Signs Your Cat Might Be Spraying
It can be tricky to figure if your cat is spraying/marking, as opposed to avoiding the litter box and showing “inappropriate elimination.” So, here are some clues to look for that may help you distinguish between the two:
- Inappropriate elimination urine generally happens only on horizontal surfaces . Whereas urine thats sprayed typically shows up on vertical surfaces .
- If youre able to catch your cat spraying/marking in real-time, youll most likely see them standing with their back to their vertical target and holding their tail held straight up. You might even see their tail quivering, too.
- A cat thats spraying/marking will probably still be also using their litter boxes regularly both for pee and poop.
- Cats that are spraying typically only do so with pee they rarely ever mark with poop.
- For cats that are spraying, the location they are doing it in is typically more important to them than the feel of the surface theyre doing it on. Meaning that theyre most likely to spray in areas they want to claim as their own or where other cats will see and read their message. On the other hand, inappropriately toileting cats will often do their business on a surface they prefer to whatever is in their litter boxes hence why this type of behavior often happens on carpet, laundry, or other cushy surfaces.
How Do I Clean The Place My Cat Is Spraying
If your cat has sprayed on curtains or upholstery, then you can use an enzymatic cleaner specifically sold for removing urine stains and odour. Some items may need to be professionally cleaned. You might then want to move these items out of the way while you deal with the issue of your cat spraying. For example, you could remove curtains or secure them above the level of your cat, cover furniture with plastic or use disposable incontinence sheets which will absorb any future spray before it gets to the item underneath.
Just cleaning the area your cat has sprayed may not resolve the problem, and your cat might simply find new areas to spray. As well as cleaning you can also apply a synthetic pheromone such as Feliway®, which your cat will find reassuring. Clean the area with warm water and then some surgical spirit before applying the pheromone.
Put Mouthwash On Your Furniture
A common method that many owners have had success with is using mouthwash to stop cats from peeing on furniture. As crazy as it may sound, there is some reasoning behind it. By spraying mouthwash over your furniture it gives off a strong smell that cats donât like. This means theyâll stay away from the furniture at all costs, or until the smell fades away.
If you have other furniture in your house, then be sure to spray that or else theyâll just find somewhere new to leave their business.
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Why Do Cats Spray 5 Reasons For Cat Spraying
Does your cat sometimes urinate outside of their litterbox? Our cats are very clean and careful creatures, so if your pet has started to spray somewhere away from their usual spot – such as against a wall, door, furniture or on another vertical surface – they may be trying to communicate something! Spraying is not limited to any cat in particular – both male and female cats sometimes spray. Even if your cat has been spayed or neutered, they may sometimes show spraying behavior. However, though there are several reasons why your cuddly kitty might occasionally spray, it can be unpleasant when it happens around your home! Understanding the cause of spraying is the first step to limiting it. So to help, weve listed some common causes of unexpected cat spraying below.
Whats The Difference Between A Cat Spraying And Peeing
If your cat is leaving little puddles around the house, then they are definitely peeing. However, if your cat is leaving a strong smell but you cant see any liquid anywhere, then theyre probably spraying. Cat spraying is completely different to urination and should be therefore treated differently.
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More Help For Cat Spraying
Cat spraying is one of the most frustrating and challenging behaviors to overcome. If your attempts to address your cats spraying are not working, you have a few other options. First, talk to your veterinarian about the problem.
Vets will sometimes prescribe certain anxiety medications, which in some cases may help reduce or eliminate spraying. You can also consult an animal behaviorist.
Animal behaviorists are specially trained to identify and treat the most difficult animal behavior problems, including urine spraying behavior in cats. Some animal behaviorists are also veterinarians , and can also prescribe medications and treat other medical problems in your cat. To find an animal behaviorist, ask your veterinarian for a referral or check out the Animal Behavior Societys online directory here.
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What Exactly Is Cat Spraying
Inappropriate urination, whatever the cause, can manifest with cats squatting and peeing on a bed, rug, or pile of laundry. Or in the typical spraying scenario, the cat will stand, back up against a wall, door, or piece of furniture, and spray urine on a vertical surface.
