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Spraying And Marking

The Basics

Urine spraying (the deposition of small amounts of urine around a given area) is a normal feline behaviour (behavior) for marking territory. It announces a cats presence, establishes or maintains territorial boundaries and advertises sexual availability.

Cats usually spray on vertical surfaces. Inside the house cats may spray the back of chairs or walls. Outdoor cats spray on trees and fence posts. The tail quivers and small puddles are left in several consistent locations. The cat continues to use its litter box for defaecation (defecation) and most urine elimination.

Urination involves larger amounts of urine, the cat will squat down and the urine is on a horizontal surface. For information on house soiling or inappropriate urination, see House Soiling.

Urine Spraying

Urine spraying or marking is a cats way of saying "this is mine". The cat will back up to the object it wants to "claim", lift its tail into an almost vertical position, quivering, then spray out urine. Each cat's urine has its own specific odour (odor), acting as a personal identification for the cat.

Spraying mainly occurs in unneutered males, to a lesser extent unspayed females, but 10% of neutered males and 5% of spayed females also spray. The likelihood of spraying is highest in multi-cat households.

Stress is the most common reason for a cat to start spraying. This stress may be changes in the living situation, intimidation by other cats or new people. Hormone fluctuations, which vary with season, may prompt some cats to spray. Punishing your cat will have no effect.

Cats may spray when they perceive a threat to their territory (when a new cat enters the home, or when outside cats are nearby). New furniture and carpet smells can also prompt spraying. Cats may also spray due to frustration (from restrictive diets, or insufficient playtime). Humans often wrongly perceive this as revenge.

Well adjusted indoor cats have no need to spray because their home is perceived as safe and secure.

Treating Spraying

Entire (unneutered) cats who are spraying should be neutered or spayed. Neutering is successful in 80 to 90% of cases.

If cats outside are causing your cats to spray, use motion-sensor sprinklers than turn on if outdoor cats approach. Discourage your cat from looking outside by closing the drapes, blinds or shades.

Reduce any frustration that may be causing your cat to spray. Introduce new diets gradually, or discontinue the new diet until the spraying is under control. Increasing the amount of play time for an under-stimulated cat may also help ease frustration.

Spraying may also result from territorial disputes between cats in the same household. They may need to be separated and reintroduced slowly, using food treats to reward and encourage peaceful behaviour (behavior). In a house with a large number of cats, it may be useful to permanently separate them into two smaller groups to reduce stress.

Odour (odor) neutralizers should be applied where the cat has sprayed to prevent spraying there again.

Place the cats food dish near the area that is being marked. Cats don't like to soil near feeding areas.

Feliway (a synthetic feline facial pheromone spray, available from your vet) may be applied to household surfaces. It mimics the scent of cat cheek gland secretions. Cats do not usually mark objects that have this scent. The product is sprayed directly onto places soiled by the cat. It has no unpleasant side effects.

Using deterrents, such as aluminium (aluminum) foil, orange peels or commercial pet repellents, is largely ineffective and may make the problem worse. They may increase feelings of anxiety and stress because the cat thinks they are trying to "take over" its territory.

Medication

Spraying is more responsive to anti-anxiety drugs than other types of house soiling. But medication is only part of the solution and must be used in conjunction with environmental changes. All medications can have potentially damaging or unwanted side effects. Cats placed on long term medication must be monitored closely by a veterinarian.

References

Carlson DG & Giffin JM, Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, New York: Howell Book House, 1995

Gair A, Caring For Your Cat, London: Harper Collins, 1997

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Australia: Readers Digest, 1997

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