Anytime your cat backs himself up to a door or other object in your house, lifts his tail, and releases urine – you have a problem. This problem is known as spraying and is very common with cats kept indoors. Even though it is a very annoying problem, it’s a problem that can be solved.
Contrary to what many think, spraying isn’t a litter box problem but rather a problem with marking. Sprayed cat urine contains pheromones, which are substances that cats and other animals use for communicating. Pheromones are much like fingerprints in humans, as they are used to identify the cat from other animals.
When a cat sprays something, he is simply marking his territory through his urine. The spraying is simply the cat’s way of letting others know that the territory is his. Even though it may make you mad and annoy you, getting angry with your cat will solve nothing. If you raise your voice or show angry towards your cat, it can very well result in more spraying.
Cats that are in heat are easily attracted to the odor of urine. For cats in heat, spraying is more or less an invitation for love. Oftentimes times, cats that spray while in heat result in a litter of kittens that are born in just a few short months. Keep in mind that cats spray not only during the heat, but some will also spray during encounters with other cats or when they are feeling stressed.
Although spraying is a way of communicating for cats, the smell for people is horrible. The good thing here is that most cats will do a majority of their spraying outdoors. If you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, spraying can indeed be a problem. If you’ve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately.
The most effective and also easiest way to stop spraying is to have your cat either neutered or spayed, which, of course, depends on the sex. Most male cats that have been neutered will stop spraying the same day they have the surgery. If you don’t want to get your cat neutered or spayed, you should look into other options. If you hope to one day breed your cat, you certainly don’t want to have him neutered or spayed.
The best thing to do in this situation is to talk to your veterinarian. He will be able to give you advice and possibly even solve the problem without having surgery. A medical problem may be present that is causing the problem, which your vet can identify. You should always do something about spraying the moment it starts – simply because cat urine stinks, and it can leave stains all over your home.
Spraying is a common problem among indoor cats, but it can be solved. Contrary to popular belief, spraying is not a litter box issue but rather a form of marking territory. When a cat sprays, they release urine containing pheromones, which is a way for them to communicate with other animals.
While it may be frustrating, getting angry with your cat will not solve the problem and may even result in more spraying. Cats in heat are especially attracted to the smell of urine and may spray as an invitation for mating. Stress or encounters with other cats can also trigger spraying. Although the smell is unpleasant for humans, most cats will do the majority of their spraying outdoors. However, if you have an indoor cat, it can be a problem. The most effective solution is to have your cat neutered or spayed, as this often stops spraying immediately. If you want to breed your cat in the future, consult with your veterinarian for alternative options. It is important to address spraying as soon as it starts to prevent unpleasant odors and stains in your home.
