Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Prevent spraying
• Part 2 of 2: Correcting spraying behavior
• Tips

Cats spray (urinate) to mark their territory. It is a natural habit that is difficult to break once it has started. That is why it is very important to stop spraying before it starts. To avoid spraying and to treat a cat that is already spraying, evaluate their environment (aka the territory) and take steps to get rid of the sprayed urine.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Prevent spraying

1. Have your cat spayed or neutered. Unneutered male cats are the most likely culprits of this unwanted behavior. However, sometimes unsterilized cats will do it too. It is therefore recommended that cats are spayed or neutered before they are 6 months old to avoid this behavior when they enter puberty. However, a small percentage of neutered males or spayed females will still spray.
2. Give your cat a lot of attention. Some cats spray because they want attention. Spend time every day petting your cat, and interacting positively with it. Despite their reputation for being aloof and independent, your cat does want to interact with you. Brushing your cat or playing with the laser (a cat laser) are fun ways to interact.
   • Toys, such as feather, fake mice, balls, and biscuit toys, will provide your cat with exercise and mental stimulation. Cat furniture gives your cat a fun option for climbing, hiding and relaxing. Pet stores and veterinarians offer many different toys and cat furniture to choose from, and staff who can help you make the right choice.
3. Help your cat avoid anxiety. Homeopathic aids are available that help reduce and treat anxiety in some cats. Some cats respond to soothing herbs such as catnip, valerian, kava, chamomile, and St. John's wort. Always consult with a veterinarian familiar with homeopathic remedies before giving such treatments to make sure they are not harmful to your cat.
   • As a last resort, calming medications can be used for cats that do not respond well to other solutions. Medicines such as amitriptyline, buspirone, diazepam imipramine, progestins and clomipramine are used to control spraying. There are several possible side effects, and some medications work better for one cat than others. All of these medications must be prescribed by a veterinarian and the side effects weighed against the benefits.
   EXPERT TIP

   Keep stray cats away. Since spraying is a territorial activity, it is good to keep stray cats away. Do not put food or water out for stray cats or other cats nearby. Chase them away when you come close. Keep other cats out of your cat's territory.

4. Limits your cat's view of other animals. Since cats mark their territory to keep out potential rivals, they won't spray if they don't see other animals. There should be enough distance between your cat and the other side so that your cat cannot smell the other person's scent either.
5. Encourage a positive relationship between your cat and another cat. If you are going to adopt another cat, try to find one that will get along with your current cat. Let them play with the same toy. Have them eat together, each from their own bowl. If you create a positive environment for your two (or more) cats, they will get along and be less likely to spray. However, the more cats you have, the more likely they are to spray. This is due to the lack of resources and good places in the house. It is thought that in a household of 5 or more cats, at least 1 will spray.

Part 2 of 2: Correcting spraying behavior

1. See if your cat is spraying or urinating inappropriately. While spraying is largely behavioral, inappropriate urination can have both medical and behavioral causes. So, if you see your cat spraying, consider if your cat is experiencing stress. Your cat is probably spraying like:
   • you find small amounts of urine in a specific area.
   • it sprays on vertical surfaces, such as the back of chairs or walls.
   • he stands, lifts his tail and twitches a little, then sprays small amounts of urine on certain areas.
   • he does not squat to spray, as he does to urinate.
2. Understand that cats spray to mark their territory. It's instinct. Your cat doesn't consider your perception of his space, so don't get mad at him. Don't hit your cat for spraying. This only makes him more insecure about the safety of his territory, which can lead to more spraying. Cats often spray on passageways or entry points to their territory, such as doors and windows.
3. Consider using synthetic pheromones. Anxiety plays a role in many undesirable feline behaviors, including spraying and aggression. Synthetic cat pheromones, such as Feliway, can be used to calm the cat and create a more comfortable environment.
   • Synthetic pheromones mimic the pheromone that cats produce when they feel comfortable in their environment. They release the passing by rubbing their heads against objects.
   • Such products come in sprays, atomizers, and collars.
4. Visit a vet to make sure your cat is not spraying due to a medical problem. Cats can spray because of a variety of physiological problems. Diabetes, urinary tract infection and liver or thyroid disease can cause your cat to spray. The vet can perform several tests to rule out these conditions. Most tests require a urine or blood sample. Sometimes imaging tests (X-rays and / or ultrasounds) can help diagnose a cat. If no medical problems are found, the spraying is likely behavioral.
5. Find the favorite location to spray. You will often be able to smell the spots, but to clean properly, you will need to remove any sprayed urine. A black light - available for purchase on the Internet and in many stores - will help you find the spray spots.Your cat probably sprays at entry points to its territory, near its litter box and on vertical surfaces that it likes to climb (bookcases, chairs, and your bed).
6. Clean the spray spots regularly. To get urine out of your furniture, use organic washing powder in hot water. Wipe any surface that has been sprayed with a cloth. Use an enzymatic agent. After you've cleaned the surfaces, spray the enzymatic agent on the areas where your cat sprays regularly. This enzymatic will repel your cat. There is no guarantee that it will work, but the scent will repel many cats. So don't use the product on or near the litter box, you don't want them to avoid that place to urinate.
   • Avoid using household cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia. These are parts of urine that can actually enhance the cat's scent.

Tips

• Never get angry with your cat. It's not his fault. Spraying is a natural behavior. Don't hit your cat.