How to Get Rid of a Cat Spraying on Concrete Surfaces

For a male cat, spraying is a way of sending a powerful message that the territory he’s just marked belongs to him. To humans though, these feline calling cards are annoying and even offensive. One way to end spraying is to get the cat neutered. When male cats are sterilized, they don’t feel an urgent need to urine mark their territory and are less likely to spray on concrete and other surfaces. Repellents can keep the cat away from your property.

Things You'll Need

  • Electronic deterrent that emits a high-pitched sound or spray of water Coleus canina plants Rosebush cuttings or other thorny branches Lavender, citronella, chives or rosemary plants Catnip, cat mint or valerian plants Log or piece of concrete Electronic mat that causes a tingling sensation when stepped on Synthetic pheromone product Catnip Bubble wrap
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Instructions

  1. Outside

    • 1

      Use an electronic deterrent that emits a high-pitched sound or a spray of water when the cat comes within range. Pet supply stores sell electronic devices that repel cats but don’t harm them.

    • 2

      Plant a hedge of Coleus canina, also known as Scardy Cat, in places where the cat is spraying. It has a strong smell, which repels cats. The National Gardening Association suggests spacing the plants about three feet apart.

    • 3

      Put rosebush cuttings and other thorny branches among your foundation plants. The cat won’t like the feeling underfoot and will stay away. Chicken wire is also uncomfortable underfoot and will keep the cat away.

    • 4

      Intersperse herbs among the other plants in your foundation flowerbeds. Lavender, citronella, chives and rosemary repel cats. Not all herbs offend all cats though, so you might have to experiment until you find one that repels your cat.

    • 5

      Lure the cat away from concrete surfaces by creating a cat garden of catnip, cat mint and valerian in another part of your yard. Sink a log or piece of concrete into the soil so the cat will have a vertical surface to satisfy his need to spray.

    • 6

      Advertise online and in newspaper classified sections for a barn home for the cat, if you must relocate him. Post flyers in feed and pet supply stores, too.

    Indoors

    • 7

      Use an electronic mat that creates a tingling sensation when stepped on. The cat won’t like the feeling underfoot when it steps on the mat to back up to a wall to spray. Pet supply stores sell electronic mats that deter cats but don't harm them.

    • 8

      Try a synthetic pheromone product that mimics the “friendly” scent in a cat’s cheeks. These products discourage urine marking. Plug-ins will be more efficient than sprays if the cat is marking a large area, like an entire basement or garage. Pet supply stores sell synthetic pheromone products.

    • 9

      Put mounds of catnip on the floor in places where the cat is spraying. Catnip, too, is a “friendly” scent and makes the cat think it’s unnecessary to spray.

    • 10

      Tape bubble wrap to the floor next to walls where the cat is spraying. The popping bubbles will startle the cat when it steps on them. If the bubble wrap is not taped into place, the cat will just move it out of the way.