Have you ever noticed a strong, pungent smell around your home? If you have a cat, it could be a sign of its spraying behavior.
Cat spraying is a very common behavior in cats that’s often misunderstood by many pet owners. It can be quite a bother because the smell can make living situations unpleasant and uncomfortable. That’s why we’re here to tell you all about it.
In this blog, we’ll share everything you need to know about cat spraying, from what it is, what it means, and how to help your cat.
What Is Cat Spraying?
Cat spraying is a behavior that’s usually confused with urination. Both involve urine, but spraying happens when a cat marks a vertical surface. These surfaces can be door frames, walls, or furniture.
Both male and female cats can spray, and it’s a normal behavior. On the other hand, urination happens in a horizontal manner. This is when a cat relieves itself in a little box or on the floor.
You’ll notice a cat backing up to a vertical surface when it’s going to spray. It will lift its tail and start quivering or slightly shaking. The amount of urine during spraying is much smaller compared to urination.
Cats show behavioral signs before they begin spraying. Backing up to a vertical surface, tail lifting, and body quivering are the main signals.
Additionally, cats may rub their faces and cheeks against a surface before spraying. This is another behavior that marks ownership of an area. However, cats may still find the need to spray as it makes their territory more distinct.
Why Do Cats Spray?
You may be wondering why your cat, who’s always been at home, still sprays. It doesn’t need to fend for itself or hunt for food. So, why does your domestic cat spray in your home?
Essentially, cats spray because they want to convey something. This is one of the ways they communicate with you and other cats. Here are the common explanations behind the sprays.
Territorial Instincts
Cats are territorial, and it's seen in both domestic and feral cats. They have a natural instinct to claim their territories, and spraying is how they mark them. This idea of cat scent marking is rooted in their need to survive and claim food, shelter, and mates.
Even when a cat has been domesticated, its natural behavior remains. Its instincts kick in, especially in a multi-cat household. Some cats may have conflicts with other cats in the house and spray.
So, if you noticed your cat spraying, then there might be some outdoor cats that made them feel insecure. They want to mark your home as their territory, which is usually done in access points like doors and windows.
Stress and Anxiety
Any changes in a cat’s surroundings can trigger stress and anxiety. These negative emotions can make one want to spray. It’s because cats are habitual creatures, and they become uncomfortable in unpredictable environments.
If you’re moving to a new home or just rearranging furniture, your cat may begin spraying. Plus, new household pets can also make your cat want to assert territory. Making these changes in your home can affect your cat and trigger this behavior.
Medical Conditions
A health condition can also cause your cat to spray in your home. Illnesses like urinary tract infections and other disorders can make a cat uncomfortable. When they feel discomfort, they may begin spraying.
One advice we can give is to check your cat’s other symptoms if they do start spraying. This can be anywhere from bloody urine, difficulty urinating, or vocalizing their pain. Plus, cats with health issues may also start hiding and avoiding people.
Mating Behavior
Another cause of spraying is hormonal changes in cats. This often happens when a cat is unneutered. When a cat’s mating behavior kicks in, it’ll spray to attract mates or ward off competitors.
It’s basically a male cat’s way of calling females and telling them that they’re available to reproduce.
Can Neutered Male Cats Still Spray?
Yes, neutered male cats can still spray. The main difference is that when neutered male cats spray, it’s not as frequent anymore, and the smell of urine is less pungent.
Should I Punish My Cat for Spraying?
No, you should never punish your cat for spraying. Punishing your cat will only increase stress and can make the behavior worse. Plus, cats don’t understand punishments like we humans do, so this would only cause confusion and more stress.
How to Stop Your Cat From Spraying
While cat spraying is completely natural, it might not be appealing to many cat owners. It can make a living space unpleasant. Fortunately, there are ways to manage and prevent cat spraying.
Consider Spaying/Neutering
As mentioned, spaying and neutering your cat can greatly reduce spraying behavior. This is because the procedure involves removing the cat’s reproductive organs, which will then greatly reduce the hormones involved.
If your cat is still unneutered, you can ask our vets about this spaying and neutering procedure. We always recommend spaying your cat, as it can help improve their behavior and prevent many dangerous diseases.
Make the Living Space Comfortable
A stressful living environment can trigger cat spraying. Provide a comfortable space where they can rest and feel safe. This will make them less likely to spray and display unusual behaviors.
We recommend adding a few interactive cat toys, scratching posts, and a comfortable bed. These tools will help provide comfort, stimulation, and distractions. Plus, they can greatly improve a cat’s mood.
You can also use tunnels to serve as hiding spots for your cat to stay in when they get stressed. This can also be elevated platforms and cat trees. Providing a comfortable living space also means preventing loud noise, unfamiliar people, and dangerous objects.
Manage Behavior and Health Concerns
If your cat is spraying due to behavioral issues or health concerns, then bring your cat to the clinic. Here, our pet behaviorists will find the causes and diagnose the specific health problems your cat is facing.
Sometimes, we might recommend pheromone therapy to manage the cat spraying behavior.
“Spraying is one of the many ways our cats communicate with us.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Cat spraying is often a common thing pet owners experience, and it’s completely normal. It’s your cat’s way of communicating with you, other cats, and the surroundings. The best thing you can do is find the best way to help.
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