Why Does My Neutered Male Cat Keep Spraying Outside?

Feline spraying, also known as marking, is when a cat leaves small amounts of urine on vertical surfaces. Although it's more common in unneutered males, it still happens with males who have already been neutered. Sometimes cats will only spray outside. There are several reasons why your neutered cat may spray outside.

  1. Territory

    • Neutered cats may spray outside to mark their territory. This lets other cats in the neighborhood know that the area belongs to him.

    Anxiety

    • Neutered cats may spray if they are stressed. If there is a new, unfamiliar cat in the yard, they may spray because it causes them anxiety. According to the Humane Society of the United States, "Cats are creatures of habit, and many react really badly to the slightest change in their environment. This can include a new pet or new baby in the house, a new roommate, someone's absence, new furniture, moving, a strange cat in the yard and other things we may never know."

    Attracting a Mate

    • Cats may spray to attract a mate, even if they are neutered. If there are female cats in the neighborhood, this may be a reason for the cat to spray outside.

    Age

    • If a cat isn't neutered at a young age, he may have already adapted to spraying habits. If they have adapted to spraying outside, chances are they will continue to do so.

    Medical Problems

    • A cat may also spay if he has a medical problem, such as one affecting the urinary tract. Consult your veterinarian if you can rule out other possibilities as to why he may be spraying.