How to Keep Your Cat From Spraying

While male cats spray urine more often than female cats, cats of both genders exhibit this behavior. Cats spray urine for different reasons, such as marking territory or expressing displeasure. Spraying should be differentiated from incontinence, where a cat loses control of its bladder. If your cat is spraying, it is important to take steps to halt this undesirable behavior as quickly as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzymatic cleaner
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Spay or neuter your cat. Spaying and neutering cuts down the cat's urge to mark territory. Ideally, the cat should be spayed or neutered before it starts spraying.

    • 2

      Clean any sprayed areas with an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners break down the odor so that it disappears. If a cat can still detect the odor of urine in a spot, it will be encouraged to spray there again.

    • 3

      Close the curtains. Cats become more territorial if they can see other cats outdoors. Spraying is used to mark territory, and preventing the sight of other cats reduces the cat's competitive instinct.

    • 4

      Create a routine and stick to it. Feed your cat at the same time every day and play with it at regular intervals. Irregular routines create stress for the cat, which can lead to spraying.

    • 5

      Spend more time with your cat. Cats may spray when they are feeling insecure or lonely. If there has been a major change to your life, your cat may feel uncertain or afraid. Play regularly with your cat to reduce its stress and anxiety.