Cat spraying is a common behaviour and although you may not notice it at first, you will smell it. This ‘marking their territory’ is usually a
sign of stress and can be caused by a change in your cat’s environment. It can be tricky to pinpoint the cause of stress.
Some examples include;
- Bringing home a new pet or baby
- new furniture
- a new house guest
- or even a new neighbourhood dog
It is always important to bring your cat in for a check-up with the vet to rule out a medical problem. For example, bladder or urinary tract infection, diabetes, kidney or liver issues may all cause cats to urinate inside.
While spraying is commonly displayed by unneutered male cats, both male and female cats can start spraying.
Can I stop my cat spraying in the house?
Here are some tips to help stop your cat spraying:
Desexing: Ensure your cat is de-sexed. We recommend they are desexed from 5 – 6 months of age. This is around the age that the habit can form.
Cleaning: When cleaning urine sprayed areas – it is important not to use cleaners like Bleach. It will not break down the smell and the cat will return to the area no matter how well you cleaned. We recommend Odarid Pet Stain and Odour Remover, Urine Free or Piss off. All three of these products have been used and recommended by our staff.
UV Light – Urine Detector – Using a LED Ultraviolet Blacklight can help locate hard-to-find stains. Dry urine crystalline structure shows up under the LED light. These are available online.
Feliway – This product is clinically proven to stop urine spraying indoors. It is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the cats marking scent, helping them feel more settled in the house.
Litter Box – if your cat uses a litter box ensure it is cleaned regularly. Cats do not like dirty litter trays, and this can cause them to start spraying.
Repellent – Use aluminum foil over your cat’s favourite spray spot to repel continued spraying.
Scratching Post & Toys – Making sure your cat can access a scratching post is a great idea to help with stress and making sure toys are available for stimulation.