Prevent a Cat from Spraying

Cats spray (urinate) in order to mark their territory. It is a natural habit that is hard to break once it has started. For this reason, it is incredibly important to stop the spraying before it starts. In order to prevent spraying or to deal with a cat that sprays, you’ll need to assess their environment (or your cat’s territory) and then you’ll want to take steps to remove their sprayed urine.

Preventing Spraying

 * 1) Get your cat spayed or neutered. Un-neutered male cats are the most likely culprits to engage in this very undesirable behavior. Occasionally un-spayed females will do this as well. Therefore, it is advisable to neuter or spay your cat before the age of 6 months so as to curb this behavior from developing when puberty hits. However, a small percentage of neutered males and an even smaller percentage of spayed females will spray. [[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Give your cat a lot of attention. Some cats spray for attention. Spend time each day with your cat petting it and interacting in a positive manner. Despite their reputation as being aloof and independent, your cat does desire contact with you. Brushing your cat or playing a game of catch the laser (using a cat laser light) is a fun way to interact.[[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) * Toys, such as feathers, fake mice, balls, and treat dispensers will give your cat exercise and mental stimulation. Cat furniture gives cats a great way to climb, hide, and rest from the hub-bub of a noisy household. Pet stores and veterinary offices have a vast variety of toys and cat furniture to choose from and staff can help you make wise choices.
 * 4) Help your cat avoid anxiety. There are homeopathic treatments available that calm and relieve anxiety in some cats. Some cats respond to calming herbs such as catnip, valerian, kava kava, chamomile and St. John’s wort. Before using such treatments check with a veterinarian familiar with homeopathic medicine to make sure they won’t harm your cat.[[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 5) * As a final option, anti-anxiety medications can be used in cats that do not respond well to non-medicated solutions. Medications such as amitriptyline, buspirone, diazepam imipramine, progestins and clomipramine have all been used to control spraying. Side effects are varied and some drugs are more effective in certain cats. All these medications need to be prescribed by a veterinarian and the side effects weighed with the benefits.
 * 6) Keep strays away. Since spraying is a territorial activity, keep non-adopted cats away. Don’t put food or water out for strays or neighborhood cats. Shoo them away when they come about. You want to keep other cats out of your cat’s territory. [[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 4 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Restrict your cat's view of other cats or animals. Since cats mark their territory to keep suspected rivals away, if they cannot see other animals, they won't know to spray. Enough distance will need to be between your cat and the other animal, so your cat won't smell the other's scent either. [[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 5 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 8) Foster a positive relationship between your cat and another. If you are going to adopt another cat, try to find one that will get along with your current one. Have them play together with the same toy. Have them eat together in separate bowls. If you create an environment that is hospitable to your two (or more) cats mentalities, then they'll get along and be less likely to spray. However, the more cats you have the more likely they are to spray. This is because of pressure for resources and prime spots within the house. It is thought that in households of 5 or more cats, at least one will spray.[[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 6.jpg|center]]

Correcting Spraying Behavior

 * 1) Decide if your cat is spraying or urinating inappropriately. While spraying is largely behavioral, inappropriate urination can be either medical or behavioral. Thus if you see your cat spraying, you need to think about the stress in his life. Your cat is likely spraying if :[[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 7.jpg|center]]
 * 2) *you find small amounts of urine around an area.
 * 3) *it is spraying on vertical surfaces, like the backs of chairs or walls.
 * 4) *it stands, lift its tail and quiver, then sprays small puddles of urine in several consistent locations.
 * 5) *it doesn't squat to spray, as they do to urinate.
 * 6) Understand that cats spray to mark their territory. It is instinctual. Your cat does not consider your perception of its space, so don’t get mad at it. Don’t hit your cat for spraying. This will just make it feel less sure about the security of its territory, which may lead to more spraying. Cats often spray “gateways” or entrances to their territory like windows and doors. [[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 8.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Consider using synthetic pheromones. Anxiety plays a role in many undesirable feline behaviors, including urine spraying and aggression. Feline synthetic pheromones, such as Feliway, can be used to calm them down and create a more comfortable environment .[[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 9.jpg|center]]
 * 8) *Synthetic pheromones mimic the pheromone that cats produce when they feel comfortable in their surroundings. They usually release it via facial rubbing.
 * 9) *These products come in sprays, diffusers, and collars.
 * 10) Visit a vet to make sure your cat isn’t spraying because of a medical issue. Cats may spray for a number of physiological issues. Diabetes, urinary tract infection, feline lower urinary tract disease, kidney infection, and thyroid or liver disease may cause your cat to spray. Your vet will run a series of laboratory tests to rule out each of these issues. Most tests require either a urine or a blood sample. Sometimes certain image studies (x-rays and/or ultrasound) can also help a vet diagnose your cat. If no physical issues are found, your cat’s spraying is most likely behavioral. [[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 10.jpg|center]]
 * 11) Find your cat’s favorite areas to spray. Most of the time, you’ll be able to smell these areas, but in order to clean thoroughly, you’ll need to clean all of its spray. A black light — available online and in many retail stores — will reveal your cat’s spray. Your cat will most likely spray entry ways to its territory, near its litter box, and other vertical objects it likes to climb (e.g. bookshelves, chairs, and your bed). [[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 11.jpg|center]]
 * 12) Clean up any urine or spray spots regularly. To get rid of urine on your furniture, use biological washing powder in hot water. Wipe down each area that he sprayed with a cloth. Use an enzymatic neutralizer. After you’ve cleaned the area, spray this neutralizer on those areas your cat marks most often. This enzyme-based spray will deter your cat from spraying on the wall. It is not guaranteed to work, but many cats will be repelled by its scent. Do not use this spray near or on your cat’s litter box. You don’t want them to abandon that spot for their urine. [[Image:Prevent a Cat from Spraying Step 12.jpg|center]]
 * 13) *Avoid using household cleaners which contain bleach or ammonia, both of which are components of urine and can inadvertently amplify the marker left by the cat.

Tips

 * Never get angry with your cat. It isn't his fault. Spraying is a natural thing to do. Do not hit or strike your cat.

Related wikiHows

 * Stop Cats from Peeing on the Front Porch
 * Stop a Male Cat from Spraying
 * Remove Cat Spray
 * Stop Cats From Using Your Yard As a Litterbox

Sources and Citations
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