Perhaps the one thing that puts off most cat owners is their pets’ annoying and frustrating tendency to spray urine all over the home. This is intolerable to say the least, judging from the constant smell of urine in your house. However, it is important for cat owners to understand why their cat sprays urine, which will help them avoid taking drastic action such as taking them to a shelter and leaving them there. It is important to realize that there normally is a reason for most of the behavioral problems that you pet cat exhibits. As such, once you understand why your cat acts the way it does by spraying urine, you will be better placed in finding a solution to this problem.

The reason why cats spray urine is basically primal and much in keeping with what nature intended. This is a normal and typical way for most animals to mark their territories, or even attract members of the opposite sex. For instance, when a female cat is in heat, they tend to spray urine in order to inform the male cats that they are available for mating. On the other hand, neutered cats tend to spray urine because of competition or territorial disputes amongst many cats living in the same home, or in the event that you move to a new home with your cat. Moreover, cats also tend to spray urine when a new cat or a new baby arrives, or in situations where the cat does not feel safe and secure. In such cases of insecurity, the cat will spray urine just so as to ensure that their territory is well reinforced. There are some things you can do to stop your cat from spraying urine:

o One way that you can stop your cat from spraying urine is by having it neutered. This is because urine spraying is in most cases induced by hormonal activity. However, you may have to wait up to two months to see the behavior cease completely as it does not stop immediately.

o Ensure that you thoroughly clean urine spots using special cleaners and products that will help to neutralize the odor of urine. These may be purchased from your local pet store, or you may use your own home made remedy of vinegar and water. However, do not use any products that contain ammonia as these could stimulate the cat to spray even more – remember that urine contains ammonia. Instead, you may spray feline facial pheromones in such areas, which help in calming down your cat.

o If someone new has moved into your home, have them feed or play with your cat and establish a bond such that the cat does not feel threatened and spray urine.

o For multi-cat homes, ensure that each cat has its own litter box, as well as an extra one for the house. Always make sure that the litter boxes are kept clean, and be sure to isolate the cats that are in conflict or the ones which spray urine.

o Start up games and engage your cat in play at the specific areas where it sprays urine. If they only spray in one room, prevent it from further accessing that particular room. However, if they spray in multiple places and you cannot prevent access, move their feeding bowls and litter boxes to that area – remember that most cats will not urinate where they eat.

o Never punish your cat for spraying urine as they will feel even more insecure and therefore spray even more. If this behavior persists even after applying the above tips, you should consult your vet for advice on what else you can do. In a situation where all these behavior modification techniques do not work, a vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medications for your pet cat.

Joan One is a freelance journalist and creative writer who immensely enjoys writing and researching into any topic under the Sun. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joan_One