How to stop a cat from spraying indoors
Cats are generally very clean, and they go to the bathroom outside or in a litter tray when they need to.It is therefore indicative that something is wrong when marks of urine or faeces are discovered elsewhere in the house.
It is possible that an isolated accident will be affected by illness, getting trapped in a room, or being scared. However, in order to ensure that your cat is healthy and happy, you will need to determine what caused the accident.
Important: Yelling at your cat will only make matters worse because it will make them feel more threatened, which will escalate the situation. Moreover, they will not be able to connect the reprimand with the incident! By determining what is starting to cause any toileting or spraying, you will be able to take actions to help prevent it from occurring.
What is causing my cat to go to the bathroom indoors?
There are a variety of factors that could be contributing to your cat toileting in your residence, including stress or a medical condition. If your cat has begun to wee in the house, you should consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will examine your pet for any medical problems that may be the source of the problem and will be able to provide advice.
Aside from that, cats use the scent of their urine to mark out their territories. This is referred to as spraying, and it is distinct from having a one-time accident or toileting incident. Both males and females sprayed, and it usually took place in the open air.
Spraying and urinating are two different things.
Cats will squat to relieve themselves on a flat surface if they have to pee. Accidents are most frequently found on carpets, duvets, sofas, and baths.
If your cat is about to spray, you’ll notice an upright tail and a treading motion from the back legs. After that, a small amount of wee is sprayed backward onto a vertical surface, such as a wall, leaving an immediately noticeable scent mark. Cats frequently choose a location near a door or window to spray, like the curtains, in order to avoid being seen.
Why do cats pee and poo in their litter boxes?
It’s possible that your cat is having health issues if they are urinating and poop indoors.
The following are examples of common causes:
- cystitis is a medical condition that affects the bladder (an inflammation or infection of the urinary tract)
- the old age
- being apprehensive about going outside
- they are experiencing difficulties with their litter tray
What causes cats to spray in the house?
Spraying is usually triggered when your cat feels threatened or stressed, which is why it occurs. They feel more secure when they have marked their territory.
The following are examples of common causes:
- There are new cats in the house or in the neighborhood.
- a new baby or individual
- work on the construction site
- redecorating
- a shift in one’s routine
How to prevent your cat from toileting inside the house
The sensitive nose of your cat encourages them to choose a particular toileting or spraying location again after they have done so previously. Keep them away from the area as long as possible and clean it thoroughly so that they can’t smell anything to break the habit.
Biodegradable washing fluid or powder can be used to clean the area.
Using a plant mister, mist the area with surgical spirit to disinfect it.
Remove it with a scrub and set it aside to dry. On delicate fabrics, start with a small area and work your way up.
If your cat is using the area as a toilet, you should put some dried cat food in the zone to discourage it.
Once the mess has been cleaned up, you can experiment with different techniques to ensure that your cat is as comfortable as possible weeing & pooing in the places you want them to.
Read also how to stop a cat from spraying
What are the most common causes and what can be done about them?
Cystitis and other infections of the urinary tract, such as gonorrhea, can happen.
It is possible that your cat will need to go to the bathroom more frequently if he or she has cystitis or another type of urinary tract disease. In addition, the infection causes cats to urinate immediately rather than trying to go outside or to the litter tray as they would otherwise. If you believe this may be the case, consult with your veterinarian.
infirmity due to old age
Because of stiffening joints, an older cat may be reluctant to go outside in bad weather or may have difficulty using the cat flap when the weather is bad. Alternatively, they may feel more insecure since they are unable to flee as easily as they did when they were younger.
It is beneficial to provide a litter tray indoors for your cat as they grow older, even if your cat always has used the outside litter box. If your pet appears to be a bit stiff, choose a cage with low sides so that it will be easier to get into. In addition, you should consult with your veterinarian because your pet may gain from arthritis treatment.
Some medical conditions, including kidney disease or diabetes, can cause an increase in thirst and, as a result, an increase in urination. If the litter tray is frequently dripping wet, your cat may decide that it is not worth using. Once the tray has been used, dispose of it and consult with your veterinarian.
Finally, some cats’ memory can deteriorate as they grow older. In this case, they may forget some of the behaviors that they have learned, such as where to go to the bathroom.
Important: Always consult your veterinarian if your older cat begins to toilet inside the house, as this is frequently caused by a medical condition.
Feeling apprehensive
Cats typically dig a hole, squat to pee or defecate, and then cover the hole with their fur. During this process, a cat feels exposed and vulnerable.
It’s possible that something dangerous is lurking outside. Following a close encounter with a car, your cat may become fearful of a neighborhood dog, another cat, or even the sound of traffic.
If the issue is caused by another cat outside or coming in through the cat flap, you should take the following steps to restore your cat’s sense of security:
This offers some security while also frightening away any cats that may be lurking around in the garden.
Transform your cat’s cat flap into one that can only be opened by a magnet or electronic key on the cat’s collar to prevent other cats from entering.
Please do not invite other cats into your backyard by feeding them or otherwise providing them with attention.
Take your cat outside with you, as this may provide them with some additional support.
Make use of some of their rotting waste to border your garden.
For your cat’s benefit, create a quiet, confined area with softer soil, or create a pile of sand in which your cat can dig a hole.
Indoors, keep a litter tray available.
Problems with the litter tray
If your cat is used to using a litter tray but has decided to start going in other areas of the house, there may be an obvious explanation for this change.
litter tray that has become soiled
If a cat tray is extremely dirty, it will not be used by the cat. In order to keep your cat’s litter box clean, scoop out the poop at least once every two days. If you have more than one cat, make sure to provide a tray for each of them.
A litter tray that has been thoroughly cleaned
Cats who are sensitive to strong smells may be put off from using the litter tray if you use scented litter, deodorants, or disinfectants. Make use of a feline-friendly disinfectant & make certain that the tray is thoroughly rinsed with fresh water. It is best to avoid disinfectants that become cloudy in water because they typically contain phenols, that are toxic to cats. Before using the litter tray, thoroughly rinse it.
The incorrect kind of litter
It is possible that changing the consistency or scent of the litter will discourage your cat from using it. Several cats prefer fine-grain litter that has the consistency of sand to coarse-grain litter. If you want to switch to a different type of litter, introduce the new one gradually over a period of a week or so to ensure that your cat enjoys it.
Its current position
It’s possible that your cat will avoid using the tray if it’s placed in an area where it’s likely to be disturbed by your dog, children, or other cats.
Place the tray in a secluded area and avoid putting food near their litter tray as this will disturb them.
The kind of litter tray to use
To make your cat feel more secure in an open-type tray, consider purchasing one with a lid. Alternatively, you could place a box with a hole in the side over the tray.
How to stop a cat from spraying indoors by Joshua Samuel
