My Cat is Spraying and I Don’t Know What to Do!
The most common behavior problem in cats, as reported by pet parents, is going potty in the wrong areas. 10% of cats eliminate in an area that’s not their litterbox at some point in their life. These cats are usually urine marking which isn’t a litterbox problem (fortunately and unfortunately). Urine marking is a form of communication used by cats.
Exactly Why is My Cat Urine Marking?
Animals who live in social groups and depend on one another to survive have sophisticated communication skills. It’s important not to think of a cat’s behavior as like a dog. Cats have a unique social structure and are extremely different from dogs in their social life.
If give the opportunity, cats go off on their own and claim certain territories. They are independent animals, and although they may share their territory with other cats, they avoid one another whenever possible.
Cats are unlike dogs in that they don’t defend their territory (most of the time) with a fight. Instead, they mark their territory in a different way that leaves a message.
Most times, this is where the urine marking comes in. By urine marking an area, the cat is letting other cats know of his presence. He wants other cats to know where his ‘property lines’ are, how long ago he was in that particular area, and how long he’ll likely be away.
Cats can also leave a message like an advertisement, ‘I’m looking for a mate,’ with their urine.
Although our traditional cats who live in our houses don’t have to hunt for their food or search out a mate, they still look at their world the same. They don’t fully understand they’re in a house where ‘this isn’t permitted.’ They use the instincts nature has provided to them.
They will set their instincts aside in certain situations, though. These are situations you, as their pet parent, have to make possible for them. If they feel their world is predictable, and without conflict, AND they’re spayed or neutered, they don’t really have a reason to mark. But, if they are stressed about something, or they want to find a mate, that’s when you run into problems.
How Do I Know if my Kitty is Urine Marking?
Okay. This is the hard part. Cat who urine mark also use their litterbox to go potty. That’s where the confusion comes in.
There are certain ‘hints’ or clues you can consider when determining if your cat has a communication problem, doesn’t like his litterbox, or is truly urine marking:
· Urine marks are generally deposited on vertical surfaces. If you have ever heard of a cat who ‘sprays,’ this is what we’re talking about. When spraying, a cat usually backs up to an object like the side of a chair or a wall, and stands with his body erect and his tail extended straight up in the air, while spraying urine onto the targeted object.
· Urine marks usually contain less urine than your cat would generally pee into their litterbox.
· The odor of the ‘marking’ urine is extremely strong. Not only does the spray contain urine, but also contains extra communication chemicals.
There are also certain qualities that would make your cat more likely to spray in your home including:
· Being an unneutered male.
· Multiple cats in the household.
· Any change in the household that could cause stress.
Treating Urine Marking in Intact Cats
There are a few things you can do to reduce urine marking in an intact cat:
· Neuter or spay your cat.
· Prevent your indoor cat from seeing other neighborhood cats.
Treating Urine Marking Caused by Conflict in a Multi-Cat Household
Before treating the issue as a behavioral problem, you must rule out any medical problems by visiting your veterinarian. Although there’s no medical problem that would specifically result in urine marking, if your cat is in any sort of pain or experiencing any medical issue, this could lead to stress which may lead to urine marking.
Once your veterinarian has cleared your kitty, it’s time to figure out which cat is marking. If you aren’t sure if your cat is spraying, or you’re not sure which cat is spraying, you can ask your veterinarian about something known as fluorescein which causes urine to glow blue under a UV light.
· Be sure to provide enough litterboxes. The general rule is one litterbox per cat in the household. And, if you have a two-story home (or larger), be sure there’s a litterbox on each floor.
· Make sure litterboxes are placed in low-traffic areas.
· Scoop the litterbox at least once per day.
· Play with your cats to reduce stress and conflict.
· Thoroughly clean any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to neutralize pet odors. If you clean it without an enzymatic cleaner, and you can’t smell it, that doesn’t mean your cat can’t.
The Bottom Line on Urine Marking in Cats
Although this is extremely frustrating (and disgusting to us), remember to be patient with your cat. Remember he’s not doing this to hurt you in any way but rather following his/her instincts for survival. You should never punish your cat, rub his nose ‘in it,’ or throw things at your cat to get him to stop if you catch him in the act.
And, absolutely never clean up with ammonia. Ammonia attracts your cat to the same area because urine contains ammonia. Don’t forget to grab an enzymatic cleaner.
