Most of people mistake spraying for urination. But there are differences between them. Especially they should be aware that spraying is not a litter box problem. Cats with spraying problems may still use the litter box regularly.
Therefore, how can we tell the difference when cat spraying it stands straight up and lift its bottom high in air against a vertical area like a wall. Also spray usually has a distinct smell different from urine. If you don’t see the upright posture when cat does it then you are dealing with a cat with urinating problems.
Cats do this spraying due to several reasons.
- To mark the territory – cats are extremely territorial animals. Some cats that are much socialized don’t need big territorial area. Your cat may do it when he feels threatened by an intruder cat or a dog. Blocking the view of outdoor may give a relief to such cats. But they may still feel the smell.
- Unaltered males and female cats spray to attract a male. – For such cases spaying or neutering may change the behavior.
- If cats spray on certain persons clothing, it may have some conflict with the person. There may be another cats’ or dogs’ smell in that persons clothing.
- In multi-cat homes a cat sprays to communicate things to another cat – this case can get worse if they haven’t enough territorial space. If one of them decides that he hasn’t got much attention, you will have to deal with mischievous cats.
- To relieve stress – a stressed cat is hard to handle for you and to cat itself. So try to lower your cats stress by playing with it and showing affection.
