How To Deal With Cats That Spray
Several practical methods can be done in this situation. However, as spraying urine is a specific problem and not uncommon with cats, this kind of behavior merits its own entry in this book.
You will come across this kind of behavior mostly with neutered male cats.
Any cat can display it. This behavior is exhibited when the cat backs up to a straight surface with his tail up and relieves urine. The cat may then tread with his hind feetor show a wobbling of the tail. Cats will sometimes show this kind of behavior without spraying any urine. The main purpose of the cat spraying his urine is to mark territory.
However, male cats that are neutered before they reach full maturity (usually by the age of six or seven months) are much less likely to start spraying. Once an intact male cat begins spraying, the habit will be very tough to break even after he's been neutered. Do not count on successfully correcting spraying urine if the cat is not neutered.
Decrease the cat's stress. Spraying can be a cat's way of saying there might be too much going on. A very common cause of stress-induced spraying is having a multiple cat household.
It's not that the cat doesn't like living with other cats, he may feel that he the territory in the household isn't big enough to accommodate every cat's personal space.
If you think spraying may be related to stress , try to determine and reduce the cause of stress. If it's possible, try to help him cope by making sure you give him enough attention and exercise.
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Be certain he has plenty places to retreat to in the home where he can just relax get away from it all, such as a high shelf with a comfortable rug, a cat tree, or a piece of cat furniture.
Get your cat checked out if it's spraying and is an un-neutered young adult cat.
If your cat starts spraying, it may be a case of urinary tract disease or other health problem. Spraying that starts with a physical type problem can't be corrected until that problem is put right.
When Is It the Right Time to Call the Vet
If the cat starts to spray, even if it's only once, get in touch with your vet. This won't be a behavior you will want to continue, but there could be a physical cause. It may be time for the male kitten to be neutered. You will want sort it out and get it taken care of before the behavior becomes a permanent headache.
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