Read About Cat Spraying

Your cat is spraying

Hmmmm. The litter box is full, yet you could swear that you smell cat urine other places around the house. What is going on? One answer is that your cat has taken to spraying in your house. Spraying is a way for your cat to mark his territory. Much like when your cat rubs against your leg declaring that you are his, when he sprays he is making a similar, yet more forceful statement; this is MY space, and don´t forget it. Of course, that is unlikely with all the smell he is leaving behind.

How can you stop your cat from spraying?

  1. Neuter, neuter, neuter. Did we mention neutering? When a cat nears maturity, he starts looking for a mate. In the wild, a cat would use spraying as a way to get his scent around indicating to females that he was available. Unfortunately, your cat does not know that he has been domesticated. It is natural instinct for him to spray, even in your home, as a way to attract a partner. Having your cat neutered will, in most cases, cure him of the desire to mark his territory in search of a mate.
  2. You say your cat is neutered and he is still spraying? Think about recent changes that have been happening in the household. If you have recently moved, are remodeling, or have added new family members other pets or people to your house, your cat may be under stress. Your cat has few ways in which to express himself. Spray is one of the ways available to him. By spraying, your cat intends to let others know that this is his home. Regrettably, he is right; he is letting you know for sure! Your cat needs reassurance from you, in the form of your attention, to let him know that everything is okay. Even though there have been changes in the house, it is still his home, a place that he will always be welcome.
  3. Once your cat has begun spraying, it is very important to remove evidence of the incident as thoroughly as possible. If your cat smells urine, even his own, he will continue to spray in around the same spot. There are several ways of removing pet ordors left from spraying. Depending on the intensity of the odor, a mix of vinegar and water may work to remove any trace of the spraying event. For heavier smells, you may want to consider one of the many over the counter sprays made specifically for removing and neutralizing pet odors.

Stop spraying before it starts -- have your pet spayed or neutered and remember to keep your pet in mind when major changes are occurring in the house. Providing a healthy and stable home will go a long way in encouraging good behavior from your pet.

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