How to Tell if Your Cat Is Spraying
Spraying is a territorial behavior that male cats-especially cats who have not been neutered, or were neutered later in life-exhibit. Female cats in heat may also spray. It is not a litter box problem, so it needs to be dealt with in a different way. Cats spray when there is a territorial threat-possibly a new cat or dog in the household.
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Instructions
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Catch him in the act of spraying. When a cat sprays, he will back up to a surface-like furniture-hold up his tail and spray urine in several short bursts. Cats who are simply urinating will squat. Observe your cat for this behavior to confirm he is spraying.
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Scan with a black light. Turn off the lights in your room and run a black light around vertical surfaces, such as couches, chairs and blinds.Cat spray will glow under a fluorescent black light. Sprays will show up as a "splat and drip" pattern. Look around the perimeter of the room at about 6 to 12 inches above the floor.
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Use your nose. The smell of cat spray smells terrible. You will likely be able to tell that your cat has sprayed simply by walking into the room.
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Tips & Warnings
There are various products available at pet stores to help get rid of the odor from spraying and help prevent the cat from spraying there again. Even if you can no longer smell the spray, your cat may be able to so be sure to clean the area with a biological odor eliminator. Your vet may be able to recommend a suitable product. If your cat is unaltered, have them neutered or spayed. This may help stop or greatly reduce spraying. Try to reduce the stress or anxiety your cat is experiencing. He may need more privacy or a more relaxed and calm environment. Some cats may need medications to help reduce anxiety.
Spraying is a result of some sort of disturbance in your cat. Have your vet check him out for kidney disease, bladder problems, diabetes and other conditions to rule out a physical cause. Do not punish your cat for spraying as this may cause additional stress or fear and make the behavior worse.
