How to Train an Outside Cat to Stop Spraying

Cats spray for a number of reasons. Spraying is a way for cats to mark their territory. It can also be a sign of stress, fear or a medical problem. When a cat sprays, urine is misted and the odor that remains can be quite offensive. If you have a cat that is spraying around your home, it can be frustrating. Luckily, there a number of things you can do to curb this behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzyme cleaner
  • Static mat
  • Aerosol cat repellents
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Instructions

    • 1

      Alter your cat. If the spraying cat in question belongs to you, have it spayed or neutered. In general, 90 percent of all fixed cats do not spray. This can stop the problem in young and adult cats, even if the spraying has gone on for years.

    • 2

      Clean any area you find that has been sprayed using an enzyme cleaner. These products help destroy the bacteria that is in urine that causes the offensive odor left behind when a cat sprays. If cats smell this enzyme, they will likely spray there again. Eliminating the odor will help to reduce recurring spraying. You can find enzyme cleaners at your local pet store.

    • 3

      Install deterrents around your home. If you find your cat is spraying around your doorways, consider a static mat. These are small door mats that transmit a mild shock to any animal that steps on them. The shock is minimal, similar to what you experience from static shock. Another option is aerosol cat repellents. These are motion activated and when triggered will emit a puff of air to scare animals away.

    • 4

      Talk to a veterinarian about other options. If the cat is yours, your vet may want to prescribe a medication to help relieve stress, which can also be a trigger for spraying. Your vet will also examine your cat to determine whether the spraying is due to an underlying medical condition.

    • 5

      Speak to the cat's owner if the cat does not belong to you. Let the owner know what is going on and ask if he can talk to the animal's vet about treatment options. If the cat is a stray, consider taking it to a no-kill shelter.