It’s generally accepted that urine spraying is a way for cats to mark territory, in an attempt to avoid aggressive encounters with other cats. This is most commonly seen in un-neutered male cats.
You should generally see cats doing this outdoors – against fences, bushes and other vertical objects. Where it’s more of a concern is if your cat is spraying indoors.
Why cats spray in the house
Cats generally spray when they find themselves in socially stressful situations – marking their territory means they are less likely to end up in a confrontation with other cats.
If your cat is spraying inside the house, this most likely indicates that something is causing him or her to feel stressed, or that your cat feels either insecure or under threat.
Moving house or adding another pet to the household are examples of events that could cause your cat to feel anxious or threatened.
We’d advise you contact your vet if this behaviour is occurring regularly, as it may be a sign of a medical issue.
Want to know more?
Hopefully this article answered your questions about why cats spray. However, if you have another question about spraying, marking particularly within the house, cat behaviour or any other questions about cats then we’d like to help. Submit your question below.
