Why Do Cats Spray?

Posted on April 1, 2025

Why Do Cats Spray?

Cat spray is well, an awful smelling liquid that can come from both male and female, intact and not intact cats. Although spaying and neutering does help greatly.

The difference between a cat urinating and a cat spraying is that a cat backing up to an object or a wall on all fours with an erect tail is typically spraying and not urinating.

Sprayed urine emits a more pungent odor than urine. It’s made of urine but there are some chemical differences between spray and regular urination.

Reasons why cats spray:

Cats spray to mark their territory.

Anxiety or stress.

Mating behavior – spay/neuter your cat.

Conflict with multi-cat household.

Medical issues like UTI’s or age-related issues.

Changes in routine or in their environment (moving, new furniture a new baby).

Litter box issues.

If your cat starts to spray and there is nothing new about his/her environment, contact your vet.

Make sure all litterboxes are clean.

All pheromone diffusers and calming collars with multiple pets.

Provide your cat with scratching posts, toys, and enough vertical space.

Clean affected areas thoroughly! Enzyme-based cleaners neutralize the scent. Do not use bleach!