How to Stop Cat Marking Behavior

Cats use urine as a means of communication with other cats. The main purpose is to let other cats know a certain territory belongs to a certain cat. This marking behavior is done by spraying a few drops of urine onto objects like trees, bushes or rocks. In the home, spraying is done on walls and furniture. Both male and female cats can spray, but this behavior is more common in males.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzyme-based cleaner
  • Roll of aluminum foil or wax paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get male cats neutered and female cats spayed. Neutering stops 90 percent of spraying problems, even for cats that already have the habit, according to the Humane Society of the United States. If the cat has already been neutered, skip to Step 2.

    • 2

      Discover why the cat is spraying. Cats often spray right after a stressful event, such as viewing strange cats outside of the home or if a new pet or even a baby has been added to the home. If there has been an addition to the household, the spraying behavior usually diminishes on its own over time. If the cause is another cat appearing outside, distract the cat with toys or food whenever a strange cat appears. Praise the cat for not spraying.

    • 3

      Clean urine off of sprayed objects. Use an enzyme-based cleaner because it not only cleans the urine off but does not leave an odor similar to urine to the cat. Cats tend to mark the same areas again and again.

    • 4

      Block access to areas that have been sprayed in order to deter the cat from spaying there again. If blocking this area with furniture is impossible, place aluminum foil or wax paper on the floor in front of these areas. Cats intensely dislike walking on aluminum foil or wax paper.

    • 5

      Take the cat to a vet it is still spraying. There may be a medical reason that can be treated.