Cat spraying is one of the most frustrating behaviours for cat owners and one of the most misunderstood. While many people assume spraying equals “dominance,” it’s actually a form of communication.
Understanding why your cat is spraying is the first step to fixing it for good.
In this guide, we’ll break down the common reasons cats spray in the house and what you can do to help them feel secure and settled again.
What Is Cat Spraying?
Spraying (also called urine marking) is when a cat backs up against a vertical surface, quivers their tail, and releases a small amount of urine. Unlike normal urination, spraying is more about sending a message than emptying their bladder.
Both males and females can spray, even sterilised cats.
Top Reasons Your Cat Might Be Spraying Indoors
1. Stress or Anxiety
This is the number one cause. Cats spray to self-soothe and feel safer when something in their environment feels threatening or unpredictable.
Common triggers include:
New pets or people in the home
Strange cats outside the windows
Moving homes or recent renovations
Changes in routine (e.g., new work schedule)
What to do:
Increase hiding spots, elevate spaces, use pheromone diffusers, maintain routine, and reduce stress wherever possible.
2. Territory Marking
Spraying is your cat’s way of saying, “This space is mine.” This can happen when:
There are multiple cats in the home
Outside cats are visible or scent-marking near your property
Resources (food bowls, litter boxes, sleeping spots) feel limited
What to do:
Provide duplicates of resources, block visual access to outdoor cats, and create a calm, non-competitive environment.
3. Medical Issues
Sometimes what looks like spraying is actually inappropriate urination caused by:
Urinary tract infections
Bladder inflammation (cystitis)
Kidney problems
Pain or discomfort
Cats often urinate outside the litter box when they associate the litter tray with pain.
What to do:
Always rule out medical problems with your vet – especially if the behaviour is new.
4. Dirty, Small, or Unappealing Litter Boxes
Some cats protest by marking when their litter tray situation isn’t ideal.
Common litter-box problems:
Box not cleaned daily
Strong-smelling litter
Covered boxes trapping odours
Not enough boxes for the number of cats
Litter depth too shallow
What to do:
Follow the rule: one litter box per cat + one extra.
Keep trays clean and placed in quiet, low-stress areas.
5. Social Tension With Other Cats
Even if your cats aren’t physically fighting, subtle tension can cause spraying.
Signs of stress between cats:
Intimidating staring
Blocking pathways
Avoidance
One cat hiding more
Resource guarding
What to do:
Add vertical spaces, feeding stations, resting spots, and safe zones. Reintroduce cats slowly if needed.
6. Unneutered or Recently Sterilised Cats
Intact males and females are far more likely to spray. Sterilisation reduces spraying dramatically, but:
Some cats may continue a habitual spraying pattern
Hormones can linger for 4–6 weeks after sterilisation
What to do:
Give them time and reduce environmental stress.
How to Stop Your Cat From Spraying Indoors
1. Clean Marked Areas Properly
Use an enzyme-based cleaner -standard cleaning products don’t break down urine proteins. If your cat can smell it, they’ll re-mark.
2. Use Feline Pheromones
Diffusers and sprays (like Feliway) help reduce anxiety and territorial behaviour.
3. Provide More Vertical Space
Cat trees, shelves, and window perches increase security and reduce competition.
4. Block Outdoor Cat Access
Close curtains, use window film, or discourage neighbourhood cats from hanging around entry points.
5. Keep a Predictable Routine
Cats thrive on consistency. Feeding times, play sessions, and sleep patterns matter.
6. Offer Daily Playtime
Interactive play reduces stress, supports mental health, and boosts confidence.
When to See a Vet or Behaviourist
Seek professional help if:
The spraying is sudden or excessive
You suspect medical issues
You’ve tried environmental changes without improvement
There’s aggression between cats
A personalised plan can make a world of difference.