When do cats stop spraying after neutering

Has your purrfect pal started to spray and urine mark around your home?

While cats of all types, males and female (neutered and unneutered) can spray, neutering and spaying tends to greatly reduce this practice.

So, if your neutered or spayed kitty has started to spray and mark around the house (remembering that unneutered cats will naturally want to spray when looking for a mate), it is worth considering why.

It’s important to think about the cause, see How to stop your cat spraying for more on this. Spraying is commonly used as a territory marker or as a signal to potential mates; however spraying may also be due to stress, illness, or if your kitty is unhappy with their environment.

Following the tips below will help you eliminate the causes of spraying and ensure your kitty is happy and relaxed.

6 TIPS TO STOP A NEUTERED CAT FROM SPRAYING

1. Check you’ve provided enough resources

Does your kitty have everything they need - particularly if there are lots of cats in your household?

If there aren’t enough resources to go around, your cat may be spraying to mark their territory. Make sure every kitty in your house has their own food and drink bowl, litter tray, bedding and toys. You should always provide lots of hiding places that your pets can escape to - cat trees are a good way to ensure there are enough high and low spaces for your pets.

2. Look at your litter trays

Cats are very clean creatures and like to use a tidy, fresh and easily accessible litter tray to do their business. So if their toilet space isn’t cleaned regularly enough, is difficult to access or is shared with another cat, you might find that they start to spray or urinate elsewhere.

3. Consider other cats and conflict

Is there any kitty conflict happening in your house? If your pet feels stressed by other cats they may be urine marking out of anxiety, or to show their territory. Outside cats, who may be visiting your garden or walking by, can cause a lot of stress for indoor cats. If this is a factor, you can try to stop other cats from visiting, or close curtains and blinds to stop your kitty from seeing them.

4. Clean all existing spray marks

If you have any existing spray marks in your home, make sure you clean these as soon as possible. Otherwise, the scent of the marks will be a strong reminder to your kitty to come back and spray again. Make sure you use an enzyme-based cleaner (never one that contains ammonia) to clean any spray sites and keep your home feeling fresh.

5. Check with the vet

If spraying is an unusual behaviour for your cat, or continues even after you’ve addressed other causes, make sure you take your kitty to the vet. Some health problems can cause your pet to urinate or mark outside of their litter box, so be sure to get them checked for any underlying problems.

6. Create a reassuring environment

Does your cat have a calm, positive environment they can escape to? Our kitties like the reassurance of a controlled, structured environment with a clear routine - without it, they may spray out of stress or anxiety. To create a reassuring space, make sure you feed your cat at a similar time each day, provide regular play sessions, and give them lots of regular fuss.

You should also try to limit any stress factors where possible. New people, new pets or even changes in your home such as decorating may all cause kitty stress.

Using a FELIWAY Diffuser in the areas where your cat spends the most time, can also reinforce a calming home environment for your kitty and help to correct behaviours such as urinary marking by creating a calm comfortable atmosphere.

Applying FELIWAY Spray to places where your cat has sprayed will also help to reduce stress, and stop your cat from returning to sprayed areas.

Together, you and your cat can create a calm, happy environment. 

Click here for additional tips for how to stop your cat peeing inside the house.

I've taken in a stray cat who is an intact male. I'm estimating his age at less than 2 years, but I don't have experience with young cats. He is at the vet today and will hopefully be neutered (it depends on their schedule).

Since intact tomcats are notorious for territorial marking, how long will that behavior last after he's been neutered? We've been keeping him in the garage, but it would be easier to keep him in a spare bedroom. I just don't want him to spray inside my house.

Cats spray (urinate) in order to mark their territory. It's a natural habit that is hard to break once it has started. For this reason, it is incredibly important to stop the spraying before it starts. In order to prevent spraying or to deal with a cat that sprays, you’ll need to assess their environment (or your cat’s territory) and then you’ll want to take steps to remove their sprayed urine.

