How to Stop a Cat from Spraying Using a Home Remedy

Spraying is a marking behavior most commonly seen in un-neutered male cats. It is a way of the cat communicating to other male cats that the sprayed area is his territory. Cats spray using urine, which leaves an unpleasant smell. The most effective way to stop your cat spraying urine is by neutering. According to Cats of Australia, a study showed that 87 percent of male cats stopped spraying after neutering. Another way to stop a cat from spraying in or near your house is to thoroughly clean the urine mark, removing odor and lessening the chances of a repeat performance. Combining this with behavior modification is successful in stopping the cat's spraying problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towels
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • Baking soda
  • Liquid hand soap
  • Vacuum cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Soak up as much urine as possible using paper towels.

    • 2

      Mix together one part distilled white vinegar with two parts warm water. Dispense the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the urine stained area with the water-vinegar mixture and rub with a paper towel.

    • 3

      Mix together 15 ounces of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, two tablespoons of baking soda and two squirts of liquid hand soap. Apply the solution to the urine stained area and rinse with warm water. If cleaning carpet, allow the mixture to dry, then vacuum it up.

    • 4

      Watch your cat closely in the house for signs he is about to spray, such as sniffing and circling. Spray your cat with a water bottle if you catch him in the act of spraying. Alternatively, make a loud noise to startle him.

    • 5

      Move your cat's food bowls near his favorite spraying areas. Cats are clean animals that don't like to eliminate near where they eat, so this might put him off if he is considering spraying again.