Dealing with Spraying

[Lil_Branchette]

I'm getting a cat, Smokey, and currently he's an outdoor cat, but how do I get him not to spray, because we're turning him into an indoor cat....

 

[mishalaa]

Get him neutered.

 

[eroomlorac]

But even neutered, sometimes if it's a habit that's been formed, it's hard for them to quit. Maybe he won't feel the need to spray in a house that he doesn't have to 'protect from other cats', but I'm not sure.

 

[JennyBug]

If you see him getting ready to spray (squaring up to a wall, lifting his tail), carry him to a litter box right away. I agree with the above, though, he might just be really used to it, and some indoor boys miss the litter box occasionally.

 

[Lil_Branchette]

Do you know how long it will take him to get used to being an indoor cat, and stop spraying at all?

 

[Sesame]

just might depend on the kitty *shrug*

 

[Lil_Branchette]

Today, I asked one of my friends who has a cat, and she said that you have to spray the spot that the cat is about to pee on, or something. I don't quite remember, but could someone tell me if that works, and what exactly do you do?

 

[addictedtochins]

When I was a kid we had a cat that still sprayed after being neutered and the vet game him some female hormone (estrogen?) which stopped it.

 

[Nancy]

You may never get him to stop. How old is he? Often, even with neutering they will continue to do so.

 

[Jeanette]

I know that it's not your fault because you didn't have him when he was younger... but this is a good reason to have your pets fixed when they are young!

 

[Lil_Branchette]

You may never get him to stop. How old is he? Often, even with neutering they will continue to do so.

He's 6 years old...Exactly what do cats like to spray? Couches or something?

 

[Jenn]

Do you have any other animals in the house? Have their been other animals in the house? Cats will spray if there is the odor of another animal to mark their territory.