HOW TO STOP A CAT FROM SPRAYING
If all other potential causes have been ruled out, check with your veterinarian to see if there is a health-related issue. Barring any of these reasons, stress could be a culprit, just like it is for vertical spraying.
The Signs of Behavioral Cat Spraying
If your cat directs urine onto a vertical surface (marking), his spraying is likely caused by stress or nervousness. Male cats spray most often—particularly adult, unneutered males. But that doesn't mean they're the only ones that spray. Any cat, male or female, can spray.
Stress-triggers that can lead to spraying include a recent move, new furniture in your home, loud noises, or a new pet or family member joining your household.
Even a feral cat wandering around outside might be enough to cause your cat to feel defensive and start spraying. In general, anything that causes your cat to feel insecure could lead to inappropriate spraying.
How to Clean Cat Spray
Before you can stop spraying, you have to clean up any urine—and clean it well.2 Traces of previous spraying can trigger your cat's desire to re-mark an area, making it cyclical. In addition to standard household cleaning products or urine-removal products, many pet parents find vinegar-water mixtures, followed by baking soda, to be effective at removing odor. Be sure not to use a cleaner with ammonia, which is actually a component of cat urine and can trigger further marking incidents.
