How to Prevent a Cat from Spraying

Last Updated: May 13, 2022 Approved

Cats spray (urinate) in order to mark their territory. It's a natural habit that is hard to break once it has started. For this reason, it is incredibly important to stop the spraying before it starts. In order to prevent spraying or to deal with a cat that sprays, you’ll need to assess their environment (or your cat’s territory) and then you’ll want to take steps to remove their sprayed urine.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preventing Spraying

Un-neutered male cats are the most likely culprits to engage in this very undesirable behavior. Occasionally un-spayed females will do this as well. Therefore, it is advisable to neuter or spay your cat before the age of 6 months so as to curb this behavior from developing when puberty hits. However, a small percentage of neutered males and an even smaller percentage of spayed females will spray. ^{[1]
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Research source}

EXPERT TIP

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian

Our Expert Agrees: Most spraying occurs because the cat wasn't neutered early enough, so if you have a kitten, try to get it fixed when it's about 6 months old. That way, the cat won't develop that instinctual need to spray or mark their territory.
2
Give your cat a lot of attention. Some cats spray for attention. Spend time each day with your cat petting it and interacting in a positive manner. Despite their reputation as being aloof and independent, your cat does desire contact with you. Brushing your cat or playing a game of catch the laser (using a cat laser light) is a fun way to interact.
- Toys, such as feathers, fake mice, balls, and treat dispensers will give your cat exercise and mental stimulation. Cat furniture gives cats a great way to climb, hide, and rest from the hub-bub of a noisy household. Pet stores and veterinary offices have a vast variety of toys and cat furniture to choose from and staff can help you make wise choices.
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3
Help your cat avoid anxiety. There are homeopathic treatments available that calm and relieve anxiety in some cats. Some cats respond to calming herbs such as catnip, valerian, kava kava, chamomile, and St. John’s wort. Before using such treatments check with a veterinarian familiar with homeopathic medicine to make sure they won’t harm your cat.
- As a final option, anti-anxiety medications can be used in cats that do not respond well to non-medicated solutions. Medications such as amitriptyline, buspirone, diazepam imipramine, progestins, and clomipramine have all been used to control spraying. Side effects are varied, and some drugs are more effective in certain cats. All these medications need to be prescribed by a veterinarian and the side effects weighed with the benefits. ^{[2]
  X
  Research source
  Plumb, Donald C. (2015) Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Wiley-Blackwell; 8th Edition.}
EXPERT TIP

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian

Pippa Elliott, a licensed veterinarian, explains: "Some cats spray due to anxiety and a need to reassure themselves. Never punish a cat for spraying, since this will ramp up their anxiety and could make the problem worse rather than better."
Since spraying is a territorial activity, keep non-adopted cats away. Don’t put food or water out for strays or neighborhood cats. Shoo them away when they come about. You want to keep other cats out of your cat’s territory. ^{[3]
X
Research source
AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. July 2014 vol. 16 no. 7 579-598}
Since cats mark their territory to keep suspected rivals away, if they cannot see other animals, they won't know to spray. Enough distance will need to be between your cat and the other animal, so your cat won't smell the other's scent either. ^{[4]
X
Research source}

EXPERT TIP

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian

Our Expert Agrees: If your cat is spraying, try making sure they can't visualize other cats outside. Sometimes that can just be as simple as keeping your blinds closed or getting frosting for any windows that are at the cat's height.
If you are going to adopt another cat, try to find one that will get along with your current one. Have them play together with the same toy. Have them eat together in separate bowls. If you create an environment that is hospitable to your two (or more) cats mentalities, then they'll get along and be less likely to spray. ^{[5]
X
Research source} However, the more cats you have the more likely they are to spray. This is because of pressure for resources and prime spots within the house. It is thought that in households of 5 or more cats, at least one will spray.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Correcting Spraying Behavior

1
Decide if your cat is spraying or urinating inappropriately. While spraying is largely behavioral, inappropriate urination can be either medical or behavioral. Thus, if you see your cat spraying, you need to think about the stress in his life. Your cat is likely spraying if ^{[6]
X
Research source} :
- you find small amounts of urine around an area.
- it is spraying on vertical surfaces, like the backs of chairs or walls.
- it stands, lifts its tail and quivers, then sprays small puddles of urine in several consistent locations.
- it doesn't squat to spray, as they do to urinate.
It is instinctual. Your cat does not consider your perception of its space, so don’t get mad at it. Don’t hit your cat for spraying. This will just make it feel less sure about the security of its territory, which may lead to more spraying. Cats often spray “gateways” or entrances to their territory like windows and doors. ^{[7]
X
Research source
AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. July 2014 vol. 16 no. 7 579-598}
3
Consider using synthetic pheromones. Anxiety plays a role in many undesirable feline behaviors, including urine spraying and aggression. Feline synthetic pheromones, such as Feliway, can be used to calm them down and create a more comfortable environment ^{[8]
X
Research source} .
- Synthetic pheromones mimic the pheromone that cats produce when they feel comfortable in their surroundings. They usually release it via facial rubbing.
- These products come in sprays, diffusers, and collars.
Cats may spray for a number of physiological issues. Diabetes, urinary tract infection, feline lower urinary tract disease, kidney infection, and thyroid or liver disease may cause your cat to spray. Your vet will run a series of laboratory tests to rule out each of these issues. Most tests require either a urine or a blood sample. Sometimes certain image studies (x-rays and/or ultrasound) can also help a vet diagnose your cat. If no physical issues are found, your cat’s spraying is most likely behavioral. ^{[9]
X
Research source
AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. July 2014 vol. 16 no. 7 579-598}

EXPERT TIP

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian

Our Expert Agrees: Take your cat to the vet to rule out any underlying medical causes leading to the problem. Sometimes inappropriate urination isn't actually spraying, but your cat just doesn't want to use the litter box. That can be due to an issue that makes it painful for the cat to urinate. However, your vet may also help you be able to determine whether your cat just doesn't like the type of litter or box that you're using.
Most of the time, you’ll be able to smell these areas, but in order to clean thoroughly, you’ll need to clean all of its spray. A black light — available online and in many retail stores — will reveal your cat’s spray. ^{[10]
X
Research source} Your cat will most likely spray entry ways to its territory, near its litter box, and other vertical objects it likes to climb (e.g. bookshelves, chairs, and your bed). ^{[11]
X
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American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
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6
Clean up any urine or spray spots regularly. To get rid of urine on your furniture, use biological washing powder in hot water. Wipe down each area that he sprayed with a cloth. Use an enzymatic neutralizer. After you’ve cleaned the area, spray this neutralizer on those areas your cat marks most often. This enzyme-based spray will deter your cat from spraying on the wall. It is not guaranteed to work, but many cats will be repelled by its scent. Do not use this spray near or on your cat’s litter box. You don’t want them to abandon that spot for their urine.
- Avoid using household cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia, both of which are components of urine and can inadvertently amplify the marker left by the cat.
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How do you stop a neutered cat from spraying?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

There may be a lingering odor that draws the cat back to spray. Thoroughly deodorize any previous spraying sites, once a day, every day for two weeks.

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Question

Do neutered male cats still spray?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Once neutered, the majority of males do stop spraying. But the more mature the cat is at the time of surgery, the more likely they are to have a learned habit of spraying.

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Question

How do I stop a stray cat from spraying?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This requires a combination of desexing, deodorizing, and removing potential sources of stress to the cat.

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Never get angry with your cat. It isn't his fault. Spraying is a natural thing to do. Do not hit or strike your cat.

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How to Prevent a Cat from Spraying

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Preventing Spraying

Correcting Spraying Behavior

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