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Spraying, or urine marking, happens when a cat pees on something standing up, like a wall or furniture. “Spraying is a natural behavior often related to cats marking their territory,” explains Dr. Joseph Tsang, a senior veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary.
To stop your cat from spraying, experts recommend creating a low-stress environment, addressing possible medical issues, and picking the right litter box.
Keep reading to learn more about why your cat might spray, when it’s a problem, and how to stop it.
1. Spay or Neuter Your Cat
Female cats might spray when they’re in heat, and male cats do it to find mates, says Stephen Quandt, a certified cat behaviorist and owner of Stephen Quandt Feline Behavior Associates, LLC.
Spaying or neutering your cat is the best way to stop spraying, even though some cats might still spray after.
2. Create a Stress-Free Space
Quandt says some cats spray when they’re stressed by things like other cats, loud noises, being lonely, or not having enough food or toys. If you figure out what’s bothering your cat and fix it, they may stop spraying.
Your cat might spray on things like your bed or clothes because they miss you and want to feel closer. Quandt suggests spending more time with your cat to help with this.
Lastly, Dr. Whitney Miller, Chief Veterinarian at Petco, says spraying can also mean your cat needs to feel safe and cozy. You can help by giving them comfy places to sleep, like cat beds, trees, and cat caves.
3. Use Calming Products
Calming products can help stop your cat from spraying by making them feel safe and relaxed.
- Pheromone sprays, collars, or diffusers: Pheromones are chemicals that cats use to communicate. Some products, like sprays or diffusers, release fake pheromones to help calm your cat. Dr. Miller suggests using the Feliway Enhanced Calming Pheromone Optimum Cat Diffuser.
- Calming treats or supplements: Some special treats and supplements help cats feel less stressed. For example, Zesty Paws Calming Bites have an herb called ashwagandha that helps a cat’s anxiety.
- ThunderShirt: If your cat is anxious, a ThunderShirt can help them feel calm by gently squeezing them. Try it on your cat for a little while before leaving them alone in it to make sure they’re comfortable.
Before using any calming product, talk to a vet to find the best one for your cat. Quandt also says it’s a good idea to use calming products and find out what’s causing the spraying, like a health problem.
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4. Manage Multiple Cats
Quandt says having more cats in your home can cause stress and spraying because cats might fight over territory. To prevent this, give each cat their own litter box, bed, and food bowl.
If outdoor cats come into your yard and cause your cat to spray, he suggests doing these things to keep them away:
- Remove outdoor food or water
- Close curtains or blinds so your cat can’t see outside
- Give your cat a safe place to hide, like a cat tree or a box
- Play with your cat to distract them
5. Treat Medical Conditions
Dr. Miller says that if an older cat suddenly starts spraying, it could be because they are sick. Quandt adds that cats with bladder problems or crystals in their pee might spray because they are in pain.
Cats might also spray if they have separation anxiety.
If you think your cat is sick, take them to the vet to find out what’s wrong and help stop the spraying.
6. Offer Plenty of Toys & Games
Quandt explains that cats may spray when they’re bored or unhappy. Since cats love hunting, he suggests giving them toys, scratching posts, and puzzles that remind them of hunting in nature.
Playing with your cat at home gives them extra attention and enrichment.
7. Clean & Remove the Scent
Cats like to spray in the same spots, so cleaning areas where they’ve sprayed is important. This can help remove the smell and stop them from doing it again.
Jennifer Van de Kieft, a cat behavior and feeding coach and owner at Cat Advocate, suggests these steps:
- Clean the area right away
- Don’t use cleaners with ammonia or vinegar
- Use an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover to remove the smell
- Clean the area as many times as needed
- Remove carpet if it’s been sprayed on a lot
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8. Pick the Right Litter Box
Even though litter boxes don’t usually cause spraying, Van de Kieft suggests these tips to make sure your cat is comfortable using their litter box:
- Get a big, open litter box: The box should be open and 1.5 times longer than your cat (without the tail).
- Choose a suitable location: Cats like their litter boxes in quiet places. If you have more than one floor, put a box on each floor.
- Use the right type of litter: Cats often like sandy, clumping, and unscented litter. Pay attention to what your cat likes best.
- Keep the litter box clean: Scoop the litter every day and fully clean the box and change the litter two to four times a month.
- One box for each cat: To keep things calm, have one litter box for each cat and an extra one.
Should I See a Vet If My Cat’s Spraying?
Van de Kieft says you should talk to a vet if your cat’s behavior changes. If your cat starts spraying or not using the litter box, a vet can check for health problems and help you decide what to do next.
If your cat is healthy and still spraying, a cat behaviorist can help. “[They} will evaluate your cat’s unique situation to determine spraying causes,” Van de Kieft explains. “Then, they can provide personalized strategies to address the triggers and stop your cat from spraying.”
