Why Do Cats Spray? Exploring the Reasons Behind This Common Behavior

Cats are among the most popular pets in the U.S. However, there is a common cat behavior that owners find challenging. This behavior is spraying. Spraying usually refers to the practice of a cat urinating to mark territory. Cats who frequently go outdoors often spray to keep other cats away. However, a cat may spray indoors for different reasons.

Cats are known to be very territorial. When they feel safe, they’ll use the scent glands on their faces to mark their territory. If they feel threatened, they may hiss or puff up their fur to signal others to back off. However, sometimes a cat takes things up a notch by spraying to mark their territory. But how does urine help a cat mark its territory? Why would a cat need to mark territory indoors? Most importantly, what can you do to stop it? Let’s find out. 

Marking Territory

Male cats that have not been neutered are the chief culprits when it comes to spraying. Cats commonly spray outside where there is more competition. They urinate on a vertical surface like a fence or a tree to mark the boundaries of their turf. Your cat’s unique scent gives other cats information about its sex, age, and health. It lets other cats know this spot is taken and to move along. Female cats that have not been spayed may also spray to send a message they’re ready for mating.

Spraying can be a good thing when it’s done outdoors, as it prevents unnecessary confrontations. You likely won’t even know your cat is doing it. However, it can be a real problem if your cat starts spraying in the house.

Why Do Cats Spray Indoors?

There are a number of reasons why both male and female cats might be spraying inside. Health problems, dirty litter boxes, altercations with other cats in the household, and even a change in routine can start a serial spraying spree. Let’s take a closer look at some of the causes.

Health Issues

If a cat has suddenly changed its normal behavior and has started urinating outside of the litter box, it may be a sign the cat has a health issue. Cats are prone to urinary tract infections, so it’s important to get them checked by a vet as soon as possible.

Dirty Litter Boxes

A cat might be spraying due to negligence on the owner’s part. Cats are scrupulously clean and may refuse to go in a dirty litter box. Another thing to consider is the accessibility of the litter box. If the litter box is in a place the cats find difficult to get to, they may decide it’s easier to go elsewhere. Also, make sure the cats like both the litter and their litter box. If they don’t like the brand of litter, or the litter box makes them feel too exposed to other cats, they may avoid it altogether.

Not Enough Litter Boxes 

In a multi-cat household, it’s important to have enough litter boxes. According to the ASPCA, there should be one box per cat, plus one extra. So three cats require four litter boxes. Cats are territorial, so sharing a box with other cats can be very stressful.

Stress

Speaking of stress, when a cat is anxious or unhappy, spraying can be a way to communicate how it feels. Maybe another cat was introduced into the household, or perhaps the family recently lost a pet. Cats grieve the loss of a companion just as humans do. Cats are also sensitive to their humans’ moods, so when their owner is stressed, that can stress them out, too.

Attracting the Opposite Sex

Spraying is more common in male and female cats who have not been neutered or spayed. It can be one of the first signs of sexual maturity, which occurs when a kitten is around six months old. Cats will spray to pass along a message to the opposite sex that they are ready to mate.

Sudden Changes in Routine or Environment

Cats don’t like change. Spraying is a way cats communicate their displeasure with the status quo. Maybe their owner’s work hours have changed so the cat eats at a different time. The owner may have redecorated and the furniture is not where it used to be. Perhaps the cat’s litter box was moved to a different room. Any of these changes can be upsetting for a cat.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Spraying 

Of course, it is important to know why a cat is spraying. However, it’s imperative to find out how to stop it. Here are a few strategies to prevent cats from spraying. 

Clean the Area Thoroughly

A cat’s sense of smell is over 10 times more acute than a human’s. So it’s essential to thoroughly clean the areas where the cat has sprayed. If they can still smell the old urine, they may re-mark it to re-assert their claim. Use a good enzymatic cleaner to break down the uric acid and neutralize the urine odor. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners since they are similar to the smell of feline urine.

Make Sure Your Cat Is Neutered or Spayed

Cats that are neutered or spayed are much less likely to spray. Neutering and spaying can reduce certain stress-related behaviors by decreasing hormone levels, particularly those related to mating. It also makes male cats less aggressive.

Reduce Contact With Other Cats

Cats communicate with other cats through spraying. So in a multi-cat household, a cat might spray if it feels threatened by another cat. Reducing contact will reduce the cat’s need to spray. 

Make Use of Calming Pheromones

The calmer a cat is, the less likely it is to spray. Calming products like pheromone diffusers, calming collars, and edible supplements can help reduce anxiety. It can also decrease conflict if there are multiple cats in the home.

Consult a Veterinarian 

If the cat continues to spray, see a veterinarian without delay. A veterinarian will examine the cat and order the proper tests to find out why they are spraying. It may only be a behavioral issue, but a vet needs to rule out any medical issues.

Spraying can be a difficult issue and should certainly be discouraged. It’s important to pay close attention to your cat’s behavior to ensure they are healthy. Your feline friend could be spraying due to a cause that requires urgent attention.