Cat Spraying Issues

Cats mark their territory by lifting their tails and spraying a little urine onto vertical surfaces. When the cat sprays, the tail usually stands straight up and twitches, spraying out a little urine. Spraying happens for different reasons and usually comes from cats that have not been spayed or neutered. Learning to handle the feline spray is important, as the urine can present a health risk to people allergic to cat urine and pregnant women (the spray contains a parasite that may harm developing fetuses); the strong-smelling urine could also stain carpets, fabric and upholstery.

  1. Territory

    • Male cats who reach sexual maturity without being neutered are likely to mark their territory by spraying. Many factors contribute to how early a male cat will begin spraying, however. A cat that lives around many other cats will be more likely to spray at a younger age than a solitary cat. Cat owners who wish to prevent their cats from spraying should spay or neuter them when young. A veterinarian should advise cat owners as to exactly when a cat should be sterilized. A house with multiple cats should especially ensure that all felines have undergone the surgery to prevent territorial marking.

    Stress

    • Stress can also cause a cat to spray urine. If a cat does not like its litter box for some reason, it will feel stressed. It may not like the litter box's location or scent, or the litter box may need cleaning. Multi-cat homes should have one litter box per cat to avoid causing feline stress. Litter boxes should be scooped regularly and cleaned only with mild-smelling detergents. Pet owners can also control their cats' stress by maintaining a routine. Changes in cats' feeding patterns and in the location of their food and litter box can make them feel uncomfortable and stressed. Also, yelling at a cat will not make it stop spraying and will most likely give it more stress.

    Smell

    • Cats return to spots they have already marked when the smell fades. They want to ensure that other cats know where the boundaries of their territory lie. Although cats in single-cat homes spray less, their instinct is to keep their markings fresh. Cleaning products with enzymes that kill odor-causing bacteria work better than products that only cover the scent. Products with ammonia could make the spraying problem worse by mimicking the urine scent for the cat. If a cat-spraying problem continues, a veterinarian or animal behaviorist can advise the owner how to address the problem.