Last of two parts
Managing Cat Spraying
Once the underlying causes are understood, several strategies can be employed to manage and potentially eliminate cat spraying.
Veterinary Consultation
The first step in managing spraying is a visit to the veterinarian. A thorough examination is essential to rule out any medical causes. If a medical condition is identified, treating it will be the primary focus.
Environmental Modifications
Making changes to the cat’s environment can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Provide a Safe and Secure Environment: Ensure the cat has access to a safe space where it feels secure, such as a quiet room or a cozy bed.
• Enrichment: Provide plenty of environmental enrichment, such as scratching posts, toys, and interactive play to reduce boredom and stress.
• Clean Thoroughly: Clean all sprayed areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner designed to remove urine odors. Standard cleaners may not eliminate the scent completely, and the cat may be tempted to respray the same area.
· Reduce Stressors: Identify and minimize any stressors in the cat’s environment. This might involve limiting access to windows if other cats are visible outside, providing separate resources (food bowls, water bowls, litter boxes, and beds) for each cat in a multi-cat household, or creating a more stable routine.
Behavioral Modification
Behavioral modification techniques can be helpful in addressing the underlying causes of spraying.
• Feliway: Feliway is a synthetic feline facial pheromone that can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can be diffused in the home or sprayed on areas where the cat has sprayed.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward the cat for using the litter box. Avoid punishment, as this can increase stress and worsen the problem.
• Identify and Address Triggers: Try to identify the specific triggers that cause the cat to spray. For example, if the cat sprays when it sees a neighborhood cat outside, you can block the cat’s view of the outside.
Litter Box Management
Proper litter box management is crucial.
• Number of Litter Boxes: Provide one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
• Cleaning: Scoop the litter box daily and clean it thoroughly at least once a month.
• Litter Type: Experiment with different types of litter to find one the cat prefers.
Medication (in some cases)
In some cases, a veterinarian may prescribe medication to help manage anxiety or other underlying conditions contributing to spraying.
Early Intervention
Preventing spraying is often easier than treating it. Spaying or neutering cats at a young age is highly recommended.
Managing cat spraying can be a challenging process, but it is often possible to reduce or eliminate the behavior with a combination of veterinary care, environmental modifications, and behavioral interventions.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 18 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.