subject: Three Common Reasons for Cats that Spray, and What to Do [print this page] Three Common Reasons for Cats that Spray, and What to Do
Cats that spray is one of the best known and and most difficult feline behaviour problems. A variety of issues can be at the root of it. There are also varying remedies. It's even better if the problem can be prevented altogether.
Usually cat owners will have to toilet train cats. It's easiest to litter train a cat while it's young. This might not always be possible. Moving to a place without outdoor access or adopting an adult cat might be different. It would bring up the issue of litter training an adult cat. This takes patience, but it can be done successfully.
On the other hand, sometimes a well-behaved cat will start avoiding it's box.
Health:
As with any change in a cat's behaviour, a responsible owner should consult a vet immediately. Some of the possible medical causes are very serious, such as:
colitis
inflammatory bowel disease
diabetes mellitus
hyperthyroidism
kidney disease
liver disease
feline lower urinary tract disease
arthritis
anal sac disease
The discomfort and/or pain associated with such health problems can make the cat think that it's litter box is the cause. It will try to get relief by going elsewhere. Any treatment for the underlying health problem would automatically take care of the litter box problem too.
On another note, a number of these diseases are quite advanced by the time a cat owner becomes aware of it. For that reason alone, no time should be lost in seeking veterinary treatment.
If a cat is an unneutered male, he is most likely just marking his territory. (Females are less notorious, but they might also display the same behaviour.) Neutering should put a quick stop to the problem. On the other hand, if left for too long, a cat might just continue spraying out of habit, even after he's been neutered. Neutering (and spaying) also helps reduce the overpopulation and subsequent suffering of so many other cats.
Stress/Change:
If a cat suddenly starts "thinking outside the box" after moving into a new home, there might be more than one cause. Possibly there was feline resident there before. In that case the newcomer is just superimposing it's own scent. Specialized enzyme based cleaners will dissolve both traces of the previous cat and the fresher urine. This is important because cats like to go back to the same spot.
Or it could simply be the stress of the actual move. Felines, just like humans don't particularly enjoy the upheaval. One should also always make sure that the cat knows where the litter box is in the new place. A lot of affection and possibly some natural calming remedies can help a cat settle a lot more quickly. Again, removing all traces of urine is essential to preventing repeat performances.
Other sources of stress can be the loss or addition of a partner or other family member, or of course a pet. In all of these cases affection an patience will go a long way.
Litter/ Litter Box:
The litter box itself and it's content can have a lot to do with a cat's rejection. Many of the fancier types of boxes are mainly created for the benefit of the human. Enclosed litter boxes might not only be awkward to use for some cats, but they can also trap and magnify odours.
Regular cleaning is no less important with closed litter boxes, just because the human can't smell them from the outside. If anything it's even more important. Otherwise it's extra unpleasant for the cat and might provide an excuse for going elsewhere.
Similarly to box designs, scented types of cat litter might appeal more to the human than the cat. To a cat's refined sense of smell such artificial scents might just be overpowering and offputting. It's recommended to try a few natural neutral types of litter instead. Usually at least one of them will be received much better.
On the other hand, the problem might not be any of the above. It could be just what happens to all of us when we see and smell a neglected public toilet. We'll give it a miss and go somewhere else. Even the most conscientious cat people might sometimes forget to clean out the litter box. Keeping on top of it can make all the difference.
Sometimes cats that spray might need a little refresher course. There are fairly extensive courses on how to litter train a cat. The basic concept is to shut the cat into a room with its clean litter box until it uses it. Sometimes a whole day or several sessions are required. Rewarding the correct behaviour will reinforce it in the cat's memory.
This shows that cats that spray needn't be a permanent problem, let alone damage the relationship with one's feline friend.
