Control Your Cat's Spraying

Your cat has been faithful for years going to his or her litter box to use the bathroom, but lately they have a tendency to just spray anywhere. Actually spraying has nothing to do with their need to go to the bathroom, it's a way for cats to claim their property and cover up other cat's scents. Dogs do this too. They're not using the bathroom just marking their spot. It's a way for them to let other dogs or cats know that they own that space or property. However, the problem with cats, especially male cats, is that they can spray all over the house. Dogs use the bathroom outside so no big deal. To prevent your cat from developing this unattractive and smelly habit, here are a few things you can do to control your cat's spraying.

Forget about using some stern discipline on your cat, spraying is a natural, innate behavior that can't be disciplined out of them. What you need to do is find out what is causing your cat to spray. Is it another cat they see outside? Perhaps another cat you brought in the house? Or he smelled the scent of another cat on your clothes or in your house? If any of these are causing your cat to spray then you need to try and prevent it. If it's a cat they notice outside, close the blinds and curtains and keep your pet away from the windows as much as you can.

Also, remove furniture he usually jumps on to look outside. If it's a new cat you brought in the house, give each cat their own space, their own rooms, and even their own floors. Like dogs and other animals, cats can be very jealous and competitive especially if they feel ignored or overlooked. Give them equal attention, encourage both cats to get along, and play and feed both at the same time.

Another way to control your cat's spraying if you have more than one cat is to groom each one. Eventually they will start licking each other, which is a sign that they are getting to know each other. Once they become familiar with each other they will less likely feel the need to spray. Then once the barrier has been broken gradually move them together by letting them sleep together. Another way to control your cat's spraying is to keep them on a schedule. Pets love and adhere to a schedule and doing things a certain way because of their nature. Your cat could be spraying if their schedule has changed for some reason.

If your cat is constantly spraying in one area, try using a pet repellent or mothballs. However, you still need to follow the previous advice because your cat will just move to another area to spray. If you have moved and your cat is spraying, it maybe due to the smells of the previous cat that lived there. Do some serious cleaning with pet eliminator sprays and other cleansers to remove the scent. Finally, in order to increase your chances to control your cat's spraying get him neutered or her spayed. Neutering and spaying significantly cuts down on cats spraying.