Home Remedies for Cat Spraying

Spraying is a natural way for a cat to mark its territory, but homeowners are not always keen on the idea when their walls and furniture become smelly and stained from cat urine. Male cats are more likely than female cats to spray, but both sexes are capable of the behavior. Once a cat develops the habit, it takes persistence to change his conduct, but a few home remedies might help.

  1. Eliminate the Cause

    • Besides marking their territory, cats also spray to attract a mate. Surgically sterilizing a male cat before it reaches sexual maturity may prevent him from ever spraying. Unfortunately, a male cat who develops the habit before sterilization may continue to spray.

      Block your cat's view of other cats if the sight of them results in spraying. Even if you keep your cat indoors, he may spray if he spots another cat out the window. If you own more than one cat, try putting them into separate rooms to see if it reduces the problem.

      Eliminate jealousy between two or more cats by giving each one equal attention. Competition for your favor may lead to territorial marking, even with cats that live in the same home.

    Changing Behavior

    • Teaching your cat not to spray after he develops the habit may be difficult, but resist the urge to shout or physically punish him. "The Complete Home Veterinary Guide" suggests using a spray-type water bottle and quickly spritzing your cat if you catch him in the act. After the incident, leave the sprayer right beside the spot where the cat sprayed to help him associate the action with the discipline.

      A canister of compressed air emits a high-powered blast that may be more effective than a water sprayer if used as soon as the cat sprays. To change his behavior, you cat must associate his urine spraying with the resulting air or water spray.

    Eliminate Odor

    • The residual scent of cat urine on a sofa or a wall may trigger more spraying. In cats that begin spraying only when relocating to a new home, it may be because the scent of the previous owners or their animals lingers. Deep cleaning may prevent the problem from recurring.

      Pet odor cleaners, available in pet stores, contain enzymes that may reduce animal scents in the home, but ammonia-based cleaners may cause your cat to spray even more.

    Repel

    • Pet repellents may keep your cat from spraying on specific pieces of furniture or on treated walls, but you must apply them frequently and your cat may find a non-treated place to start spraying.