Cat Spraying : Causes And Solutions
Most cat owners will have to deal with cat spraying at some point in their cat's life, because it is a common and instinctive behavioral problem. Cats mark their territory by spraying urine onto walls, furniture, or other objects that cats want to claim as theirs.
The urine of cats contain pheromones that cats use to communicate with each other. Thus, when your cat sprays, he is sending some message to other cats- either marking its territory, attempting to attract a mate, or signaling a high level of stress for some reason.
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 your neutered cat is still spraying, or if you are unable to get your cat neutered, consider seeking out the source of the problem that is causing your cat to spray. If there is another cat in the area that does not get along with your cat, try separating them. At times, cat spraying can be due to a medical problem. This is something that you will want to discuss with your veterinarian.
Clean all areas that have been sprayed. This helps to remove some of the temptation to spray in the same place again. It's important to note that cat pheromones often can't be smelled by humans, so be sure to use a strong antibacterial cleanser that will eliminate the odor entirely.
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.
Cats, like other animals, have their own system of logic and their own means of expressing themselves. Consulting a cat behaviorist or reading books on cats behavior are good ways to try to understand your cat. When they do things that you don't like, they are simply expressing themselves in their own natural language. If you are going to invite them into your life, you need to learn what they are trying to say.
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. 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 food, his health, or his lack of companionship. Your vet can also help you work this out.
Published October 9th, 2007
Filed in Recreation