Keep Your Cat From Spraying
It can be very upsetting when your cat takes up the habit of urine spraying your furniture. Unsanitary, difficult to clean, unpleasant and just simply no fun, it is a habit which must be broken. If your cat continues to spray, there are a number of reasons that they may be doing so - by learning what these reasons are and working with your cat to correct the problem, you can keep your cat from spraying.
First of all, take your cat to the vet. A male cat which has not been neutered will spray to mark their turf. Neutering your cat will usually reduce or even eliminate the spraying problem entirely. Spraying can also be a symptom of underlying health problems - it is sometimes seen in older cats who have never sprayed before, which can be a sign of health issues.
When you want to stop cat spraying, remember that you should not get angry or shout at your cat when he has sprayed on your furniture. Chances are, you did not catch him in the act; he will have no idea what you are getting upset about. Because some cats spray when they are anxious or upset, you may just be making the problem worse. Some cats will also spray after they have been moved to new home and in this case, the problem often goes away when the cat is more comfortable.
Cats will tend to spray if they are challenged by another cat. By making it so that your cat cannot see outside, the problem will be reduced. Other cats that your cat sees outside will make your cat want to spray to mark his territory. Keep your curtains and blinds closed and your furniture away from these windows; this should help reduce spraying.
Clean any area where your cat has sprayed very thoroughly. Remember that your cat has a far keener sense of smell than you do and they will associate this spot with spraying. Doing a good job of cleaning these areas will help prevent your cat from spraying again. Use a pet repellent which will keep your cat clear of this area, even if they have repeatedly marked this area before.
When your cat has been spraying, remember that you should always ask why this has been happening. Often, finding the reason for this phenomenon can help you put a stop to it altogether!
About the Author: Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems fast.
More articles by amyj@nitromarketing.com
Print Article | Download PDF | 8 views | Jun 29 2008
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