What is cat spray?
Cat spray, also known as urine marking, is when a cat deposits small amounts of urine around an area. This is different from regular urination which involves emptying the entire bladder in a large puddle. Spraying involves standing upright, raising the tail, treading with the back feet, and spraying small amounts of urine backwards onto vertical surfaces like walls, furniture, bases of doors and windows (2).
Cats tend to spray prominent objects, entranceways, or items that have unfamiliar smells. This depositing of urine from the urethra leaves both a visual and olfactory signpost for other cats. Spraying is not synonymous with urinating out of spite or poor litter box habits. It is a form of communication (1).
Cats spray when they are stressed or feel threatened. New people, animals, or changes in their home environment can trigger spraying. It often occurs when a cat perceives their territory as being infringed upon. Unneutered males and unspayed females are more likely to spray during mating behaviors. Spraying outside the litterbox is a sign your cat is trying to tell you something through scent messages (3).
Chemical composition
The chemical composition of cat spray differs from regular cat urine. Cat spray contains pheromones and proteins that are not present in normal urine. One key protein found in cat spray but not urine is felinine. Felinine is a protein used for territorial marking and is thought to convey information about the spraying cat [1].
Another compound found in cat spray is 3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-ol (MMB), which gives cat spray its distinct odor. MMB is produced in the cat’s anal glands and secreted when spraying. Normal cat urine lacks MMB [2].
The unique chemical composition of cat spray, with additional pheromones and proteins like felinine and MMB, allows it to convey territorial information to other cats more effectively than regular urine.
Uses of cat spraying
Cats primarily spray urine as a form of communication with other cats. There are several key uses of cat spraying:
Marking territory – Cats have scent glands on their paws, cheeks, and tail area which produce pheromones. When a cat sprays urine, it leaves both the urine smell and spreads its pheromones. This marks an area as their territory and lets other cats know they occupy that space [1].
Communicating with other cats – The pheromones in a cat’s urine spray convey information about the spraying cat such as their sex, reproductive status, and dominance. Cats can tell a lot about other cats in their area by smelling their urine sprays [2].
Stress response – Cats often spray urine when they feel stressed or anxious. By marking an area with their scent, it can have a calming effect for the cat and make them feel more secure. Common stressors include changes to their routine or environment, introduction of new pets, and threats from outdoor cats [3].
Sex Differences in Cat Spraying
Cat spraying is much more common in males than females. According to PetMD, intact male cats are the most likely to spray, with up to 90% engaging in this behavior. On the other hand, only about 10% of female cats spray. [1]
There are several reasons for this gender difference. Male cats spray to mark their territory and let other cats know they are around. It’s a normal part of mating ritual and communication for male cats. Additionally, the smell of male cat urine is stronger due to hormonal differences. Female cats typically only spray when in heat or competing with other cats. [2] After being spayed, female spraying is greatly reduced.
Neutering/Spaying Effects
Neutering or spaying cats at an early age greatly reduces the likelihood of spraying behavior. According to 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 may continue to spray. The ASPCA recommends spaying or neutering kittens between 4-6 months old to prevent marking behaviors from developing.
Neutering not only reduces spraying, but provides other health and behavior benefits. The ASPCA states that neutering provides major health benefits including preventing testicular cancer and some prostate problems in males, and uterine cancer, mammary tumors, and pyometra in females. Overall, neutering reduces unwanted behaviors like urine spraying, aggression, roaming and mating behaviors.
Medical causes
Sometimes a medical condition can cause a cat to spray urine. Two common medical causes of spraying behavior are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other conditions affecting the urinary system.[1]
Cats with UTIs may spray urine due to discomfort or pain when urinating normally in the litter box. UTIs occur when bacteria get into the bladder or urinary tract, causing inflammation and infection. Symptoms of a UTI in cats include frequent urination, blood in the urine, and crying or straining when trying to urinate. UTIs in cats should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian with antibiotics.[2]
Other medical conditions affecting the urinary system like kidney disease, bladder stones, or arthritis can also cause a cat to spray urine or urinate outside the litter box. These conditions can make normal urination difficult or painful. A vet should evaluate any senior cat with inappropriate urination for underlying medical problems. Treatment depends on the specific condition but may include medications, dietary changes, or surgery.[3]
Preventing Spraying
There are several effective ways to prevent or reduce cat spraying in your home:
Pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway, can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats which often leads to spraying. The synthetic feline pheromones mimic cats’ natural facial pheromones and signal safety and contentment. Diffusers should be placed around problem areas and refilled regularly according to directions. Studies show pheromone therapy reduces spraying in up to 95% of cats (Source).
Thoroughly cleaning any previously sprayed areas is crucial. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed to completely eliminate the urine odor. Residual smells can trigger more spraying. Check for urine soaked into soft furnishings and consider replacing them if the smell persists after cleaning (Source).
Providing an enriching home environment can reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Make sure your cat has adequate vertical space to climb, scratching posts, toys that allow hunting behaviors, and daily playtime. Cats that are mentally stimulated and able to express natural behaviors are less likely to spray (Source).
Treating problem spraying
Treating a cat that is problem spraying often requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses underlying causes, involves the vet, and uses behavior modification techniques. Identifying the root cause of the spraying is key – it could be stress, anxiety, a medical issue, or a territorial behavior. A vet should examine the cat to rule out medical causes and can prescribe medications if appropriate. Anti-anxiety medications like fluoxetine and clomipramine have proven effective for some cats. Pheromones like Feliway can also help reduce stress.
Behavior modification is critical. Cleaning soiled areas thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners removes odor cues to spray. Providing enough litter boxes, keeping them clean, and using the right litter for your cat’s preferences can help. Blocking access to previous spray sites can interrupt the behavior pattern. Providing vertical scratching surfaces, play time, and environmental enrichment can meet your cat’s needs in more appropriate ways. Finally, using rewards to reinforce desired elimination habits will encourage your cat to develop better spraying habits over time.
Impact on Humans
Cat urine and feces can have several negative impacts on humans. One major issue is allergic reactions. The proteins found in cat urine, dander, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals [1]. Symptoms may include respiratory issues like wheezing and sneezing, skin irritations, and watery eyes. Repeated or prolonged exposure can worsen reactions over time.
Cleaning up cat urine and feces also poses challenges. The ammonia in cat urine can cause noxious fumes, especially when cleaning litter boxes or areas where urine has soaked into surfaces. Prolonged inhalation of ammonia fumes can lead to irritation of the lungs, eyes, and skin [2]. Feces may contain parasites like toxoplasmosis which can cause serious illness in humans if accidentally ingested. Thorough cleaning with gloves and disinfectants is important to prevent exposure.
When to seek vet help
It’s important to take your cat to the vet if their spraying seems to indicate an underlying medical issue. Signs that a vet visit is warranted include:
- Increased frequency or amount of spraying
- Spraying outside the litterbox if the cat is not neutered/spayed
- Spraying accompanied by signs of pain like vocalizing or obsessively licking genitals
- Spraying along with changes in appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, or lethargy
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Urinating outside the litter box
You should also take your cat to the vet if behavior modification and environmental changes have not reduced spraying after several weeks. Persistent problem spraying can indicate health issues like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, or neurological problems. The sooner these underlying causes are diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis for resolving inappropriate urination.