Dear Aggie,
My 5 year-old cat Hayden has started spraying around the house which he's never done before. I keep cleaning it up but he keeps going back to the same spot. Why is he doing this and how can I stop him? I'm worried my kitten will start to copy him.
Lucy, Benfleet
Dear Lucy
My my, you are in a pickle. There are many reasons for this really, and too many to go into here, but I'll see what I can do for you.
Lots of people think only males spray, you know, specially the un-neutered ones. I'm afraid to say that the girls can be just as bad! Are you sure it is spraying and not just going to the toilet in the wrong place? Don't be upset dear. The reason I ask is that humans often can't tell the difference: not your fault with your inferior sense of smell.
If you're worried that it might be a medical problem, then I would urge you to consult your vet as soon as possible to rule out any injuries or internal problems. A necessary evil, vets, in my opinion, and I have never been to one in my entire life, although I had a sister who practically lived there, but that's another story and I digress ...
If it's not medical, then it could be emotional. Stress can be a big factor in this area and it's not just humans who feel it. Something could have upset your cat, such as a new cat moving into the area or the house; new furniture; something's been moved; you've moved house; had a baby; should I carry on dear? You mention a kitten - that could well be the cause of the problem. Hayden is feeling insecure and he feels the need to let this cat and every other in the area know exactly where his territory is. This is why he is spraying everywhere: he is marking as much as possible with his scent.
He needs reassuring - no good telling him off as it's inbuilt into his nature. Without making a fuss, quietly clean the area with biological washing powder in warm water. Don't use disinfectants as they contain the same ingredients as urine and therefore smell the same; plus those nasty chemicals can be harmful to cats and therefore add to the problem. I've known humans to use diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle to help get rid of the smell. Once clean and dry, you can try putting his food bowl there. Cats don't usually eat and wee in the same place - well, would you?
Don't expect improvements overnight as he needs to adjust to whatever has upset him. If it carries on, you could try a product called Feliway (plug in or spray, available from your vet) which gives off certain harmless pheromones that will calm and reassure him. If he still doesn't improve, then you may need to confine Hayden to one room with a litter tray, or if that doesn't work try him in a large cage with a litter tray.
I wish you all the best with Hayden, my dear. Do let me know how you get on. Aggie
P.S. I would be interested to hear what other people have tried. Please send me an email with your suggestions.
