Why Do Cats Spray Indoors

Why Do Cats Spray Indoors?

It's a fact of life with cats. At some point, most will spray. While humans find this behavior maddening and offensive, the cats consider it perfectly normal. Neutered cats spray because they're stressed; anointing a wall or piece of furniture with the scent of their own urine reassures them and makes them feel all is right with their world.

Overcrowding

Cats in multi-cat households may spray to carve out a bit of turf to call their own. Relieve stress for cats by providing high perches, floor-to-ceiling cat trees, tunnels and other ways for the cats to get away from each other when they need time alone.

New Furniture

Cats recognize their friends and personal belongings more by scent than sight. To discourage spraying, rub new furniture with an unwashed towel or pillow case. Put unwashed towels on new sofa and chair cushions. Spray your new furniture with Feliway, which mimics the "friendly" scent in a cat's cheeks and discourages urine marking. Most pet supply stores sell Feliway.

New People

Cats are creatures of habit, and the arrival of a new baby or overnight guests can stress them so much they spray. Rescue Remedy or the Feliway in Comfort Zone diffusers will take the edge off their stress. Pet supply stores sell Comfort Zone. Most health food stores sell Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic remedy that calms jittery nerves.

New Puppies or Kittens

To an adult cat, there's nothing more annoying and even frightening than a tiny, four-legged bundle of energy. Creating a puppy- or kitten-free zone for your adult cats will help prevent stress and spraying.

A New Routine

A child going off to college or a family member starting a full-time job stresses some cats so much they spray. Plan ahead and make your new routine with the cats overlap with the old so they can transition gradually into their new schedule.

Visiting Cats

Cats coming around outside are stressful for indoor cats and can cause them to spray on sliding glass doors, windows and exterior walls. Be relentless in discouraging outside cats from visiting your deck or yard. Your cats deserve to live in peace in their own home.

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