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It's All About Me
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Cats recognize their human and feline family members and their territory more by scent than by sight. Urine sends a powerful, unique message that establishes an individual cat's boundaries and territory. Outside, cats spray on trees, fenceposts and even tires to mark their territory. Inside, with nothing else to use, cats trying to establish their own territory spray on walls, the legs of furniture and any other vertical surface.
Overcrowding
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Although most cats enjoy living with other cats, individuals also need their own space. In multi-cat households, cats may spray to carve out a bit of turf to call their own. Floor-to-ceiling cat trees, tunnels, window perches and stacks of empty cartons all provide ways for cats to get away from each other when they want some time alone, and also make their territories seem larger.
New Furniture
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Some cats will spray new furniture to make it smell familiar. Rubbing the furniture with an unwashed towel or catnip or spraying it with Feliway, which mimics the "friendly" pheromone in a cat's cheeks, can make a cat think it's unnecessary to spray. Catnip, too, is a friendly scent. Pet supply stores sell Feliway (see Resources).
New People
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The arrival of a new baby or overnight guests can stress some cats so much they try to protect their territory from the "invaders" by spraying. Rescue Remedy or Comfort Zone diffusers (see Resources) can take the edge off the cat's stress. They'll be most effective if you start using them before the newcomers arrive.
Pet supply stores sell Comfort Zone. Plug a diffuser into a wall socket in every room where your cat spends a lot of time.
Most health food stores sell Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic remedy that calms jittery nerves. Put a couple of drops on a fingertip and rub it into the fur on top of the cat's head between the ears several times a day.
New Puppy or Kitten
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To an adult cat there's nothing more unnerving than a four-legged bundle of energy, and many cats will spray to keep the tiny new family member away from their turf. Creating a puppy- or kitten-free zone will reduce the adult cat's stress and help prevent spraying.
Outside Cats
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Outside cats visiting the backyard or deck are stressful for indoor cats and can cause them to spray on patio doors, windows and exterior walls. Loud noises, a spray of water from the hose or an electronic cat repellent will discourage outside cats from visiting. Most pet supply stores sell electronic devices that repel cats and other animals but don't harm them.
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What Makes a Cat Spray?
To a human, there's nothing more maddening than a cat who sprays. Surprisingly, neutered males aren't the only culprits. Spayed females are as likely to spray as males are. To understand why cats spray, try to see the world through their eyes. To cats, spraying, or urine marking, makes perfect sense.