Urine Marking (Spraying)
Urine marking (spraying) is a common feline behavior that can be quite undesirable in our households. Cats primarily use urine marking to signal their presence to other cats and establish and defend their territories. The most common triggers for urine marking include the introduction of a new cat into the household, free-roaming cats outdoors, or conflicts between cats within the family. However, other events, such as visitors' arrival, new furniture, or unfamiliar scents, can also provoke urine marking. At times, cats may resort to urine marking when feeling frustrated, for example, when denied access to the outdoors or not receiving adequate attention from their caregiver. Moreover, anxious or fearful cats might engage in urine marking to surround themselves with a familiar scent.
Urine marking is more frequently observed in unaltered cats; however, females may also exhibit this behavior. Neutering a male cat is typically the first step, but it's important to note that a certain percentage of neutered cats may continue to spray after the surgery.
Below are some suggestions for addressing urine marking. However, it's essential to understand that it is difficult to eliminate chronic spraying, and sometimes, management may be the best bet.
Thoroughly clean all affected areas using an enzymatic cleaner that neutralizes odors. If there is an olfactory cue (the scent of urine), the cat may continue to spray. The recommended product for this purpose is Anti-Icky-Poo.
Restrict access to areas that have been sprayed until they are properly treated with the odor-neutralizing cleaner.
Make the marked area less appealing to the cat by using items such as aluminum foil, sticky paper, sandpaper, or a carpet runner with the nubby side facing up.
Introduce aversive scents in the area, such as menthol, floral perfumes, oil of wintergreen, or citrus.
Change the purpose of the marked area by providing food, catnip, toys, and treats there.
Apply the synthetic facial pheromone FELIWAY in the area. Since cats also mark using their facial glands, providing this olfactory cue may encourage them to adopt a different marking strategy.
Provide a "spray pan," an L-shaped litterbox configuration designed to redirect spraying to a more appropriate location.
If the spraying is a response to outdoor cats, cover the windows and discourage neighboring cats from entering your yard.
If the spraying is related to social conflicts among cats in the household, improve their relationships by ensuring positive interactions with treats, affection, and play.
Create an "environment of plenty" by offering multiple feeding areas, elimination spots, and sleeping perches at various heights throughout the house.
Explore natural calming remedies such as Rescue Remedy, Composure calming chews, and Feliway calming pheromones, as they can help reduce anxiety.
Provide daily enrichment for all cats, focusing on the one exhibiting spraying behavior. Enrichment involves stimulating the cat's brain and encouraging natural behaviors. Activities like placing cat food inside feeder balls or puzzle feeders, hiding food around the house for the cat to find, and engaging in interactive play can be beneficial. Additionally, installing a bird feeder outside a window for your cat to watch can provide hours of enrichment.
Allowing your cat safe outdoor access can help prevent indoor spraying. Building a secure fenced area specifically for your cat is a safe option, and companies like Purrfect Cat Fence offer cat-specific fencing that is easy to install.
In some cases, medications may help control urine marking in cats. Please attempt the above suggestions before considering medication. If the problem persists despite trying various strategies, consult your veterinarian about drug therapy. However, it's worth noting that while medication may temporarily suppress the behavior, some cats may revert to urine marking once the medication is discontinued.