To understand this behavior and stop it, cat parents need to think like a cat, Dr. Lund says. Cats are control freaks. They like to feel in charge, she notes.
That is why stress and anxiety, which bring on insecurity, fear, and timidity, can cause your cat to spray, the doctors say. What they are doing is trying to feel more secure, Dr. Lund explains. So the important concept for cat owners to realize is that their cat doesnt think their urine smells bad. makes cats feel more content.
Urine Marking In A Household With More Than 1 Cat
Cats dont like change. They can give a frosty reception to anyone from a visitor to a new baby, and may be aggravated when a new pet is brought into the home. Thats because they arent equipped to deal with confrontation.
Since cats see each other as equals and dont follow a hierarchy like dogs do, they usually move around the house independently of one another that includes eating, perching, and visiting the litter box. This doesnt mean it will be a conflict-free zone.
Conflict between cats often goes unnoticed by cat owners, because it comes in subtle ways before it escalates. Cat conflict style could be described as passive-aggressive. They may stare at each other silently or block each other from food dishes before escalating to spraying, hissing, and fighting. You might notice your cat losing weight if they dont have access to the food bowl. Since cats spray to mark their territory, keeping the conflict level low is in everyones best interests. Recent studies have shown that cats who spray could also be experiencing long-term stress.
In multi-cat households, its important to first determine that cat spraying or soiling isnt happening because another cat is bullying and denying them access to the litter box. Separating cats may be necessary to find out who the offender is.
You can help your cats avoid conflict by setting up their environment to make sure all pets have easy access to what they need and to avoid other behavioral problems.
Continued
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Why Do Female Cats Spray Urine
Like a male cat, a female cat may spray urine for a variety of reasons but these reasons can typically be classified as either a response to an environmental stressor or a territorial behavior.
Environmental stressors may include new people, such as a baby in the home, a new puppy or other animal that is annoying or upsetting your cat, construction or remodeling in your home, boredom in the feeding regimen or lack of playtime, litter concerns such as scented or dirty litter, a litter box that your cat doesn’t like, such as a covered or automatic cleaning box, and more. Basically, if your cat is upset or stressed about something it may spray but it may also be hard for you to figure out exactly what your cat is upset about.
Territorial reasons for spraying can include outdoor cats that your cat can see or hear while it is indoors or even new cats in your home. Spraying tells other cats that the space has already been claimed by them and they are not to be messed with.
Is There A Medical Cause Of Spraying
Its estimated that approximately 30% of cats will spray urine for medical reasons, rather than behavioural problems.
The most common medical cause of urine spraying is cystitis which is an inflammation of the bladder. This can be caused by bladder stones or infection but there is often no known cause in cats. Theres lots of evidence that cystitis is related to stress in cats, a syndrome known as feline lower urinary tract disease . If left untreated male cats are at risk of urinary blockage. This is where grit or stones obstruct the urethra, or inflammation causes it to go into spasm. If the urethra is blocked the cat cant pass urine, and will quickly become very sick. This is an emergency and needs immediate veterinary intervention.
Some cats may adopt a more upright position to urinate, similar to spraying, due to pain in the hips or spine. This can be due to a previous injury or osteoarthritis developing with age. Other signs may be present such as reduced willingness to jump, sleeping more, and grooming excessively around the affected areas. Joint pain can usually be identified on examination and successfully treated with pain killers.
All cats who suddenly start spraying should initially see a vet to check for an underlying cause.
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How To Stop Your Cat Toileting Indoors
Once your cat has toileted or sprayed in a certain place, their sensitive nose encourages them to use that place again. The best way to break the habit is to keep them away from the area for as long as possible and clean the area thoroughly so they cant smell any scent.
Once you have cleaned up, you can try other techniques to make sure your cat is as comfortable as possible weeing and pooing where youd like them to.
Why Do Female Cats Spray Even After Spaying
Well, let us start by understanding that spaying does not mean you have fixed the spraying. This is because it does not take away the cats ability pee, which means she can also spray. spraying is a result of a cat in heat. It is more often caused by other behavioral issues. These issues may include:
Stress Cats are quite vulnerable to stress. They can actually be triggered by something as simple as a change in their routine. This, however, is not the only cause of stress in cats. Below are some of the causes of stress in a cat include the following?
