A spraying cat marks his or her territory with cat urine. By spraying cats say ‘this is mine’. It’s also a proven method to attract the other sex with cat urine odor. Unfortunately spraying is a smelly habit.
But there is good news: you can stop your cat from doing it!
If you are lucky, you don’t know how spraying looks like. Well, here is a description:
A cat backs up to a vertical surface, for example a door, a wall or your antique cupboard. The cat lifts the tail vertically and a fine spray of cat urine is released. The urine hits the chosen object one or two feet (30-60 centimeters) from the ground.
Dirty, isn’t it?
CATS WON’T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT A REASON. SO THERE IS ALSO A REASON FOR A SPRAYING CAT.
It is not a litter box problem. A cat spraying urine deposits pheromones: substances produced by animals to communicate with others. Sprayed cat urine – which differs from normal urine – contains a lot of pheromones. Pheromone combinations are unique. They are like fingerprints.
TOMS SPRAY MORE THAN QUEENS.
Cats in heat are attracted by the smell of a spraying cat. For them, spraying is something like an invitation to love. Yes, a spraying cat may lead to 65 days of cat pregnancy!
Cats do not only spray during sexual encounters. Some also do it during conflicts with other felines, or when they are stressed.
For people the scent of sprayed urine is even more unpleasant than the smell of urine your cat leaves in the litter box. No one likes cat urine odor. Thankfully most cats spray outside. But what if you have a cat spraying inside? Remember your antique cupboard?
Do something about it.
NEUTER OR SPAY YOUR CAT TO STOP SPRAYING.
Most castrated toms stopped spraying from the day they were operated.
Scratching and rubbing their face to furniture (or other objects) are also ways cats use to mark their territory. This behavior does not disappear after neutering. Read more about spaying here, and about neutering here.
Maybe you have a reason not to neuter your cat. Or it didn’t help. In that case:
TRY TO FIND OUT WHY YOUR CAT SPRAYS.
Does (s)he spray only when (s)he sees another cat? Block the view.
Do you have a spraying cat as the result of a conflict with your other pet? Keep them separated as much as possible.
Does your cat react to the scent of felines outside? Try to keep your cat indoors. Buy cat toys, a scratching post and cat furniture for his or her joy. Play with your cat.
If you don’t know why your cat sprays, discuss it with your veterinarian.
Maybe the vet has a suggestion. Check if there is a medical problem.
A spraying cat is not a pleasure, but you can stop it. Till then it is wise to have a stain and odor remover at home like Simple Solution Cat Spray & Urine Stain & Odor Remover. It keeps your place free from scent and bacteria.
Well, that’s a start. Isn’t it?