“Why does my cat spray?” is a question many cat lovers ask themselves. It’s natural for cats to mark their territory, but it can be annoying and stressful for the human owner if your cat keeps getting sprayed by other cats in the neighbourhood or at home. This article will discuss what causes an indoor/outdoor cat to mark its territory and how to prevent it from happening again!
Why do cats spray?
Cats use urine marking to communicate with other cats; they also use it to tell humans where they want us to go. Cats spray to mark out their territory. They may also spray to indicate when they feel threatened or appear to be trying to “smell” the air for a mate.
Cats also mark their territory with urine to show other cats and humans who own the area. If you own one of these marking cats, don’t worry — it’s normal behavior for them. Some cats even spray to mark their territory when feeling playful or stressed. It also seems that some cats spray when threatened by another cat in the area.
What are some of the medical conditions that can cause cats to spray?
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is cats’ most common cause of spraying. It’s a condition that several different factors, including dietary changes and stress, can cause. Other conditions that may cause cat spraying include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in cats and can lead to painful urination or urinary incontinence if left untreated. If your cat is suffering from a disease—or has been stressed out lately—it’s likely that he’ll start marking his territory to express his frustration at being sick!
- Kidney disease – Cats with kidney disease tend to have problems with their urinary tracts as well; however, this isn’t always the case since many other health issues can also cause pain during urination or even bladder infections if left untreated long enough before seeking veterinary care for help managing those symptoms properly, so they don’t become worse over time due potentially serious consequences such as permanent damage done while trying to fix things yourself instead.”
How To Stop The Spray
The most effective way to stop the spray is to reduce stress. This can be done with several things:
Keep the Litter box clean
If you’ve got a cat that marks its territory, the first thing to do is keep the litter box clean. Cats are usually pretty good about using suitable litter and keeping it clean, but this can be an issue if your cat is marking somewhere other than its litter box.
To help prevent this from happening, make sure that you check up on your kitty’s business often—and don’t forget about cleaning up after them! Remove all faeces and cat urine immediately after using their designated spot (or any public place outside). You may want to consider changing out old boxes regularly, so there’s less chance of an accident happening again; otherwise, wash everything thoroughly with warm water and soap when necessary!
Clean Anywhere You Catch Your Cat Spraying
If you catch your cat spraying, clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner. This can help eliminate any stains left behind from their urine or feces and remove Cat odor tags from the area.
Spray a cat-friendly spray on any areas marked by your pet and wipe it off with a cloth dampened with vinegar and water solution (1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water). You can also use lemon juice mixed into this mixture if you prefer something more citrusy!
Or try hydrogen peroxide mixed with water for a disinfectant effect that’s safe for humans and pets alike: mix equal amounts in a spray bottle before using them together wherever needed during playtime between two people who want nothing but happily ever after!
Reduce Stress
If you find that your cat is marking its territory, it’s likely because of stress. The best way to reduce this stress is by keeping your cat busy with fun activities. You can also try giving them a stimulating environment, like playing with toys or pulling on their favorite toy until they’re exhausted.
You might also want to try feeding fresh food at different times of day—this will help your kitty shift their focus from the food bowl over time and prevent them from getting used to one specific time as being “time for dinner.”
Visit Your Vet
If you’re worried about your cat’s spraying, it might be best to visit your vet. This is especially true if you notice that the cat has been spraying for a long time without stopping. A veterinary examination can help diagnose any underlying medical problems that may be causing this behavior, such as Urinary system diseases or diabetes.
Suppose there isn’t an underlying medical issue causing this behavior. In that case, it could simply be stress-related—and after all, cats can be pretty territorial creatures (mainly when they’ve grown up together).
Do stray cats mark their territory?
If you have a stray cat that marks its territory, it’s important to remember that they are not fixed and may spray. While this behavior is more common in outdoor cats than indoor ones, it’s still possible for your outdoor cat to mark their territory. If you see your outdoor cat spraying and know they do not have any other litter boxes around the house or yard that could be used as an excellent place to mark their territory, then it may be time for action!
Stray cats will also spray when mating season arrives because the pheromones released by female felines are stronger when she is in the heat than when she isn’t, so if there is no mate available, then these female felines will try everything possible before giving up hope of finding one (or even being able to find love).
Do indoor cats mark their territory?
Your cat may have marked its territory indoors if you have an indoor cat. The indoor biting or spraying behaviour can signify something wrong with the animal and needs to be addressed.
If your cat is spraying indoors, it’s a good idea to find out what’s causing the stress or anxiety so that you can fix the problem and help your pet feel better. You’ll want to look at whether there are any issues around food, water bowls, litter boxes or other areas where they might feel insecure in their environment (such as behind closets).
Conclusion
As you can see from the information above, it is possible to stop your cat from spraying. With regular cleaning and proper dietary care, you should be able to keep your kitty healthy and happy!
