What is spraying in cats?
Spraying, also known as urine marking, is when a cat backs up to a vertical surface like a wall or furniture and releases a small amount of urine. The cat’s tail is usually upright and quivering during spraying. This is different from regular urination which involves squatting and releasing a large volume of urine on a horizontal surface like litter or the floor. Spraying is a territorial behavior used to mark territory and convey information to other cats. While spraying is more common in males who have not been neutered, female cats can spray too, especially if they are in heat or feel their territory is threatened.
Why do female cats spray?
Intact female cats are more likely to spray, especially when they are in heat. The hormones estrogen and progesterone increase during a cat’s heat cycle, which can trigger urine spraying behavior. Spraying is a way for intact females to advertise their receptiveness to mating.
Spayed female cats may also spray urine due to stress or anxiety. Major changes, conflicts with other pets, or a perceived threat can trigger a spayed female to spray. It’s a way for them to feel more secure by marking an area with their scent.
Certain medical conditions like urinary tract infections or kidney disease can also cause inappropriate urine spraying in female cats. The irritation or inflammation leads to an urgent need to frequently urinate, which may present as spraying urine outside of the litter box.
According to PetMD, up to 10% of spayed female cats spray, while 90% of intact females spray. So while the behavior is more common in intact cats, spaying a female does not always guarantee an end to spraying. The key is addressing the underlying cause of stress, anxiety, or illness.
When do female cats spray?
Female cats are most likely to spray during their heat cycles. Unlike male cats who tend to spray urine throughout the year to mark territory, females usually only spray when they are in heat and ready to mate. This occurs every 2-3 weeks during mating season, which is typically spring and summer.
Female cats may also spray inside the home when they are stressed by changes in their environment or routine. Major changes like moving homes, introducing new pets, or schedule disruptions can cause anxiety and lead to spraying. It’s a way for the cat to relieve stress and mark familiar territory.
After encounters or sensing the presence of outdoor or feral cats near their territory, indoor female cats may spray around entryways and windows. This territorial marking signals the home is already occupied and deters intruders.
How to stop a female cat from spraying
Getting your female cat spayed is the most effective way to stop spraying behaviors. According to the ASPCA, spaying can reduce urine spraying in 90% of female cats. Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus, eliminating heat cycles and the hormones that induce spraying.
Pheromone diffusers or sprays containing synthetic pheromones can help reduce stress and anxiety related spraying. Products like Feliway contain feline facial pheromones that promote calmness. Using pheromone diffusers and thoroughly cleaning soiled areas helps diminish the urge to re-mark a spot.
It’s important to completely clean areas marked by your cat. Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down the pheromones in cat urine. This helps remove odors that may entice re-spraying. Providing stress relief through environmental enrichment can also curb spraying. Make sure your cat has vertical space, scratching posts, toys, and plenty of positive human interaction.
According to PetMD, “If you have an intact male or female cat, getting them spayed or neutered can also help reduce urine spraying.” Spaying along with pheromones, proper cleaning, and environmental enrichment are effective ways to stop a female cat from spraying. If spraying persists, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical issues.
Medical causes of spraying
Certain medical conditions can cause cats to spray urine as a symptom. Common medical causes include:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – An infection in the urinary tract can cause pain and discomfort during urination, leading a cat to associate the litter box with these negative feelings. The cat may spray urine elsewhere to avoid the litter box.
Other urinary tract issues – Conditions like bladder stones, bladder inflammation, or kidney disease can make urination difficult and painful. The cat may spray urine rather than properly urinating due to these issues.
Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid gland leads to increased thirst and urine production. The constant urge to urinate paired with litter box avoidance can cause spraying.
Diabetes – Excessive thirst and increased urine production in diabetic cats also increases the urge to urinate. Spraying can result when the cat doesn’t make it to the litter box in time.
If a medical issue is suspected, a vet should examine the cat and run tests like a urinalysis. Proper treatment of the underlying condition often resolves inappropriate urination and spraying.
Spaying to stop spraying
Spaying, or neutering for male cats, greatly reduces the likelihood of spraying. According to the VCA Hospitals, “Castration or neutering will change the odor, and may reduce the cat’s motivation for spraying, but approximately 10% of neutered males and 5% of spayed females will continue to spray.”[1]
It’s best to get your female cat spayed before 6 months of age for the best results in preventing spraying behavior. The earlier a female cat is spayed, the less likely she is to develop behaviors like spraying. According to Elanco Petcare, “If frequent spraying is becoming an issue, spaying or neutering them is most likely your best solution.”[2]
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-behavior-problems-marking-and-spraying-behavior
[2] https://yourpetandyou.elanco.com/us/behavior/how-do-i-stop-my-cat-from-spraying
Stress/anxiety related spraying
One of the most common causes of spraying in female cats is stress or anxiety. Major changes in a cat’s environment can trigger stress that leads to spraying. Some key stressors that may cause a female cat to begin spraying include:
- New people or pets in the home – Cats are very territorial, and new additions to a home can make them feel insecure about their space. Spraying is a way for them to mark their territory in response.
- Construction, moves, or travel – Big changes like construction noise, moving homes, or even travel in a carrier can be very stressful for cats. The unfamiliarity of new surroundings often causes spraying.
- Conflict with other pets – Tension or fighting with other pets in the home is another source of stress. Cats may spray in response to conflicts over territory, food, or social dominance.
Reducing stressors as much as possible and introducing changes gradually can help. Providing extra love, playtime, and outlets for anxious energy may also curb stress-related spraying. In extreme cases medication prescribed by a vet can help anxious cats feel more relaxed.
Cleaning cat spray
Cat urine contains proteins and enzymes that can leave stubborn odors if not cleaned thoroughly. To fully remove cat spray smells, use an enzyme cleaner formulated specifically for cat urine. Enzyme cleaners work to break down the compounds in cat urine that cause lingering odors. Look for enzyme cleaners at your local pet store or online. Follow the product instructions closely.
To find all soiled areas, use a blacklight which will illuminate cat urine spots that may not be visible under normal lighting. Thoroughly treat any glowing areas with the enzyme cleaner.
For carpets and fabrics, use a steam cleaner after pretreating with an enzyme cleaner. The heat helps lift stains and neutralize odors trapped deep in the fibers. Steam clean upholstery, carpets, pet beds, and other fabric items the cat may have sprayed.
With consistent use of enzyme cleaners and steam, you can fully remove cat spray odors from your home.
Preventing recurring spraying
To prevent recurring spraying, it’s important to address any underlying causes of stress or anxiety. Providing environmental enrichment through cat towers, scratching posts, and interactive toys can help reduce boredom. Using synthetic pheromones like Feliway can have a calming effect and curb spraying behaviors. If there are multiple cats in the home, separating pets that don’t get along can also minimize conflict and stress. One effective solution is using a pheromone spray like Sentry Stop That! which helps break the habit of spraying in the same spot repeatedly.
When to see a vet
If you suspect your female cat’s spraying may have medical causes like a urinary tract infection, take her to the vet for an evaluation as soon as possible. The vet can run tests to check for infections or other issues that may be causing the spraying behavior.
You’ll also want to make an appointment with your vet if your cat’s spraying persists after trying solutions like adding more litter boxes, cleaning with enzymatic cleaners, diffusing pheromones, treating anxiety, and adjusting routines. The vet can help uncover any underlying issues leading to the spraying.
If your female cat is not already spayed, discuss spaying with your vet as this can reduce spraying behaviors. Spaying eliminates the hormonal drives to spray urine. Most cats will stop or significantly reduce spraying within 6 months after being spayed.