What is urine spraying? This is a behavior unique to cats that is also known as urine marking. The cat backs up to an object or squats near an object, holds his tail straight up, and sprays urine out onto the object. This urine is different from normal urine; it includes secretions from the anal glands. Sprayed urine has a very strong scent.
Why do cats spray? They may spray for a variety of reasons. It could be to claim disputed territory (indoors or outdoors). An indoor cat who feels threatened by other cats in the house or in the neighborhood may spray urine. Outdoor cats spray to advertise their presence. Some cats spray during aggressive conflicts. Some cats spray during sexual encounters.
How do you know if your cat will spray? Urine spraying is predominantly a male trait, especially males who are intact. Females do occasionally spray.
How do you stop urine spraying?
- Spay or neuter your cat. Nearly three-quarters of cats stop or reduce spraying within six months of being neutered. Make sure your cat is an appropriate age for neutering — some male cats neutered before ten months of age may spray as adults.
- Clean up spray spots with an enzyme based cleaner to neutralize the scent.
- If your cat seems to react to the sight cats outside, block his view!
- If your cat seems to react to the scent of cats outside, keep doors and windows closed. Take your shoes off outside if they may be bringing in the scent of other cats.
- If the spraying is caused by a conflict with a cat in the house, try to resolve the problem. Your spraying cat may need more space or more alone time. Try to isolate the spraying cat until you figure out why he’s spraying.
- Discourage other cats from hanging out at your house. Try motion activated devices to frighten outdoor cats away.
- Make spray spots less appealing. Surround the area with foil or plastic wrap — the unpleasant noise will scare your cat away.
- Try to encourage a different behavior in spray spots. Placing food or a toy in a spray spot can help encourage positive behavior.
- Try hormone therapy. Talk to your veterinarian about a synthetic hormone spray that will encourage calm, friendly behavior. Your vet may also suggest trying calming or anti-anxiety drugs.
- Let your spraying cat have some outside time. A large wire enclosure will give him space to roam and spray without getting into any dangerous situations.
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