How to Train Your Cat to Stop Spraying

Your cat Tigger is spraying all over the house and anywhere else he can find. These wet spots smell bad long after they dry, and it becomes stronger by the day. Is it time to send him outside for the rest of his life?

It's because he's a male cat. He's leaving his trail for Fluffy, the female cat that comes around. It allows him to mark his territory and show how much ground he controls. Actually he's not that picky, and any female is welcome and the reason he sprays.

Fluffy at the same time, when she's in heat, will puddle about too. She may do it anywhere as well, though higher comfortable ground is her preference.

The best way to deal with this in both cases is to have them spayed. 90% of spayed animals cease these behaviors as they no longer have a reason to do it. For the other 10% it will still be easier to train them out of the habit as well. To top it off, your cat will probably live longer and have less stress after this. They will become friendlier too.

Without spaying, there are other options. You may be able to train your cat to stop, though it won't be as easy, as it's their instinct you are working against.

Often, cats by nature will sleep around during the day, and then get active and busy at night. It's more fun for them to stalk and prowl in darker conditions. One way to cut down on spraying and puddles is to keep them real active during the day, and tire them out. Cats love their rest and sleep too. If you exhaust them by day, they may sleep all night to catch up on this.

Another idea that might help would be to setup a room especially for him. He will continue to spray at least at times, so the room should have linoleum or tile to make it easier to cleanup. By all means, you must have a clean litter box there as well to encourage the right (and natural) behavior from him. A soft bed for him (or her) will be in order as well. Pillows, blankets, or anything washable will be ideal. If the room has any other furniture, you will want to cover things, or take other measures to protect it from the spraying or puddles. You will probably find a number of items at the pet store to help in this area. It would be smart to have a window to, so the cat can spy on the outside from within for a little extra excitement.

Also make sure it has food and water, though a reasonable amount. Too much might lead to excessive spraying at night. You want to train him to go outside during the day though.

A simpler solution with less comfort for the cats is a pet carrier. You will likely get meows and other howls from them though. Having this in a separate room will still limit the noise.

Again, consulting with the pet store and maybe even the vet will find you yet more ideas to combat both the behavior, as well as dealing with the smells that occur as a result.

Spraying/puddles are natural behaviors for your cat. When they are happening, spaying them, or being an active motivator for them to stop is the key to stopping Tigger and Fluffy from doing things this way.