Cat spraying is a weird-looking activity where the cat stands with a vertical tail (sometimes quivering at the tip) and delivers a squirt of urine against a vertical surface. This is normal feline behaviour but pet owners from Albanvale and Taylors Hill have been understandably frustrated when their cats start to spray INSIDE the house!
Why do cats spray urine?
Urine spraying is considered a normal part of a cat’s scent-marking. It is thought that the spray contains information about sex, age, hormonal state and general health, and it may also deter other cats from entering their territory. Both male and female cats will spray – and cats that are not desexed may spray more often.
Cats will also spray when they are frustrated, upset or feel threatened by another cat. It’s fascinating feline psychology and by marking with a squirt of urine and leaving a familiar smell, a cat feels a greater sense of security in their own territory.
Most cats won’t spray indoors as they feel sufficiently comfortable in their own territory. Sometimes this can, however, go out the window and a small change may rock the boat.
So why is my cat suddenly spraying indoors?
Triggers include:
- The arrival (or departure) of a new cat, dog or person in the family (or next door!)
- Changes in the home environment such as new furniture or carpets
- Disruptions like construction next door
- Addition of a cat flap – suddenly making the cat feel insecure indoors
A medical problem such as a urinary tract infection or inflammation can also cause a cat to suddenly start spraying urine indoors.
This highlights the importance of having regular checkups with us, your local Burnside Heights vet, as the treatment of a urinary tract infection will be very different to the management of behavioural spraying.
Is your cat spraying indoors?
Have any questions about your cat’s toileting habits?
Call Caroline Springs Vet Hospital today for expert advice.
