Cats speak a different language than humans so their behaviors are often actually their ways of trying to say something. Urine spraying is one of these such behaviors but unfortunately it isn't something any cat owner likes to see, much less clean up. Knowing why your cat may be spraying and what you can do about it can help ease some stress and frustration for both you and your cat.
Cats may urinate outside their box and practice inappropriate elimination but when they pee vertically and not on the floor or other horizontal surfaces it is referred to as spraying or marking. When a cat marks, urine is sprayed against a wall, table leg, couch, or other surface as a cat stands, raises its tail, shakes, and backs up to the item. It is typically a small amount of urine that sprays out instead of a steady stream that is produced during a normal, squatting, urination. But while the amount may be small, the smell is often not. Both male and female cats can spray, however, the behavior is more common in males, and only intact (un-neutered) males will have the especially pungent "Tom Cat" odor to their urine.
A cat may spray urine for a variety of reasons but these reasons can typically be classified as either a response to an environmental stressor or a territorial behavior. Environmental stressors may include new people, such as a baby, in the home, new animals, such as a puppy or other cat, construction or remodeling in your home, boredom with its feeding regimen or playtime, litter concerns such as scented or dirty litter, a litter box that it doesn't like, such as a covered or automatic cleaning box, and more. Basically, if a cat is upset or stressed about something it may spray but it may also be hard for a cat owner to know what their cat isn't happy about.
Territorial reasons for spraying can include outdoor cats or other wildlife that your cat can see or hear indoors, new cats in the home creating a sense of competition, and/or 'marking' to claim certain territories as his own. Spraying tells other cats that the space has already been claimed by them and they are not to be messed with.
Neutering a male cat will dramatically decrease the likelihood that it will spray, as most causes of this behavior are driven by testosterone, but a small percentage of cats will still spray after having this procedure performed. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, 10% of cats will continue to spray even after they have been neutered. Neutering a cat especially helps to decrease territorial spraying since less hormones are influencing them, but if your cat is stressed or upset about something in its environment, it is still physically capable of spraying.
All types of inappropriate elimination can be difficult and frustrating to stop but there are a few things you can do.
Everything You Need to Know About Raising Your First Cat
Whether you are thinking about getting a cat or just adopted your first one, these are the things to know to make your relationship a lasting one.8 Ways To Help Your Cat Lose Weight
Cats who are at a healthy weight are happier, more agile, and tend to live longer. Here are 8 tips for managing a cat weight loss programmeHeart Disease in Cats
Like humans, cats can get heart diseases that may lead to serious problems. Learn all about symptoms along with the causes, treatment, and prevention.Is Coconut Oil Safe for Cats?
Coconut oil is touted as a miracle food. Can coconut oil improve your cat's health? Is coconut oil even safe for cats?Taurine for Cats
Taurine is an essential animal protein in your cat's diet. Learn more about the various ways it supports your feline's body.Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is not toxic to cats, but it might not be the best choice of treat for them.Why Do Cats Stare at Walls?
Cats can have some quirky behaviors, including staring at walls. Why do cats do this and when should you be concerned?Patellar Luxation in Dogs
If your dog has a knee that seems to pop out of place, it may have a patellar luxation. Find out what this means and what can be done about it.13 Signs of Cancer in Dogs
The signs of cancer in dogs may include lumps and bumps, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, abdominal swelling, and more. Signs may be mild or obvious depending on the type of cancer and its severity. Learn common signs of cancer in dogs so you’ll know when to call the vet.Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs
Ear mites can be a big discomfort for puppies and dogs. Learn about the causes, treatment, and prevention to keep mites away from your pets.Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?
Some dogs eat some strange things. What does it mean if your dog eats dirt and when should you be concerned?200 Tortoiseshell Cat Names for Your Bi-Colored Kitty
Tortoiseshell cats are a rare phenomenon and deserve a fitting name. We've pulled together 200 tortoiseshell cat names, including male names, female names, cute names, and names inspired by their coat color and pattern.How to Manage Your Cat's Claws
Here are ways you can help your cat maintain healthy claws while protecting your furniture at the same time.Hair Loss in Cats
Hair loss in cats is a common problem with many possible causes. Learn the causes, treatments, and prevention of hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia.Neurological Disorders in Cats
Neurological disorders in cats range from minor to serious. Any neurological condition is a major disruption to your cat's central nervous system. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention of neurological disorders in cats.Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats
Cats experience hair loss on their hind legs for a variety of reasons. Learn about potential causes, treatments, and ways to prevent it.Can Cats Have Milk? Why They Really Shouldn’t Drink The Stuff
Despite what we’ve learned from pop culture, cats shouldn’t drink milk as most cats are lactose intolerant. Learn more about feeding milk to cats and alternatives you can feed your cat instead.Can Cats Eat Dog Food?
Can cats eat dog food? In small amounts, it's unlikely to be a problem, but long-term feeding of dog food to cats can cause health issues and malnutrition.Why Some Black Cats Look Different in the Sun
Some black cats look different in the sunlight. Whether it's cat genetics, a mutation, or a summer "rust," learn why they appear to have another coat.Training Your Fearful Cat to Be Confident
Cats can become scared for any number of reasons. Learn about techniques that can help your fearful cat and reduce its anxiety so kitty lives a happy life.