keep kitty's schedule as normal as possible if you've moved. Feed him the same food at the same time. Keep his favorite toys and bedding available. Close the drapes if other cats are visible.

      Use a pheromone spray from your pet store on the the vertical surfaces your cat might be tempted to mar. It contains feline facial pheromones calming to cats. (References 1 and 3)

    Medication

    • Ask your veterinarian about prescription medication to stop your cat's spraying. Buspirone, amytryptiline clompramine fluoxitine and diazepam are just some drugs used to curtail spraying. (Resource 1)