Spraying is a normal response in cats to indicators in their environment. Not all cats will spray, and a cat that may have not sprayed for most of its life may suddenly begin to spray. Sometimes spraying is mistaken for house soiling and vice versa. If your cat backs up to a wall, window or any vertical surface, raises his tail straight in the air (the end of the tail will twitch) and sprays urine on the surface, then your cat is spraying to mark his territory. In most cases spraying is a behavioral issue, but it is still best to have your cat checked for any underlying health problems such as bladder infections or urinary tract blockages. Spraying can be common in both unaltered male and female cats. However, altered cats, especially males, can begin to spray as well.
·Unaltered cats. Unaltered cats spray to mark their territory. A cat considers both inside and outside the house as their territory; therefore, they may mark both inside and outside their home.
·Altered cats. Altered cats that start spraying also mark their territory in this fashion, but usually there is another stimulus that causes them to begin spraying. This stimulus could be a move, a new family member, strange cats in the yard, too many cats in the household, or aggression between cats in the home.
·Behavior modifications. If your cat is not fixed, get them fixed as soon as possible. Approximately 80-90% of cats that are altered do not spray. If your cat (fixed or intact) is responding to unknown cats in the yard keep your blinds or curtains shut or close off access to a room or part of the house where your cat cannot see the outside intruders. Also try feeding your cat in the area where he has sprayed as most cats do not like to soil their feeding area.
·Commercial devices. There are several options available to the cat owner to help deter and eliminate spraying. If the problem is intruders, try installing a Scarecrowyour yard. The scarecrow is motion activated and sends out a spray of water when motion is detected. Also, Feliwaybe effective. Feliway is a synthetic facial hormone that helps to comfort and reassure the cat. It stimulates the cat to use the sides of his face to mark his territory rather than urine. Feliway must be applied on a regular basis.
·Clean up of sprayed areas. Clean up sprayed areas immediately. A cat will continue to reuse a spot that was previously used. Commercial products are not able to eliminate the smell. It is best to use an enzyme cleaner such as Natures Miracle. After you have cleaned up the area, use Feliwaythe same spot to encourage your cat to mark the area with his face.
·Punishment. Never yell, hit, shake or rub your cat's nose in the accident. This will not correct the problem, and may well make it worse. The cat may become fearful of you and not respond to you. In addition, putting the cat outside when it sprays will not help to solve the problem. It may encourage more cats to enter your yard, and your cat may begin fighting to protect his territory.
