Why Do Male Cats Spray and What Can You Do About It?

When it comes to feline behavior, one of the most misunderstood things is spraying.

Both male and female cats spray, but it’s more commonly associated with males. In fact, nearly 80% of cats that spray are male.

Spraying is simply urine marking.

Cats have scent glands in their paw pads and on their faces.

When they rub against something, they’re leaving their scent behind. Spraying is a way of marking their territory.

So why do male cats spray? Petpress brings you the reasons and solutions.

Why do indoor male cats spray?

1. A way to mark their territory

Spraying is one of the ways that male cats communicate with other members of their species.

By leaving a scent marker, they are essentially saying “this is my turf.”

This behavior is most often seen in intact (not spayed or neutered) males, as they are the ones who feel the need to assert their dominance and claim their territory.

2. A sign of stress

Any kind of change in a cat’s environment can be stressful, whether it’s a new pet or baby in the home, construction work being done nearby, or even just a change in the furniture layout.

When cats feel stressed, they may start spraying as a way to cope with the anxiety.

3. A reaction to a medical condition

Sometimes, spraying can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney disease.

If your cat suddenly starts spraying, it’s best to take them to the vet for a checkup.

4. Because they’re bored

Cats are natural hunters, and if they’re not given enough opportunities to stalk and chase prey, they may start spraying out of boredom.

This is often seen in indoor cats who don’t have access to the great outdoors (or even an indoor hunting ground).

5. Separation anxiety

Just like humans, some cats experience separation anxiety when their owners leave them alone for extended periods of time.

This can lead to them spraying in an effort to self-soothe and make their owner’s scent return.

6. Insecurity

Cats who don’t feel confident in their environment may start spraying as a way to boost their own confidence.

This is often seen in multi-cat households, where one cat may feel threatened by the others.

7. Because they’re feeling territorial

Even if your cat has never been outside, they may still spray if they feel like their territory is being encroached upon.

This can happen if you bring home a new pet or baby, or even if a friend’s cat comes over to visit.

How do you stop a male cat from spraying?

If you’ve ever come home to the distinct smell of cat urine, then you know how frustrating it can be to deal with a spraying cat. But don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to stop your male cat from spraying.

1. Spay or neuter your cat: This is the most important thing you can do to prevent spraying. Male cats spray to mark their territory, and they’re much less likely to do so if they’re neutered.

2. Provide plenty of litter boxes: It’s important to have one more litter box than the number of cats you have. So, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. This gives your cats enough space to do their business without feeling crowded.

3. Keep the litter boxes clean: Some cats are picky about cleanliness and will avoid using dirty litter boxes. scoop the box at least once a day, and completely empty and clean it out once a week.

4. Give your cat some vertical territory: Cats like to spray on vertical surfaces, so providing a scratching post or cat tree for your cat to climb can help deter spraying.

5. Reduce stress in your cat’s environment: Cats can spray when they’re feeling stressed, so it’s important to create a calm and relaxed environment for your cat. Provide perches and hiding places for your cat to feel safe, and avoid changes in the home that could be stressful for your cats, such as bringing home a new pet or baby.

By following these tips, you can help stop your male cat from spraying and keep your home smelling fresh.

How often does a male cat spray?

While the frequency of male cat spraying can vary, it typically happens more often during certain periods in a cat’s life.

For example, kittens may spray when they reach sexual maturity, and adult cats may do it when they feel territorial or anxious.

In most cases, male cat spraying is simply a way for your feline friend to mark his territory and make sure other cats know who’s boss.

Final Words

If you’re concerned about your cat’s spraying behavior, talk to your veterinarian.

They can help you figure out if there’s an underlying medical condition that’s causing the problem, and they can also give you some tips on how to reduce your cat’s stress levels.

In most cases, though, male cat spraying is nothing to worry about. Just be sure to clean up any messes your cat makes, so your home doesn’t start to smell like a litter box!