How to Stop a Cat from Spraying Indoors

If your cat has started spraying indoors, it can be frustrating and difficult to manage. Spraying is a common behavior in cats, often tied to marking territory or stress, but it can also be a sign of medical or behavioral issues. Understanding why your cat is spraying and addressing the root cause is key to stopping the behavior. In this guide, we’ll explore why cats spray, how to prevent it, and what you can do to stop indoor spraying effectively.

Why Do Cats Spray Urine?

• Territorial marking

Urine spraying caused by territorial marking
Posture: Cats usually stand when marking territories, with the hind limbs exerting force, the tail erect, and the urine sprayed as a jet on a vertical surface.
Amount of urine: The amount of urine used for marking is usually small, as the aim is to leave a scent rather than to empty the bladder.
Location of urine spray: Urine for territorial marking is usually sprayed in an elevated or conspicuous place, such as a furniture leg, wall or door frame.

Unneutered male cats mark territory by spraying urine, a behaviour that is particularly common after sexual maturity. Neutering can significantly reduce or eliminate this behaviour. If the cat has developed the habit of marking territory before neutering, this behaviour may continue for some time and may occur occasionally even after neutering.

• Stress and Anxiety

Cats may spray urine to relieve their emotions or re-establish territory when they feel stressed, anxious or upset. 

Symptoms that cats show when they are stressed
Behavioural changes: may include hiding, increased aggression, hyperactivity or excessive licking.
Digestive problems: such as loss of appetite, diarrhoea or constipation.
Respiratory problems: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Physiological reactions: rapid heartbeat, arched back, fried hair, dilated pupils, etc.
Psychological reactions: Showing fear, sensitivity, agitation, or increased alertness.
Other symptoms: may include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, excessive fur licking, hiding, etc.

• Medical problems

Urine spraying caused by urinary disorders
Posture: Cats may assume an unusual squatting or standing position due to pain or discomfort.
Urine flow: The urine may be intermittent and the cat may show pain or distress when urinating.
Urine colour and odour: urine may be bloody or of an abnormal colour and the odour may be more irritating due to infection.

Urinary disorders, such as urinary tract infections, stones or tumours, may also cause cats to spray urine. These diseases require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

• Environmental changes

Moving house, introducing new pets or changes in family members may cause cat urine spraying behaviour. 

• Heat behaviour

Female cats may also exhibit urine spraying behaviour during heat, especially if they are not spayed. 

• Behavioural problems

Sometimes, cat urine spraying may be due to behavioural problems such as dissatisfaction with the environment or social conflicts. 

Identifying the specific cause of urine spraying in cats is critical to taking appropriate resolution measures. If the urine spraying behaviour is caused by a medical problem, contact your vet as soon as possible for examination and treatment. If it is due to territorial marking or behavioural issues, it may need to be addressed through environmental management, behavioural modification and neutering surgery. 

How to Reduce Urine Spraying Behaviour in Cats?

• Neutering

Neutering has a significant positive impact on reducing urine spraying behaviour in cats. After neutering, male cats will greatly reduce urine spraying behaviours caused by estrus, such as territorial marking, due to changes in hormone levels. In addition, de-sexing prevents urinary disorders caused by oestrus and childbearing, such as urethritis and cystitis, which may also lead to urine spraying in cats. Neutering can radically reduce health risks, improve behavioural problems and help extend your cat's life. Neutering is therefore an option worth considering if your cat is exhibiting urine spraying behaviour, particularly in males. 

Also Read: Do Cats Change After Being Spayed

• Environmental Management

Ensure that cats have adequate resources such as litter trays (the number should be at least equal to the number of cats plus one), hiding places and vertical space to reduce the likelihood of them spraying urine due to competition for resources or territorial pressure. 

• Cleaning and Sheltering

Clean up your cat's urine in a timely manner and use an enzyme-based cleaner to thoroughly remove the odour to prevent your cat from repeatedly spraying in the same spot. Place tin foil or sticky tape in areas where your cat frequently sprays urine to reduce attraction. 

• Pheromone Products

Use pheromone sprays or diffusers to mimic your cat's soothing pheromones to help reduce anxiety and stress and reduce urine spraying behaviour. 

• Dietary Management

Foods that are helpful in reducing urine spraying in cats

Cranberries: Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and specific compounds that help prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urethra, reducing the risk of infection, and may promote an acid/alkaline balance in the urine, preventing the formation of stones.
Meat-rich foods: Providing high-quality animal protein, such as chicken or fish, can help maintain your cat's muscle and urinary health. 
Foods low in magnesium: Magnesium is a factor in the formation of certain types of urinary stones, and choosing foods low in magnesium can help control the concentration of magnesium ions in the urine and reduce the risk of stones. 
Organic acids: Organic acids added to certain cat foods can acidify the urine and control its pH level, helping to prevent urinary tract infections. 
Resveratrol: This is a plant compound that can help care for your cat's gastrointestinal health and urinary system. 
Probiotics: Foods rich in probiotics can help maintain your cat's intestinal health, promote nutrient absorption and indirectly support urinary health.

