“Spraying is a cat’s way of marking territory to feel more secure in its environment.”
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Let’s start with some facts about cats.
Cats are solitary creatures who like (and need) privacy and independence. They like to have their own territory and feel safe in it.
They don’t really like to share their territory with other animals.
So, in an ideal world, your cat’s home would be a house with a garden, with high fences, and no other pets or animals could get into the house or garden.
This allows your cat to eat, sleep, and toilet peacefully and safely.
And when it’s not like that?…
When you ask your cat to live in a house with other cats (and/or dogs), you unfortunately introduce a level of stress. Some cats cope better with this stress than others. Also, if you install a cat flap and other cats in the neighbourhood come in through it and into your home, your cat can start to feel really threatened. He will feel unsafe in his own home.
So what is spraying?
Spraying is when your cat urinates on things to mark them with his or her scent. You know your cat is spraying when he stands up to pee with his tail high, and the urine stream is horizontal. Cats usually spray onto vertical surfaces like door frames, furniture, or new items you bring into the house, like shopping bags.
Spraying is your cat’s way of marking his territory and feeling safer and more secure.
How can you stop your cat from spraying?
A bit of detective work is useful. Ask yourself if something stressful has just happened. Have you just installed a cat flap? Do you have a new pet or a new baby? Are you doing building work or major renovations?
Simple changes like locking a cat flap or giving your cat a safe room to hide in where children can’t get access can often help. It’s important to clean areas where the cat has sprayed with biological washing powder solution (to remove the proteins of the urine fully) followed by a wipe with surgical spirit (to remove the lipids). Ammonia-based cleaning products will only make the problem worse.
If you’ve tried the above and the problem persists, call us. As mobile vets, we have a huge advantage: we get to see your cat in his own environment, which helps us understand the problem holistically. After we have done a full clinical examination and assessment, we may need to do a urine or blood test to check for underlying medical problems. In some cases, we can prescribe medication and pheromone treatment to help break the cycle of spraying.
“Assessing your cat in its home environment can provide important insight into the cause of spraying.”
A side note about Tom Cats
If your male cat is not desexed, you might like to know a few more facts. Un-neutered male cats are constantly on the lookout for new territory and opportunities to mate. They roam far and wide, expanding their territory and spraying to mark it as they go. And their urine stinks.
So if your male cat is spraying and he’s not desexed, your first phone call should be to arrange for us to come and chat about his operation.
Key Takeaways
- Spraying is a territorial behaviour
Cats spray to mark their environment and feel more secure. - Stress is a common trigger
Changes in the home or the presence of other animals can lead to spraying. - The environment plays a major role
Access to a safe, private space can reduce stress-related behaviour. - Medical causes should be ruled out
Testing may be required if the problem continues.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cat spraying inside the house?
Spraying in cats is usually linked to stress or a perceived threat to their territory. This can happen when there are other pets in the home, when the environment changes, or when unfamiliar animals enter the space. The behaviour helps the cat feel more secure.
How can I tell if my cat is spraying or just urinating?
Spraying in cats typically involves the cat standing upright, tail raised, and directing urine onto vertical surfaces. Normal urination usually occurs on horizontal surfaces while the cat is crouched. The position and location are key differences.
What triggers spraying behaviour in cats?
Common triggers include new pets, a new baby, renovations or changes in routine. Access points like cat flaps can also introduce unfamiliar animals, which can increase stress. Even small environmental changes can be enough to trigger spraying.
What is the best way to clean areas where a cat has sprayed?
Areas should be cleaned with a biological washing powder solution to break down urine proteins. This should be followed by wiping with surgical spirit to remove remaining residue. Ammonia-based cleaners should be avoided as they can worsen the behaviour.
When should I seek veterinary help for cat spraying?
If environmental changes have been addressed and spraying continues, a veterinary assessment is recommended. A mobile vet can assess your cat in its home environment and look for underlying causes. Testing, such as urine or blood analysis, may be required.
Does desexing help stop spraying in male cats?
Un-neutered male cats are more likely to spray as they mark territory and seek mating opportunities. Desexing can reduce this behaviour by lowering the drive to roam and mark. It is often one of the first steps considered when managing spraying.