Aspiring Spirit

Spraying is a common behavioral problem; it will occur in most cat owner’s lives at some point or another. Cats spray when they want to lay claim and mark their territory, and it entails a spray of urine onto anything that may happen to get in the way, including walls and furniture.

Cat spraying is a natural means of cat communication. This action is how a cat communicates to a potential mate, a rival, or you as an owner. It may simply be expressing its dissatisfaction with some aspect of its life.

Cat lovers will do anything to keep their cats around them, but cat spraying is enough to drive the most devoted owner to distraction. However, there is a fairly simple solution to the problem. Since cat spraying is actually natural cat “advertising” for a cat of the opposite sex, removing that urge should eliminate the problem. Neutering your cat not only prevents unwanted litters, but will also stop the annoying spraying.

If you can’t get your cat neutered, or neutering doesn’t stop him from spraying, you should think about figuring out the source of the problem that’s causing your cat to spray. If he doesn’t get along with another cat in the environment, try separating them for a time. Cat spraying can also be due to a medical problem, and is something you should discuss with your veterinarian.

Clean all areas that have been sprayed. This helps to remove some of the temptation to spray in the same place again. It’s important to note that cat pheromones often can’t be smelled by humans, so be sure to use a strong antibacterial cleanser that will eliminate the odor entirely.

If nothing seems to work, then your cat may simply not be happy living in your house. Perhaps he doesn’t like the food you’re giving him, or he wants your company more often, or your house doesn’t provide him with enough space. You should consult a veterinarian before making any major changes.

The way a cat behaves can often be mystifying, but you may find logical explanations for your cat’s spraying or other harmful actions if you look for them and try to understand how they’re thinking. A cat can’t voice his opinions, so when he’s upset about something he may spray, claw furniture, or act in a non-normal (and sometimes vocal) manner. By trying to figure out your cat’s problem, you might find that the solution is more simple than you would have thought.

Cat spraying is a common behavioral problem. Cats spray to mark territory, and even cat lovers get upset when furniture and walls get marked. Cat urine contains pheromones that sends out “messages” to other cats. Neutering a cat is the best method to stop spraying. If that doesn’t work, other cats may be the problem or it might be a medical problem. A vet can help figure it out. In the meantime, clean with a strong cleanser to remove the odor so the cat won’t spray there again. They communicate by spraying, clawing or crying when there is a problem, and often there is a logical explanation for cat behavior.

- Paul Proctor