Change in lifestyle
Cats do not find it easy to adapt to any kind of change. Be it change in routine or even your own routine. For instance, if you leave home two hours earlier than usual, do not be surprised when your cat seems to be stressed out all the time.
Another form of change that can trigger your female kitty to spray could be your absence. Well, believe it or not, felines are clingy creatures with a need for constant attention from you. She is definitely going to notice that her owner is missing. This opens another window for stress and vulnerability.
It does not usually matter whether you left her under someone elses care. Your cat has that special bond with you, which means that she is going to realize when you are gone. If you leave your cat with a friend, your female cat might spray your items in order to feel that connection. Most cats will spray on your clothes while others will spray your bed.
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My Cat Has Stopped Spraying Now After A Few Weeks Do I Still Need To See The Vet
Urine spraying can come and go, depending on the presence or absence of whatever it is that is stressing your cat. Often the problem returns and the longer you wait before tackling the problem, the more complicated it can become. Urine spraying is difficult to resolve as it is a normal behaviour for the species and often the identified stress triggers may be outside your influence . However, prior to a known and anticipated stressful event, it may be beneficial to use a Feliway® diffuser for those cats which have a history of urine marking during times of increased anxiety.
The problem can be reduced or contained to your satisfaction but guidance should be offered regarding the long-term wellbeing of the individual cat.
Spayed Cat Spraying Everywhere
Cat spraying is among the most common problem in the feline family. In fact, it tops in the list of why people surrender their kitties. Female cats particularly suffer from spraying more than male counterparts. Even after getting her spayed, she might continue the habit for several reasons. In most cases, you will find that behavioral issues are the common perpetrators of spraying in female cats.
Before we proceed, it is important to look at the reasons why you should have your cat spayed. Apart from curbing spraying, spaying will definitely be of importance to your co-existence. Well, you do not want your cat loitering in the neighborhood looking for a mate. When your cat is unspayed, it means that you will always have to deal with her being in heat every other season.
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Homemade Remedies You Can Use To Stop Cats From Spraying Inside
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Vinegar and water
Vinegar, like many cat parents know, is an effective cat repellent. In fact, cats detest the smell of the latter and will not go anywhere close to the smell. In addition, vinegar is also a cleaning agent. Once you find your cat spraying, you should wash the soiled surface with vinegar and water. To apply this method, mix vinegar and water in equal amounts and use it to clean the surface.
This will help keep your cat away from the soiled places. And by doing so, your cat will not be reminded of the incidence every now and then which may prompt him to spray once again.
You may also consider sparing some of this solution for later use. Spray the deterrent on the soiled place for the next few days to keep him away completely.
In the case where your cat sprayed on the carpet or couch, you should clean the place thoroughly, preferably using an enzymatic cleaner. This will keep the smell out of your house and also your cat will not repeat the habit.
Get back to the usual routine
A slight routine is a possible reason for your cat to start spraying. For instance, if you change your cats usual food or even the location of the litter box, your cat may get all stressed. As a result, he might be spraying unnecessarily. If you recently changed something in your cats usual routine and now he is spraying, you should consider getting back to what it used to be. This includes his feeding time, playtime and also his litter type.
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Provide entertainment for your cat
Is Your Cat Really Spraying
Unless you catch them in the act, you may not be able to tell if your cat is urinating or spraying. When cats urinate, they typically squat down on a flat surface. Theres normally quite a lot of urine present when this happens. On the contrary, when cats spray, they tend to stand upright, lift their tails, and spray a vertical surface like the bottom of your sofa or a wall. Theres typically less urine present, too. If your cat is urinating outside their litter box, give it a thorough clean. Cats are extremely finicky, and they may let you know their box is dirty by urinating where you can see it. If your cat continues to urinate outside their box, try changing the litter, relocating the litter box you should never place litter boxes near food and water bowls and taking them to the vet if their behavior continues. Once youve determined that your cat is really spraying in the house, you can attempt to curb the behavior with the following tips.
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