Normal Cat Behaviour - Cat Spraying

Cat spraying should not be confused with a miss in litter box training and has to be differentiated from urinating outside of the litter box. When a cat sprays it will back up to a surface, and with tail twitching, mark the surface with their urine. Whether the cat is urinating outside or inside of the litter box, the cat will squat to urinate on a horizontal surface. Inappropriate elimination is not the same as cat spraying.

Cat spraying is also more common among male cats than it is among female cats. Non-spayed cats are more likely to spray than are spayed cats. Cat spraying can also happen when a cat is stressed, anxious or territorial. Male and female cats that are not neutered mark their territory as a way of calling another cat.

Urine spraying is a normal, innate territory-marking behavior that has nothing to do with your cat's sanitation. Though both male and female cats will spray, the behavior is most common in non-neutered males, and in multi-cat households. Urine marking is a communication system for cats.

Cat urine has pheromones which are chemical compounds that give other cats certain messages. Do not confuse spraying with behavior that might indicate urinary infections and digestive problems that cause uncontrolled peeing.

Neutering or spaying a kitten when young can prevent spraying issues down the road. Your vet will advise you on the best time to neuter your cat.

Another trigger for cat spraying is stress. To lower this stress, maintain a home routine, feeding your cat at the same time each day and keeping his bowls and litter boxes in the same place. Stress can also be a cause of cat urine problems starting up. Cats can get stressed for a variety of reasons.

Clean sprayed areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner. Cleaning the location with an enzymatic cleaner so the cat is not attracted back to the same place helps. Placing plastic or aluminum foil over the area, if possible, can work very well. Cleaning alone does little to reduce spraying. Cats that mark in one or two particular areas may cease if the purpose of the area is changed.

Do not punish your cat after the fact. They will probably associate the punishment with you and not the act of spraying.

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