The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail and releases a fine spray of urine. Yes, your cat is spraying. You have a problem. But one you can solve.
Figures from the British Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors say that aggression in dogs and marking behavior in cats are the biggest behavior problems in the UK pet population.
Spraying is marking behavior, not a litter box problem. Sprayed cat urine contains pheromones, a substance that animals use to communicate. Combinations of pheromones work like fingerprints: they identify the cat.
A spraying cat marks his or her territory with cat urine. It simply says: 'This is mine'. You may not like it, but getting angry doesn't help. It may even have an opposite effect: more spraying.
Cats in heat are attracted by the odor of cat urine. For them, spraying is something like an invitation to love. The results may be there in 65 days: a nest of cute little kittens.
Cats do not only spray during sexual encounters. Some also do it during conflicts with other felines, or when they are stressed.
For people the scent is far from pleasant. Thankfully most cats spray outside. But what if you have a cat spraying inside? Do something about it! And yes, that is possible.
The most radical and effective thing you can do is neutering or spaying your cat. Most castrated toms stopped spraying from the day they were operated.
But maybe you have a reason not to neuter your cat. In that case try to find out why your cat sprays.
Maybe it sprays only when it sees another cat. Solution: block the view. Or it sprays because of a conflict with another pet. Keep them separated and problems might be over.
If you don't know why your cat sprays, discuss it with your veterinarian. Chances are he will advice you to spay or neuter. But your vet can also check if there is a medical problem.
Anyway, do not leave this problem unsolved. Cat urine odor and stains can make your home a very uncomfortable place, and your cat will still remain a cat even when it doesn't spray anymore.
--------------------------------------
Journalist, site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong is the editor and owner of http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com, a website about cat pregnancy, kitten care, cat health and other cat related subjects.
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Does that sound familiar? Hopefully... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More
Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More
The cat population is astronomical. Most experts agree that average... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More
Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog?... Read More
The answer is "no" if you are the type who... Read More
Pet |