1. 1

   Get your cat spayed or neutered. Un-neutered male cats are the most likely culprits to engage in this very undesirable behavior. Occasionally un-spayed females will do this as well. Therefore, it is advisable to neuter or spay your cat before the age of 6 months so as to curb this behavior from developing when puberty hits. However, a small percentage of neutered males and an even smaller percentage of spayed females will spray.[1] X Research source Go to source

   EXPERT TIP

   Brian Bourquin, DVM

   Veterinarian
   Brian Bourquin, better known as "Dr. B" to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

   Brian Bourquin, DVM
   Veterinarian

   Our Expert Agrees: Most spraying occurs because the cat wasn't neutered early enough, so if you have a kitten, try to get it fixed when it's about 6 months old. That way, the cat won't develop that instinctual need to spray or mark their territory.

2. 2

   Give your cat a lot of attention. Some cats spray for attention. Spend time each day with your cat petting it and interacting in a positive manner. Despite their reputation as being aloof and independent, your cat does desire contact with you. Brushing your cat or playing a game of catch the laser (using a cat laser light) is a fun way to interact.

   • Toys, such as feathers, fake mice, balls, and treat dispensers will give your cat exercise and mental stimulation. Cat furniture gives cats a great way to climb, hide, and rest from the hub-bub of a noisy household. Pet stores and veterinary offices have a vast variety of toys and cat furniture to choose from and staff can help you make wise choices.

3. 3

   Help your cat avoid anxiety. There are homeopathic treatments available that calm and relieve anxiety in some cats. Some cats respond to calming herbs such as catnip, valerian, kava kava, chamomile, and St. John’s wort. Before using such treatments check with a veterinarian familiar with homeopathic medicine to make sure they won’t harm your cat.

   • As a final option, anti-anxiety medications can be used in cats that do not respond well to non-medicated solutions. Medications such as amitriptyline, buspirone, diazepam imipramine, progestins, and clomipramine have all been used to control spraying. Side effects are varied, and some drugs are more effective in certain cats. All these medications need to be prescribed by a veterinarian and the side effects weighed with the benefits. [2] X Research source Plumb, Donald C. (2015) Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Wiley-Blackwell; 8th Edition. Go to source

   EXPERT TIP

   Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

   Veterinarian
   Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

   Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
   Veterinarian

   Pippa Elliott, a licensed veterinarian, explains: "Some cats spray due to anxiety and a need to reassure themselves. Never punish a cat for spraying, since this will ramp up their anxiety and could make the problem worse rather than better."

4. 4

   Keep strays away. Since spraying is a territorial activity, keep non-adopted cats away. Don’t put food or water out for strays or neighborhood cats. Shoo them away when they come about. You want to keep other cats out of your cat’s territory.[3] X Research source AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. July 2014 vol. 16 no. 7 579-598 Go to source

5. 5

   Restrict your cat's view of other cats or animals. Since cats mark their territory to keep suspected rivals away, if they cannot see other animals, they won't know to spray. Enough distance will need to be between your cat and the other animal, so your cat won't smell the other's scent either.[4] X Research source Go to source

   EXPERT TIP

   Brian Bourquin, DVM

   Veterinarian
   Brian Bourquin, better known as "Dr. B" to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

   Brian Bourquin, DVM
   Veterinarian

   Our Expert Agrees: If your cat is spraying, try making sure they can't visualize other cats outside. Sometimes that can just be as simple as keeping your blinds closed or getting frosting for any windows that are at the cat's height.

6. 6

   Foster a positive relationship between your cat and another. If you are going to adopt another cat, try to find one that will get along with your current one. Have them play together with the same toy. Have them eat together in separate bowls. If you create an environment that is hospitable to your two (or more) cats mentalities, then they'll get along and be less likely to spray.[5] X Research source Go to source However, the more cats you have the more likely they are to spray. This is because of pressure for resources and prime spots within the house. It is thought that in households of 5 or more cats, at least one will spray.

1. 1

   Decide if your cat is spraying or urinating inappropriately. While spraying is largely behavioral, inappropriate urination can be either medical or behavioral. Thus, if you see your cat spraying, you need to think about the stress in his life. Your cat is likely spraying if[6] X Research source Go to source :

   • you find small amounts of urine around an area.
   • it is spraying on vertical surfaces, like the backs of chairs or walls.
   • it stands, lifts its tail and quivers, then sprays small puddles of urine in several consistent locations.
   • it doesn't squat to spray, as they do to urinate.

