Cat Spraying

Firstly, spraying should not be confused with urinating as they're different. Spraying is normal, natural behaviour for marking their territory and is nothing to do with them just having a wee on the carpet or missing their litter tray. Before you take action against spraying (which usually ends up all over the wall), make sure it's not just urination (which will be on the floor).

Cats are very territorial animals and if they feel threatened by someone or something then it's a natural instinct for them to redefine their territory. Spraying mainly occurs in cats that haven't been neutered or spayed or in families where there is more than one cat. However, even cats that have been neutered/spayed can still spray but it is much less common.

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How Can I Stop My Cat Spraying

• Make sure there are no medical reasons. Take your cat along to the vet for an examination, just to check there are no underlying medical problems that are causing them to spray.
• Neutering or Spaying. Whilst occasionally some cats can continue to spray after being neutered or spayed, it's not very common. Whilst initially, this may seem like a cruel or radical option to take, there are health benefits for the cat. Not being a vet, I wouldn't like to give out any medical advice but speak to your vet who will be able to advise you on this.
• More than one cat? Try and make them friends. If you have more than one cat, try and foster some kind of friendly relationship between to two of them. Play with them together, treat them equally, try and get them to eat together. The aim is to try and make them see they're not in competition with each other and so reduce their need for spraying to mark their territory.
• Reduce anxiety. Are other cats loitering in the garden or spraying the exterior of your house? Is there a new baby or adult in the house? Have you recently moved house? Stress and anxiety brought on by changes can cause your cat to spray. If there are changes within the home, feed kitty at the same time every day, in the same place and keep their bed and litter tray in the same place at all times. If they can see other cats in the garden (ie their territory), try and keep the blinds or curtains closed.
• Use a repellant. Stick tin foil, a plastic carrier bag or double sided tape on the floor near to where your cat is spraying. They don't like the feel under their paws and won't stand on it. Clean the soiled area thoroughly with 1 part white distilled vinegar and 2 parts water. Once you've cleaned the area, try using a citrus scented spray as cats really don't like the smell.