The key here is being able to distinguish spraying from simply going outside the litterbox. Spraying is done on vertical surfaces, usually with legs straight. Compare this to normal elimination, which is done squatting on a horizontal surface. Either way, any major change in your cat’s excretory pattern could indicate a medical problem, so you should visit your vet right away.


Spraying is a natural way that cats mark territory, which means it is not easy to stop. But it is often a response to stress, especially the stress of another animal nearby. So the first step is to analyze your cat’s environment and see if there is a new stress cause. If so, see if you can make your cat more comfortable: give it a personal space, or move the other animal out of earshot.

Cats tend to mark the same space repeatedly, so you need to clean up any sprayed areas ASAP. If you can get rid of – not mask – the odor, the cat will be less likely to return to that spot.

We do our best to provide reliable information, but don’t forget that we’re just cats and dogs, not pedigreed professionals. Always consult a veterinarian, professional trainer or other expert.