2. 2

   Understand that cats spray to mark their territory. It is instinctual. Your cat does not consider your perception of its space, so don’t get mad at it. Don’t hit your cat for spraying. This will just make it feel less sure about the security of its territory, which may lead to more spraying. Cats often spray "gateways" or entrances to their territory like windows and doors. [7] X Research source AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. July 2014 vol. 16 no. 7 579-598 Go to source

3. 3

   Consider using synthetic pheromones. Anxiety plays a role in many undesirable feline behaviors, including urine spraying and aggression. Feline synthetic pheromones, such as Feliway, can be used to calm them down and create a more comfortable environment[8] X Research source Go to source .

   • Synthetic pheromones mimic the pheromone that cats produce when they feel comfortable in their surroundings. They usually release it via facial rubbing.
   • These products come in sprays, diffusers, and collars.

4. 4

   Visit a vet to make sure your cat isn’t spraying because of a medical issue. Cats may spray for a number of physiological issues. Diabetes, urinary tract infection, feline lower urinary tract disease, kidney infection, and thyroid or liver disease may cause your cat to spray. Your vet will run a series of laboratory tests to rule out each of these issues. Most tests require either a urine or a blood sample. Sometimes certain image studies (x-rays and/or ultrasound) can also help a vet diagnose your cat. If no physical issues are found, your cat’s spraying is most likely behavioral.[9] X Research source AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. July 2014 vol. 16 no. 7 579-598 Go to source

   EXPERT TIP

   Brian Bourquin, DVM

   Veterinarian
   Brian Bourquin, better known as "Dr. B" to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

   Brian Bourquin, DVM
   Veterinarian

   Our Expert Agrees: Take your cat to the vet to rule out any underlying medical causes leading to the problem. Sometimes inappropriate urination isn't actually spraying, but your cat just doesn't want to use the litter box. That can be due to an issue that makes it painful for the cat to urinate. However, your vet may also help you be able to determine whether your cat just doesn't like the type of litter or box that you're using.

5. 5

   Find your cat’s favorite areas to spray. Most of the time, you’ll be able to smell these areas, but in order to clean thoroughly, you’ll need to clean all of its spray. A black light — available online and in many retail stores — will reveal your cat’s spray.[10] X Research source Go to source Your cat will most likely spray entry ways to its territory, near its litter box, and other vertical objects it likes to climb (e.g. bookshelves, chairs, and your bed).[11] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

6. 6

   Clean up any urine or spray spots regularly. To get rid of urine on your furniture, use biological washing powder in hot water. Wipe down each area that he sprayed with a cloth. Use an enzymatic neutralizer. After you’ve cleaned the area, spray this neutralizer on those areas your cat marks most often. This enzyme-based spray will deter your cat from spraying on the wall. It is not guaranteed to work, but many cats will be repelled by its scent. Do not use this spray near or on your cat’s litter box. You don’t want them to abandon that spot for their urine.

   • Avoid using household cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia, both of which are components of urine and can inadvertently amplify the marker left by the cat.

• Question

  How do you stop a neutered cat from spraying?

  

  There may be a lingering odor that draws the cat back to spray. Thoroughly deodorize any previous spraying sites, once a day, every day for two weeks.

• Question

  Do neutered male cats still spray?

  

  Once neutered, the majority of males do stop spraying. But the more mature the cat is at the time of surgery, the more likely they are to have a learned habit of spraying.

• Question

  How do I stop a stray cat from spraying?

  

  This requires a combination of desexing, deodorizing, and removing potential sources of stress to the cat.

This article was co-authored by Brian Bourquin, DVM. Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. This article has been viewed 225,229 times.

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 225,229 times.

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  "I have always been a dog person but after my three dogs passed, adopted my 2 amazing cats Toulouse & Berlioz. My dog knowledge is extensive and I know quite a bit about cats too health wise - foods, toys - but not behavior, this was great, thanks!"

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  "Great free advice! My new apartment came with stray cats everywhere, Unfortunately, I put some food out, now I'm their human pet. No free services in my rural town. Now 3 pregnant, and counting. Thanks for the cheapest advice, I trust it!"

• "I have a male kitten who is 3 months old at the moment. I want to be prepared to neuter my kitten when he's 6 months old, and this article really helped me get ready for that!"

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  "My cat sprays at his litter box. I think if I only clean it when the screwball isn't looking, maybe he will be less territorial over it."

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  "I've found many ideas from reading this, and I'm going to use some of them right away. Thank you."

• "How often to work with your kitten was very helpful."

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