Cat Spraying And How To Stop It
Because cat spraying is a natural and pervasive activity, cat owners should not be surprised if it occurs. This is how a cat marks its territory, and you can expect that at least one of your belongings will be sprayed at some time or other.
Cat urine is full of pheromones, which are chemicals that animals secrete to communicate with one another. When your cat sprays, it is most likely either trying to attract a mate, trying to repel a rival, or just showing that it is stressed about something.
Cat lovers will do anything to keep their cats around them, but cat spraying is enough to drive the most devoted owner to distraction. However, there is a fairly simple solution to the problem. Since cat spraying is actually natural cat "advertising" for a cat of the opposite sex, removing that urge should eliminate the problem. Neutering your cat not only prevents unwanted litters, but will also stop the annoying spraying.
If you can't get your cat neutered, or neutering doesn't stop him from spraying, you should think about figuring out the source of the problem that's causing your cat to spray. If he doesn't get along with another cat in the environment, try separating them for a time. Cat spraying can also be due to a medical problem, and is something you should discuss with your veterinarian.
Thoroughly clean up every area that your cat has sprayed, so that your cat will be less tempted to spray the same area again. Cat pheromones often cannot be detected by the human nose, so use a potent antibacterial cleanser to be sure that you're removed every trace of the spraying.
A cat behaviorist can help you get to the bottom of your problems with your cat by reviewing the steps you've already taken and what your living situation is like. There are many reasons why a cat will have behavior problems, including his home, his food, his health, or his lack of companionship. Your vet can also help you work this out.
Cat behavior is often baffling, but if you try to understand your cat's reasons for spraying or other harmful actions you might find that there is a logical explanation. Cats can't speak for themselves, so when they are upset about something they spray or claw or cry. Just try to get to the bottom of your cat's problem and you may find a simple solution.
As innocent as the reasons behind cat spraying may be, it is a behavior that even the most devout cat lovers want to eliminate. Don't be tempted to punish your cats for spraying - after all, they are just doing what's in their nature. Some cat behavior is often baffling, but if you try to understand your cat's reasons for spraying or other harmful actions you might find that there is a logical explanation. Cats can't speak for themselves, so when they are upset about something they spray or claw or cry.
Published October 9th, 2007
Filed in Pets
