WHY DO CATS SPRAY?
When it comes to their bathroom habits, cats are usually very neat and tidy by nature.
It can be a little perplexing if you find your feline companion away from the litter box, with their backside raised, tail quivering, and marking against a wall, fence, or other vertical areas.
However, this is completely normal and is known as ‘spraying,’ which means your cat is either marking their territory or sending a message to the opposite sex that they are ‘available’!
Spraying is a commonly misunderstood cat behavior that can be mistaken for urinating and can be done in conjunction with meowing and yowling; cat-speak for “I’m available for dating”!
So, when should you expect your cat to start spraying, and what should you do if that happens?
When your kitten reaches maturity, you should start looking for signs of spraying. Spraying usually begins when cats are 6 to 7 months old, though male cats can reach maturity as early as 4 to 5 months. But don’t be fooled into believing that your baby female kitty is too young to have babies before this age!
Neutering or spaying
If you want to keep your cat from spraying, try neutering or spaying them before they reach sexual maturity, which occurs about 4 to 5 months of age, or when your veterinarian recommends it.
Before your cat starts spraying, train them
Don’t believe the myth that a spayed or neutered cat can’t spray! Despite the fact that this can reduce spraying, all cats have the potential to spray. However, teaching them good habits as they grow older can help them avoid spraying! The best way to prevent them from developing bad habits is to provide them with a positive and reassuring environment in which they can feel secure and happy as they progress from kitten to adult cat. Your cat will urinate normally as a result, and there will be less of a chance of them developing a spraying habit.
And one more thing…
If your cat has started to spray, it’s important to always clean that area thoroughly with an enzymatic odor remover — this will deter them from returning to that spot.
Eliminate stress factors
If your cat has already acquired a spraying habit, it could be an indication that they’re unhappy or agitated, or that they’re having trouble adapting to any changes that may be taking place.
You can help your kitten detect any reasons of concern, it can be as simple as a new animal in its territory, an unknown visitor, or changes in your house. These things can harm or discomfort your beloved buddy; reassure you, offer them plenty of attention and cuddles!
Original post from OneOfMyPets by Ivana M.