Medication for a Spraying Neutered Cat

To a cat lover, there's nothing more frustrating than a neutered male cat who sprays. While medication can solve this behavior problem, it's important to understand why your cat is spraying and relieve the source of his stress, including overcrowding in a multi-cat home.

  1. Prescription Drugs

    • Among the drugs veterinarians recommend for spraying are fluoxetine (brand name, Prozac), clomipramine (brand name, Clomicalm), buspirone hydrochloride (brand name, Buspar) and amitriptyline (brand name, Elavil). All can be made into a gel to rub inside an ear tip so you don't have to give the cat pills.

    Side Effects

    • Prozac and Elavil can cause drowsiness and lethargy. Possible side effects of Clomicalm are vomiting, diarrhea and sedation. Buspar can cause an increase in affectionate behavior.

    Temporary Solution

    • Veterinarian and behaviorist Nicholas Dodman says drugs can "stabilize the cat's mood and reduce anxiety." But if the overcrowding or cause of the cat's stress isn't resolved, the cat could begin spraying again when he stops taking the medication.

    Natural Remedies

    • Homeopathic Bach Flower Remedies can restore an animal's sense of balance and well-being and relieve the stress that causes spraying. Other homeopathic remedies can help, too, but should be given under the direction of a holistic veterinarian.

    Causes of Stress

    • A new family member or overnight guests, moving to a new home, new furniture, a change in routine, cats visiting outside and a "strictly indoor" lifestyle can all stress cats so much that they spray.

    Multicat Homes

    • In multi-cat homes, creating more usable space by providing high places for perching and low places, like cartons and tunnels, for hiding can reduce stress and spraying.