Once your cat has toileted or sprayed in a certain place, their sensitive nose encourages them to use that place again. The best way to break the habit is to keep them away from the area for as long as possible and clean the area thoroughly so they can't smell any scent. Scrub this off and leave it to dry.
Cats will mark their territory to signal “ownership” and to advertise sexual receptivity and availability. Marking can occur due to the presence of other cats in the vicinity, either outdoors or among cats that live in the same household. Cats will also mark their territory when they feel threatened or stressed.
Thoroughly clean the area by wiping it down with warm soapy water, or a mixture of alcohol and water. Use a clean towel to blot it dry, let it dry naturally or use a vacuum. Do this a few times if necessary until there's no trace of the smell.
A solution containing one part white vinegar and two parts warm water works well, as does any enzyme-based cat stain and odor remover, reveals Cat Health Guide. Just about anything acidic works, but never use ammonia because it will attract more cats.
In one study, 77 percent of cats stopped or significantly reduced spraying within six months of being neutered. Neutered cats can spray as well. Ten percent of male cats neutered before 10 months of age will still spray as adults.
If your cat is spraying or defecating in a particular area, clean up and deodorize the area before spraying with vinegar. Cats are attracted to these scents and will avoid the spray to remark their territory.
Cats urinate by squatting onto a horizontal surface; spraying occurs standing up. The cat makes a treading motion with her back feet and quivers her tail, leaving her scent mark on a vertical surface. If your cat has begun urinating outside of her litter box, be sure that the box is regularly cleaned.
Thoroughly clean the area by wiping it down with warm soapy water, or a mixture of alcohol and water. Use a clean towel to blot it dry, let it dry naturally or use a vacuum. Do this a few times if necessary until there's no trace of the smell.
Cats spray to attract mates
It's normal behavior for cats living outdoors, but it creates some issues if you have an intact male cat living indoors. Urine spraying is more likely to occur in both male and female cats when they reach sexual maturity, around 6 months of age.
Cleaning cat spray properly is very important. Not only because it smells worse than regular cat urine, but also because if your cat continues to smell it, he will likely spray the area again. While soap and water might get rid of the offensive scent for us, a cat's sense of smell is much more sensitive.
There is an unmistaken odour that comes with having an intact or un-neutered male cat. This pungent, ammonia-like smell is him signalling to all the ladies that he is available and ready to go. It is coming from his skin, urine and any spraying that he may do as well.
A: The vast majority of cats do not spray. Males are more likely than females to spray, but if a cat is neutered before 6 months, he will almost never spray. If an intact male cat does begin to spray, neutering him will solve the problem in about 95 percent of the cases.
Spraying often starts around six months of age as cats reach sexual maturity. Spaying females and castrating males will reduce or stop spraying behaviour in up to 95% of cats! As a Healthy Pet Club member, your cat can benefit from 20% off neutering!
If your cat is emptying their bladder, they're peeing. If, however, they're using small amounts of urine to deposit their scent, they're spraying (also referred to as marking). It doesn't mean big puddles = peeing and small puddles = spraying. Cats don't make it that easy for us!
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Vinegar and Water
Combine white or apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Spray or soak the urine spot with this solution and let sit for up to five minutes. Blot with a paper towel or clean rag, repeat until the smell is gone, and then allow to air dry.
Blot up the mess first and foremost, then spray the spot with a bacteria or enzyme-based cleaner. These will break down the bacteria that is causing the odor. You can also use a vinegar solution – a mix of vinegar and water.
Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let sit for about ten minutes. Pour some vinegar on the baking soda and let it fizz for a few seconds before blotting the liquid with a fresh rag.
Make Sure Your Cat is Spayed or Neutered
Spaying or neutering your cat—especially early in life—will usually eliminate, or at least decrease, spraying. Even if your furry friend is no longer a kitten, spaying or neutering still helps to reduce spraying. Talk with your vet for a professional recommendation.
When spraying, a cat usually backs up to a vertical object like the side of a chair, a wall or a stereo speaker, stands with his body erect and his tail extended straight up in the air, and sprays urine onto the surface. Often his tail and sometimes his entire body twitch while he's spraying.
Spraying Smells Worse Than Regular Cat Pee
“With neutered and spayed cats, the reason the smell is more noticeable to cat parents is because it is often deposited on objects repeatedly where it stays and dries, for example, against a wall or piece of furniture,” says Bennett.