How to Stop Cats from Spraying Urine

Cats spray urine to mark their territory. Once this habit takes hold, it becomes difficult to break. Therefore, it is crucial to intervene as early as possible. To stop your cat from spraying urine or deal with one that has already developed this behavior, you need to assess the environment (or territory) of the cat and then take steps to remove any urine markings left behind.

Spay or Neuter Your Cat. Unneutered male cats are the most likely culprits of this unpleasant behavior. Occasionally, unspayed female cats will also spray urine. Spaying or neutering your cat before they reach six months old is highly recommended to prevent them from developing this habit as they reach sexual maturity. However, a small percentage of neutered male cats and even fewer spayed female cats may still engage in urine spraying.

Pay attention to your cat. Some cats spray urine as a way to get your attention. Spend time each day giving your cat affection and interaction. Even though cats are known for being distant and independent, your cat still wants to engage with you. Brushing your cat or playing laser pointer games are both fun ways to bond.

• Toy options like feathers, fake mice, balls, and treat-dispensing toys for exploration will help keep your cat active and excited. Cat furniture allows them to climb, hide, and rest, giving them a break from household noise. Pet stores and vet clinics offer a wide variety of toys and furniture, and their staff can help you make informed choices.

Help your cat avoid stress. There are homeopathic treatments available that can soothe and reduce anxiety in cats. Some cats respond well to calming herbs like catnip, valerian, kava, chamomile, and St. John's Wort. Before using these remedies, it's a good idea to consult a vet knowledgeable about homeopathic treatments to ensure they are safe for your cat.

• As a last resort, anti-anxiety medication can be used for cats who don't respond well to non-medication treatments. Drugs like amitriptyline, buspirone, diazepam, imipramine, progestins, and clomipramine are prescribed to manage inappropriate urination behavior in cats. Side effects vary, and some medications work better for specific cases. All of these drugs require a prescription from a vet, who will weigh the pros and cons before prescribing them.

Keep stray cats away. Since spraying urine is a territorial behavior, it's essential to prevent stray cats from getting too close. Don't leave food or water out for stray or neighboring cats, and shoo them away when they linger near your home. You must keep other cats from invading your cat's territory.

Avoid letting your cat see other cats or animals. Cats often mark their territory to ward off potential rivals, so if they don't see other animals, they won't feel the need to spray. Make sure there is enough space between your cat and other animals to prevent them from detecting each other's scent.

Encourage positive relationships between your cats. If you're planning to adopt another cat, try to find one that seems compatible with your current cat. Let them play with the same toys, and feed them separately in their own bowls. By creating a friendly environment, they are likely to get along and be less likely to spray. However, the more cats you have in your home, the higher the chances of spraying, due to competition for space and resources. It's known that in households with five or more cats, at least one will spray urine.

Determine if your cat is spraying urine or urinating inappropriately. Spraying urine is often a behavioral trait, but inappropriate urination can be a sign of medical or behavioral issues. If you notice your cat spraying, consider the stressors in its life. Your cat might spray urine if you observe:

• Small amounts of urine around a specific area.
• Your cat spraying on vertical surfaces, like the back of chairs or walls.
• Your cat standing while urinating, with its tail raised and shaking, then spraying small puddles of urine in multiple locations.
• Your cat not sitting to urinate as it does when it pees normally.

Understand that cats spray urine to mark their territory. This is instinctual behavior. Your cat doesn't consider your feelings about its space, so don't get angry at it. Never punish your cat for spraying. Doing so will only make your cat more anxious about its territory, potentially increasing the spraying behavior. Cats often spray at the 'entry points' to their territory, such as windows or doorways.

Consider using synthetic pheromones. Anxiety plays a significant role in many undesirable behaviors in cats, including urine spraying and aggression. Synthetic pheromones, like Feliway, can help calm your cat and create a more comfortable environment.

• Synthetic pheromones mimic the natural pheromones cats release when they feel comfortable in their environment, typically through the action of 'face rubbing.'
• These products come in spray bottles, diffusers, and collars.

Visit a veterinarian to ensure your cat's spraying behavior isn't caused by a medical condition. Cats may spray urine due to psychological issues, but medical conditions like diabetes, urinary tract infections, lower urinary tract disease, kidney infections, thyroid problems, or liver disease can also lead to spraying. The vet will conduct a series of tests to rule out these health problems. Most tests require urine or blood samples, and sometimes imaging tests (X-rays and/or ultrasound) may help the vet diagnose your cat’s condition. If no health issues are found, the spraying is likely a behavioral trait.

Identify where your cat often sprays urine. Typically, you will be able to smell these spots, but to fully clean them, you need to wipe away all urine traces. A UV light – available online and at many retail stores – can help you locate where your cat has sprayed. Cats usually spray at entry points to their territory, near their litter box, and on vertical surfaces they like to climb, such as bookshelves, chairs, and beds.

• Veterinarian Pippa Elliott MRCVS emphasizes an important point: "Some cats spray urine due to anxiety and need to self-soothe. Never punish your cat for spraying, as this will increase their anxiety and may make the situation worse, not better."

Regularly clean urine spots. To remove urine from furniture, use biological detergent and hot water. Wipe away any areas where your cat has sprayed urine and apply an enzyme-based deodorizer. After cleaning the area, you can spray deodorizer on the walls. While this doesn't guarantee effectiveness, many cats will avoid the scent. Avoid using this spray near your cat’s litter box. You wouldn’t want your cat to stop using its bathroom.

• Do not use household cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia, as both of these substances are in urine and may unintentionally amplify the odor left by your cat's spray.

• Never get angry at your cat. Your cat is not at fault. Spraying is simply a natural instinct. Do not yell at or punish your cat.