Why Does My Cat Spray on Walls?

Cat spray has one of the most potent smells in the pet world. It's different from regular urination — it's a communication behavior, and it can be managed.

3 Common Causes

1. 1

   Territorial marking — spraying is a normal feline communication method to mark territory, especially in multi-cat households or when outdoor cats are visible.

2. 2

   Hormonal drive — intact (un-neutered) cats are far more likely to spray. Neutering reduces spraying in about 90% of males and 95% of females.

3. 3

   Stress or conflict — changes in the home, inter-cat tension, or new outdoor cats in the neighborhood can trigger stress-related spraying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is spraying different from peeing outside the box?

Spraying typically involves a standing posture with the tail quivering, depositing urine on vertical surfaces. Regular urination is in a squatting position on horizontal surfaces.

Do female cats spray?

Yes, though less commonly than males. Both intact and spayed females can spray, particularly when stressed or in multi-cat environments.

Will Feliway really help with spraying?

Feliway (synthetic feline pheromone) has shown effectiveness in reducing spraying in about 90% of cases in clinical studies. It works best when combined with environmental management.

Related Behavior Guides

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• Hisses at other catssocial