Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Determining the cause of the spraying
• Part 2 of 3: Solving stress-related problems
• Part 3 of 3: Get medical attention
• Tips

Spraying is a form of communication that hangovers use for a variety of reasons. Because the urine that comes out when spraying has a strong smell and can stain furniture and carpets, spraying can be a problem for many cat owners. If your cat is spraying, here are several ways to fix it.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Determining the cause of the spraying

1. Know the difference between spraying and urinating. Spraying, or marking a spot with urine, is a form of feline communication that can be triggered by a variety of factors. However, urination usually indicates a full bladder and is often related to a litter box problem.
   • You can find urine stains on vertical surfaces if the cat is facing an object with its rear end. However, the amount is less than with normal urination.
   • The urine that comes out when spraying smells stronger because the cat releases certain chemicals as a message to other cats.
   • Spraying is more common in unneutered cats, in multi-cat households, and in households where there have been recent changes.
2. Understand why a cat is spraying. In order to stop the behavior, it is necessary to understand why a cat is spraying. Spraying is a way of communicating with other cats, and knowing what your cat is trying to communicate can solve the problem.
   • Cats are territorial and like to mark certain objects and places as part of their territory. By marking certain areas with urine, your cat lets other cats know it is there and which parts of the house belong to it. If you have multiple cats, chances are your cat is marking its territory.
   • Spraying is also a form of mating behavior. Spraying is very common during mating season, and the pheromones in the urine indicate your cat is available for mating. If your cat is not neutered, it may start spraying for these reasons.
3. Find out why your cat is spraying. Now that you know the reasons why a cat is spraying, it is a good idea to ask yourself a few questions about your home. That way you can find out why your cat is spraying.
   • Is there a new baby or pet? This could mean that your cat feels threatened and wants to mark its territory.
   • Are there any neighborhood cats that come into your yard that stress your cat?
   • Have there been changes in your cat's routine? Cats dislike change and sometimes misbehave when their routine is disrupted.
   • Do you have several cats in the house? Do they all have enough space?
   • Have things changed regarding the litter box?

Part 2 of 3: Solving stress-related problems

1. Have a clear routine. Changes in the home can cause stress, making a cat feel insecure and spraying to mark its territory. When your cat is spraying, introducing a routine can make her less stressed and stop spraying.
   • Feed your cat at the same time every day and leave its litter box, basket and toys in the same place.
   • Put your cat in another room when you have visitors. This is especially important if your guests have cats of their own, and their scent can be smelled on their clothes. This can cause stress for your cat, which can cause your cat to spray.
   • You can purchase pheromone sprays designed to soothe cats at most pet stores. If you know a big change is coming, such as a new family member or pet, using such a spray can help get your cat used to it.
2. Make sure your cats have enough space. If you have several cats in your home, spraying is often caused by your cat's territorial behavior. By making sure all your cats have enough space, you can stop the spraying behavior.
   • Provide several high places for your cat to sit. Cats like to sit in a high place to see everything. You can clear a windowsill or a place on a bookshelf, or purchase a tall scratching furniture or post from the pet store.
   • Make sure you have several bowls of water and food, different toys and that your cat has several places to scratch.
   • Set up more than one litter box. Spraying is different from urinating, but if you don't have enough litter boxes, your cat can start to exhibit territorial behavior like spraying. Buy more than one litter box and scoop out the dirty cat litter every day.
3. Thoroughly clean the areas with urine. Cats often spray the same area several times because they smell the smell of cat urine. This is common in multi-cat households. Make sure the urine odor is neutralized so that your cat doesn't spray again.
   • Wash all machine washable items in the washing machine with regular detergent.
   • Pour a mixture of one part water and one part white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it on the areas your cat has sprayed. The mixture neutralizes the urine smell and keeps your cat from spraying again.
   • Pet stores and even some grocery and department stores sell cleaners with synthetic pheromones and certain enzymes that remove urine odors and keep your cat from spraying again.
4. Do not let your cat outside as much as possible. Cats often spray because they have an argument with a nearby cat. Even if your cat is not allowed outside, it can still spray if it sees or smells a cat through the window.
   • Remove the furniture your cat likes to sit on from the window. Consider buying scratch furniture as an alternative resting place.
   • Close windows, curtains and doors.
   • Consider connecting a motion sensor to your lawn sprinkler so that the sprinkler sprays water at your cat when it goes to the window.
5. Help your cat get used to new family members. A new baby can induce spraying behavior because your cat wants to make sure that no one intrudes their territory. Let your cat get used to the changes slowly so that it doesn't start spraying.
   • Keep to a certain schedule, even if it is difficult. With a new baby, your schedule will likely change drastically. Try to feed and sleep your cats at the same times as much as possible and clean the litter box on the same days.
   • Do not give your cat extra attention before the baby arrives as it will get used to the extra attention. He will be more disappointed when the baby arrives, which can cause him to misbehave and spray just to get attention.
   • Let your cat smell new toys and baby supplies after you unwrap them. Things that smell different or strange can cause your cat to spray.

Part 3 of 3: Get medical attention

1. Have your cat examined by the vet. Spraying is usually a behavioral problem, but if making adjustments around the house does not solve the problem, you will need to take your cat to the vet. A physical examination can rule out or identify certain medical problems that may be causing the spraying behavior. These problems can then be treated. If a cat has lost control of its bladder, this could be a sign of a serious problem such as organ failure. This can be the case, especially in older cats.
2. Get your cat neutered. If your hangover is not helped, it may be the cause of the spraying behavior. By spraying your cat shows that it is available for mating. In cats, spraying is a sign of sexual maturity, and having your hangover neutered can stop the behavior.
   • If possible, have your cat neutered before six months old. More than 90% of all cats will not start spraying if they are treated before 6 months of age.
   • In older cats, approximately 87% will stop spraying after being neutered or neutered. Most cats will stop immediately, but in just under 10% of cats the behavior will stop after several months.
3. Give your cat medicine. Spraying behavior can be treated with certain medications prescribed by a veterinarian, even if the spraying is caused by stress or anxiety.
   • Your doctor can prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications for your cat. These drugs must be taken orally. Such drugs suppress stress caused by multiple cats in the house and anxiety caused by irregular daily schedules.
   • Always seek advice from your vet and know your cat's medical history. Some medications can adversely affect certain medical problems.
   • All medications can have side effects. Ask your vet what side effects to look out for and how serious those side effects are. Do this before you give your cat any medication.

Tips

• Never scold or get angry with your cat. Cats do not respond to positive and negative reinforcement techniques the way dogs do. Swearing at your cat can make him even more stressed and only encourage him to keep spraying.
• If you have multiple cats, make sure they all get enough attention. Cats are also territorial to humans and can become jealous if one of the cats gets more attention.
• See if your cat is actually spraying and not just urinating. Urinating outside of the litter box can be a sign of a medical problem, which you don't want to overlook by misjudging the behavior and thinking your cat is spraying.