How to Stop a Male Cat From Spraying

Although both male and female cats spray to mark their territory and hunt for mates, it's a nasty habit that you don't want your domesticated cat to start. Even though females sometimes spray, male cats are usually the culprits. Try these techniques to get your cats to stop spraying in your house.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Neuter your cat. The procedure doesn't always work, especially for cats that have a history of spraying. But for a majority of cats, it stops the problem.

2. Ask the veterinarian to give your cat a complete physical. Make sure the spraying isn't part of a bigger health issue such as a bladder infection. Also, ask your vet about behavioral modification techniques.

3. Keep the cat's litter box clean at all times. If you have multiple cats, this is extremely important. Spraying is generally a territorial issue, but it can also be stress-induced. And poor toilet facilities can cause a cat to stop using his box and start spraying the furniture.

4. Clean any place where the cat marks. Even though you can't smell the urine any more, the cat probably can. He may come back to re-mark his territory the next time he feels threatened. Use a product with natural enzymes. Avoid cleaning products with ammonia.

5. Find out what is causing your cat to spray. If it's an outdoor cat that you cat sees through the window, limit your cat's view of the outdoor cat. If it is one of your cat's housemates, separate them. Change the cat's physical environment in a way that relieves his stress. Then the spraying should stop.

6. Make sure your cat has a routine. Don't move food dishes, water bowls and litter boxes around.

7. Play with your cat. Give him extra attention to get his mind off whatever is causing his stress problems. Make the cat feel secure with you, and he should feel less threatened.

[akxdn]

on 8/9/2008 None of these suggestions helps me. I have a female cat that was spayed at six months of age and she began spraying at age six years, after we got her a companion. At first I thought it was him (he got neutered at four months of age), but I caught her doing it! We took the companion away for two weeks, but she sprays everyday anyway. Cleaning it with bleach doesn't help. She has no health issues, and the cat box gets cleaned twice a day, at least. She is spoiled more than her companion, yet she still sprays. I wish someone could help me!!!

[Elizabethknows]

on 5/15/2008 I will try this my cat is spraying everywhere!