Tips on Stopping Cats From Spraying

When your cat backs up to an object in your house, lifts its tail and releases urine, the cat is spraying. Contrary to what you may believe, your cat is not acting out but marking its territory. This act is most common among male cats, but female cats have been known to spray as well. There are several ways to both prevent and stop spraying from happening indoors.

  1. Veterinarian Visit

    • A healthy cat is a happy cat. If you have a cat that is spraying in your house incessantly, the first step is to take her to the vet. Your veterinarian will be able to run some tests and rule out possible health reasons she is spraying, such as a urinary tract infection.

    Spaying and Neutering

    • While male cats tend to spray more often than females, both sexes spray indoors for a variety of reasons. Have your cat spayed or neutered before 6 months of age to prevent spraying from ever starting. If spraying has already begun, getting him neutered can still make an impact on stopping the spraying in your house.

    Relationship With Other Cats

    • Your cat's relationship to other cats may affect when and how often she sprays in your house. If you have more than one cat, give each of them an equal amount of attention by interacting and playing with them. Help improve their relationship to each other by playing with them together, feeding them together and encourage them to sleep together and groom each other.

    Keep A Routine

    • Changes in your cat's routine can increase his amount of spraying. Cats like sameness, so choose a routine and stick to it. If you let him outdoors for fresh air and exercise, do so around the same time every day. Feed him, change his litter box and give him fresh water at the same times each day as well. Scheduling play times with your cat might also help him stick to a routine.

    Pet Repellant and Clean Areas

    • Spray a pet repellent on your floors that is designed to ward off a cat's spraying habits. These repellents have an odor that cats are either unfamiliar with or have disdain for, which causes them to avoid that specific area. Find the spots where your cat sprays frequently, and spray the pet repellent there to avoid further sprays.

      Clean the areas where your cat is spraying frequently with a product that has natural enzymes known to get rid of odor-causing bacteria.