Stop a Cat From Spraying

It can be very upsetting when your cat takes up the habit of urine spraying your furniture. Unsanitary, difficult to clean, unpleasant and just simply no fun, it is a habit which must be broken. If your cat continues to spray, there are a number of reasons that they may be doing so - by learning what these reasons are and working with your cat to correct the problem, you can keep your cat from spraying.

First of all, take your cat to the vet. A male cat which has not been neutered will spray to mark their turf. Neutering your cat will usually reduce or even eliminate the spraying problem entirely. Spraying can also be a symptom of underlying health problems - it is sometimes seen in older cats who have never sprayed before, which can be a sign of health issues.

To keep your cat from spraying, one thing which will not help is to yell at them when they spray on your furniture. You probably didn't catch your cat while still spraying; if so, they will not associate your anger with their behavior. Some cats will spray in response to stress, meaning that your yelling can make the problem worse. Other cats will spray to mark a new home if they have recently moved. If this is the cause, the spraying will usually cease once the cat feels more settled in.

Remember that male cats will especially spray if they are feeling challenged. One way to reduce this problem is to make sure that your cat can't see outside. If he sees other cats who he perceives as a challenge, you will find that he will be inclined to spray to make sure that they understand that this is his territory. Close drapes and keep the furniture away from the windows to make sure that your male cat is not constantly on edge.

Clean any area where your cat has sprayed very thoroughly. Remember that your cat has a far keener sense of smell than you do and they will associate this spot with spraying. Doing a good job of cleaning these areas will help prevent your cat from spraying again. Use a pet repellent which will keep your cat clear of this area, even if they have repeatedly marked this area before.

When your cat has been spraying, remember that you should always ask why this has been happening. Often, finding the reason for this phenomenon can help you put a stop to it altogether!

Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems fast.

- Kathrynn Kelley