Spraying urine is a normal territory-marking behaviour. Never punish a cat for spraying as this never helps but may lead to more spraying. Try to understand the causes of your cat's behaviour instead.
Cats sometimes spray urine on vertical surfaces outside to mark their territory and leave information for themselves and other cats to 'read'.
If your cat sprays inside, it's usually a sign that something is wrong.
While urine spraying is normal behaviour that can be performed by any cat, male or female, neutered or not, spraying indoors may be a sign that your cat does not feel secure in their home.
Urine spraying is completely different from normal toileting. Cats usually urinate from a squatting position and produce a large puddle of urine in a secluded spot. In contrast, cats spray urine to leave a scent message for themselves and other cats. Cats spray by backing up to a vertical surface in an open location and squirt a spray of urine from a standing position, sometimes while paddling with their back legs and quivering their tail.
Urine spraying is a normal part of scent marking behaviour. Cats use different scents to create a scent map of their environment.
Cats tend to rub their cheeks in the core part of their territory where they feel safe and relaxed. They use urine spray to mark the areas of their territory where they feel threatened. Cats may do this as a reminder to themselves to be wary in that part of their territory. When the smell fades, the cat will spray again to top-up the scent.
Cats spraying in your house can be frustrating. Watch our video guide below to explain the possible reasons for your cat spraying inside your home and for tips on how to stop a cat from spraying.
Has your cat started spraying indoors? Your first step should be to visit your vet to make sure there are no medical causes for your cat's behaviour.
The next step is to work out what makes your cat feel threatened and then take action to eliminate the threat. This process can be complicated because there may be many factors involved. It is best to ask your vet to refer you to a qualified animal behaviourist.
Spraying is often connected to a change in the cat's environment, such as a new cat.
The location of your cat's spraying may provide clues about their perceived threat. If your cat sprays on internal doorways and in hallways it may be because this is where they come into contact with other cats. To overcome this, you can help reduce conflict and create a sense of security by providing extra litter trays, bowls and places for your cats to sleep, play and scratch - reducing the need for competition.
If your cat is spraying on the cat flap or external doors or windows, then they may be threatened by something outside, such as another cat.
You can help your cat feel safe by making your home feel more secure. Covering windows with a semi-transparent material may help to restrict their view of other cats. If other cats are entering your home through the cat flap, you can fit a microchip-activated cat flap that will only admit your cats.
You can also try to discourage neighbouring cats from entering your garden. See Keeping cats out of your garden for suggestions.
Pheromone therapy may also help to reduce your cat's anxiety levels.
Pheromone therapy - Topic
Managing your cat's behaviour - Topic
Toileting - Topic
Keeping cats out of your garden - Topic
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