How to Make a Cat Stop Spraying

Spraying is a form of cat communication. The cat will calmly back up toward an unfamiliar object or vertical surface, lift its tail and with no crouching or further warning, spray a small amount of urine. The pheromones in the urine send a message to other cats, saying one of many things. For sexually mature cats, it's an invitation to potential partners. An unfamiliar item or the personal belongings of a stranger are marked because the cat recognizes them as "intruders" or things that do not belong. Cats also spray to mark their territory, letting any other cats know they are on their turf. Consequently, bringing a new cat or dog home can trigger spraying behavior. Additionally, cats spray when they are under stress or are upset. To resolve a spraying problem, you need to address the underlying reason for the behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Lemon or orange peels Enzymatic detergent White vinegar Aluminum foil Cat treats Squirt gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your cat to the veterinarian to make sure there is no physical cause for the spraying behavior.

    • 2

      Have your cat spayed or neutered. According Atlanta Pets.org, eighty-seven percent of adult tom cats stop spraying immediately after being neutered. However, even a spayed of neutered cat will occasionally spray when in the presence of another animal who is intact. Also, if the cat has been spraying for a long time, it may have become a habit, and breaking the habit will require further action.

    • 3

      Block the cat's access to doors and windows that allows it to see other animals outside. If that's not possible, consider covering the lower portion of the windows to prevent outside observation, or pull the shades.

    • 4

      Stop other animals from coming near your home. If your cat sees or smells another animal, it may spray to mark territory. Try putting lemon or orange peels out or sprinkling the perimeter of your home with citrus-scented spray. Cats are naturally repelled by citrus scents. Or you can try sprinkling cayenne pepper, coffee grounds or tobacco in the area to keep animals away. If that doesn't work, commercial animal repellents can be purchased through pet supply stores.

    • 5

      Clean all marked areas thoroughly. Wash any previously sprayed surfaces with a detergent containing enzymes. Follow this washing with a rinse made of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water. The vinegar aroma will fade as the surface dries, but long after the scent is undetectable by the human nose, the cat will still be able to smell it. This will discourage the cat from marking in that spot.

    • 6

      Make previously marked territory unappealing or unapproachable. Cover areas with aluminum foil so that spraying will make a noise. Move furniture into an area, making it impossible for the cat to mark there. If the cat sprays in the sink, keep it filled with water.

    • 7

      Keep unfamiliar items, such as new purchases or guests' bags, out of reach or in a closet.

    • 8

      Help newcomers into your home befriend the cat by feeding it, offering it a treat or petting it. If the cat is spraying in response to a new baby, make sure nice things happen to the cat when the baby is nearby.

    • 9

      Watch the cat. When it approaches an area that has been previously marked and begins to sniff around, interrupt it with a loud noise, or squirt the cat with water.