Introduction
Spraying is a natural territorial marking behavior that cats exhibit by spraying urine on vertical surfaces. It often occurs when cats feel threatened by other animals or environmental changes. While spraying is normal, especially in unneutered male cats, it can become problematic in a home setting.
In this article, we’ll discuss what spraying is, why cats spray, which cats are most likely to spray, how to prevent and stop spraying, when to seek veterinary help, and common myths about spraying in cats. The goal is to provide cat owners with a comprehensive overview of this behavior so they can address spraying issues and maintain a clean and harmonious home.
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Normal Cat Behavior
Cats are very clean creatures and most develop regular bathroom habits from a young age. Healthy cats will typically urinate around 3-5 times per day and defecate 1-2 times daily [1]. They have an instinctive desire to bury their waste, so litter box use comes naturally. Both male and female cats follow the same general bathroom patterns.
Normal territorial marking is also common, especially in non-neutered males. Cats have scent glands on their paws, cheeks, and tails that they use to rub or spray small amounts of urine on objects. This deposits pheromones that mark territory and signal information to other cats. For intact males, urine marking is linked to mating behaviors and conveying dominance. Neutered males and females may mark territory as well, but less frequently.
What is Spraying?
Spraying is when a cat stands up, lifts its tail, and urinates on a vertical surface. The urine released during spraying has a more pungent smell than normal cat urine. Spraying deposits are usually smaller in volume compared to normal urination. Cats tend to spray on porous surfaces that absorb smells, like walls, furniture, carpets, and drapes. They like to spray in high traffic areas and on objects that have strong smells, like laundry or shoes. This lets them mark their territory in prominent locations.
Normal urine marking is different from spraying. When cats mark with urine the regular way, they squat and urinate on horizontal surfaces. Marking deposits are larger in puddles, while sprayed urine makes lines or spots. Though both spraying and marking involve urination outside the litter box, the body postures are distinct. Spraying also serves a slightly different territorial function compared to urine marking.
Why Do Cats Spray?
Cats spray urine as a form of communication. There are several key reasons why cats engage in this behavior:
Territory marking – Cats are very territorial animals and spraying is one way they mark their turf. Unneutered male cats in particular will spray to let other cats know this area belongs to them (PetMD).
Stress/anxiety – Cats may spray when they feel anxious or stressed. A new baby, pet, or even piece of furniture can trigger this behavior. Cats want to make their scent stronger to feel more secure in their environment (CatFriendly).
Lack of neutering – Intact male cats are more likely to spray than neutered males. Neutering reduces testosterone and the urge to mark territory. However, 10% of neutered males may still spray (WebMD).
Which Cats Are Most Likely to Spray?
The cats most likely to spray are unneutered males. According to ICatCare, in the neutered cat population, approximately 10% of males still spray. Intact male cats are driven by hormones to mark their territory by spraying. When they reach sexual maturity, usually between 5-8 months old, they begin seeking females to mate with and will spray to mark their territory and attract females.
In multiple cat households, spraying is more common as cats compete for resources and mark territory. Unneutered males are most likely to spray, especially if a new cat is introduced. Even neutered males may spray in response to other cats in the home as a way to establish dominance and mark territory. According to Today’s Veterinary Practice, approximately 10% of neutered males and 5% of spayed females may spray in multi-cat households.
Preventing Spraying
There are several steps you can take to prevent your cat from spraying:
Spaying or neutering your cat is critical to reducing spraying behaviors. According to the ASPCA, at least 10% of male cats and 5% of female cats who have not been fixed will spray urine in the house. Spaying or neutering your cat eliminates the urges driven by hormones.
Using synthetic pheromone diffusers like Feliway can help reduce stress and anxiety that contributes to spraying. Pheromones mimic cats’ natural facial pheromones and create a comforting environment. Plug in diffusers near problem areas to help curb marking.
Thoroughly cleaning soiled spots is important to eliminate the odor cues that may prompt recurring spraying in the same areas. Use an enzymatic cleaner formulated to neutralize cat urine and follow up by blocking the area with furniture or other objects.
Providing enough litter boxes for your cats is also key. The general recommendation is one litter box per cat plus one extra. Spread the boxes out in multiple places to give more options for urinating and defecating.
Stopping Spraying
Addressing the underlying causes is important for stopping a cat’s spraying behavior. Causes may be medical, anxiety-based, or territory marking. Consult with your vet to identify and treat any medical issues. Anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your vet may help calm an anxious cat (Source).
Temporarily confining your cat to one room with food, water, litter box, toys, scratching posts, and resting areas can help break the spraying habit. Clean the room thoroughly to eliminate all odors from previous spraying. Restrict access until spraying stops completely (Source).
When to See the Vet
If your cat continues to spray after being neutered, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet. The vet can rule out any medical issues that may be causing the spraying behavior. According to PetMD, some medical conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes can cause cats to spray urine. The vet may prescribe medication to help alleviate these conditions and curb the spraying.
You should also take your cat to the vet if the spraying started after being neutered. Old Farm Vet explains that neutering stops spraying behavior in about 90% of cats, but doesn’t work for all cats. The vet can examine your cat and determine if there is an underlying medical reason the neutering didn’t resolve the spraying. Additional medication may help stop the behavior.
Finally, if your cat is straining to urinate while spraying, it’s very important to get them checked by a vet right away. This straining could signify a blockage in the urinary tract according to PetMD, which can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. The vet will determine if there is a blockage and the proper treatment to relieve it.
Common Myths
There are some common myths and misconceptions about spraying in cats:
Myth: All male cats spray.
This is false. While intact (not neutered) male cats are more likely to spray, not all male cats spray. Spaying or neutering your cat at an early age significantly reduces the likelihood they will spray. Additionally, some male cats may spray if they feel anxious or stressed.
Myth: Only male cats spray.
This is also false. Though less common, some female cats, both spayed and intact, may spray as well. Female cats spray for similar reasons as males – usually due to stress, anxiety, or marking territory. So while the behavior is more prevalent in males, female cats are also capable of spraying.
The Bottom Line
To recap, spraying is a normal territorial behavior for cats, especially unneutered males. While the majority of male cats will spray, some fixed males and even females may spray as well. The key reasons cats spray are to mark territory, attract mates, and display confidence or stress. By understanding the causes, there are ways to prevent and stop spraying through neutering, pheromones, cleaning, and addressing environmental stressors. If the spraying persists, check with your vet to rule out medical issues. With patience and effort, spraying can often be resolved. Most but not all males spray, so do not assume your male cat will definitely develop this habit. Be proactive with training, neutering, and addressing spraying early on. While frustrating, spraying does not mean your cat is hopeless. Rather, see it as a natural behavior that can be prevented and managed with some lifestyle changes.