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Avoid some foods

1. Foods high in phosphorus and magnesium: such as dried small fish, seaweed, and woodchuck fillets, which contain minerals that may promote the formation of urethral stones. 
2. Foods containing oxalic acid: such as spinach and burdock, oxalic acid is also a common cause of urinary tract stones. 
3. Foods high in salt: Foods high in salt, such as ham, increase the burden on the kidneys and may lead to urinary tract blockage and kidney stones. 
4. Raw fish and meat: Raw fish and meat may contain parasites and harmful bacteria, and may also affect your cat's absorption of vitamin B1. 
5. Dairy products: most cats suffer from lactose intolerance and milk and other dairy products may cause digestive problems. 

Choosing the right cat food

1. Water content: Choose wet food or dry food with added moisture to increase your cat's water intake, which helps dilute urine and reduce the risk of stones and other urinary problems. 
2. Low magnesium formulas: magnesium is one of the minerals that form certain types of stones, and choosing a cat food with a low magnesium formula can help prevent these problems. 
3. Ingredients that acidify urine: Certain ingredients, such as cranberries, can help acidify urine and reduce the risk of stone formation. 
4. Balanced nutrition: make sure your cat's food contains high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids and vitamins to support your cat's overall health.

• Increase Interaction

Spend more time interacting with your cat and provide toys and games to reduce their boredom and anxiety. 

• Health Checks

Take your cat for regular health checks to rule out urinary disorders or other underlying health problems that may be causing your cat to spray urine. 

• Choosing the right number of litter trays

When choosing the number of litter trays, a commonly accepted rule is that the number of litter trays should equal the number of cats in the house plus one. This is because cats are territorial and having an extra litter tray reduces competition and stress between them, which in turn reduces the likelihood of cats spraying urine indoors. 

Litter box placement
The location of the litter tray is also crucial, here are some suggestions for placing the litter tray:

Avoid noise and disturbance: the litter tray should be placed away from noise sources such as TVs and washing machines so that the cat is not disturbed when using it. 
Easy to clean: choosing a place near the balcony and other places that are easy to clean and ventilate will help keep the litter tray hygienic. 
Well-ventilated: placing it in a well-ventilated place, such as near a window, can reduce odour and humidity, making cats more willing to use the litter tray. 
Avoid food and water sources: do not place the litter tray near the cat's food and water bowls as cats usually do not like to eat near the toilet. 
Stable location: Once the location of the litter tray has been chosen, it should be kept stable. Frequent moving of the litter tray may lead to confusion and unwillingness of the cat to use it. 

FAQs

What Scent Will Stop Cats From Spraying?

Cats are more sensitive to certain specific odours that can help stop them from spraying urine in inappropriate places. Here are some of the odours that can be used to stop your cat from spraying urine.

Citrus, lemon and grapefruit smells: the smells of these fruits are unwelcome to cats and can be prevented by spraying the juice of the rinds or placing the rinds to prevent cats from spraying urine in specific areas. Onions, garlic and chillies: the smell of these ingredients are also effective in repelling cats and can be rubbed onto the surface of items to prevent destruction. 
The smell of vinegar: either white, fruit or aged vinegar can be used to wipe down the surface of an item, the smell of vinegar can be unbearable for cats. 
Mothballs: although mothballs are somewhat toxic, they are just as effective for cats and can be used to keep cats away from certain areas. 
Safety precautions should be taken when using these scents to ensure that they do not harm your cat's health and to avoid substances that are toxic to cats. If inappropriate behaviour persists in your cat, it is advisable to consult your vet for more professional advice and solutions. 

Do Cats Eventually Stop Spraying?

 Whether or not a cat will stop spraying urine depends on what is causing its spraying behaviour. If a cat starts spraying because of a urinary tract condition (such as cystitis, urethral obstruction or stones), treating these conditions will usually resolve the problem. Once the cause is diagnosed and properly treated, most cats are able to resume normal urination. However, if a cat's urinary tract is severely damaged or a chronic condition is not managed effectively, urine spraying behaviour may persist.

In some cases, advancing age may also affect a cat's urinary health, but prompt veterinary examination and intervention can help maintain your cat's comfort and health. Therefore, if your cat is exhibiting urine spraying behaviour, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment. With proper medical care, your cat can eventually stop spraying urine and return to normal life.

How To Stop a Neutered Cat From Spraying?

Neutering can reduce urine spraying behaviour in cats, but not all neutered cats will stop this behaviour immediately. Ways to control urine spraying in neutered cats include:

Health checks: ensure that your cat does not have urinary tract disease or other health problems that may cause urine spraying. 
Litter box management: keep the litter box clean and make sure there are enough litter boxes for your cat. Litter boxes should be placed in a quiet, private area. 
Reducing stress: Environmental changes or social stress may cause your cat to spray urine. Try to reduce these stressors and provide a stable and comfortable environment. 
Clean up the mark: Thoroughly clean the area where your cat has urinated using an cleaner to remove odours and prevent repeated spraying in the same spot. 

Conclusion

Stopping a cat from spraying indoors requires understanding the underlying cause of the behavior, whether it’s territorial, stress-related, or medical. Neutering or spaying is often the first step, but reducing stress, cleaning thoroughly, and providing behavioral training are also essential for preventing spraying. If the issue persists, it’s important to consult a vet to rule out any health problems. By taking these steps, you can help your cat feel more comfortable and stop spraying behavior indoors.