[Sticky] CAT SPRAYING WILL NOT STOP  

Hello Wendy,

Thank you for reaching out and I’m sorry to hear about Noel’s chronic urine spraying

Reasons for urine spraying include but not limited to:
1. Medical reasons
2. Cat has not been neutered
3. Reactional behavior – anxiety/distress caused by a conflict between cats either indoors or outdoors. 

4. Marking

It's important to find out the trigger for the behavior. I suspect in your case it’s mostly reactional spraying in response to a change in your cat’s environment when Noel turned 3, either social or physical or even both. Reactional urine marking occurs when cats observe a threat within the indoor environment and use marking to reduce the risk of physical conflict and increase their personal safety. It’s the perception of threat that is the underlying problem and the marking behavior is simply a sign of that intense emotional reaction. It’s important to note that when a cat sprays, it increases their self-assurance and it’s also habitual.  

A face-to-face behavioral consultation is paramount since the veterinary behaviorist will conduct a thorough consultation, look for stressors and be able to prepare a behavioral and environmental modification programe which will include both pharmacological and pheromonal interventions for your individual cat. You can locate a veterinary behaviorist either at https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=5985 or https://avsab.org/behavior-consultant/category/cat-behavior-consultant/

Hope you and Noel can get the help you need soon

I am having much of the same issues as Wendy except that we have noticed that Izzy, age 8, is being territorial with another male we have. We have 7 cats and all were bottle fed by us. Izzy was the 2nd one. TigTig, who he's defensive with came from another litter a few years later. Both of them are spraying everywhere and we have lost so much furniture, carpet and more. Right now my husband is taking up the basement carpet and repainting. Then we have to work upstairs next. They will both spray on anything. For example, yesterday, Izzy was scratching on his incline post and then sprayed all over it. We had been using a spray bottle on them but I've read that's not good. 

Our vet did mention putting both of them on medications but Izzy had a bout with urinary crystals in 2018 so we fear his system processing any medication. And we don't want to try a lot of different ones since the money we spend now on their food, litter, toys and vet care is too much. Not to mention household repairs and furniture. We have tried all the modifications using Feliway Optimum. They all have plenty of area and places to scratch, houses to play in, places to hide. We have used all the different enzyme bacterial sprays to remove the smell but after so many times, it just doesn't get rid of it all. 

I looked at both links you shared with Wendy and only one of them had a result in our state for behaviorist and then it's still a 2 hour drive. I don't know what to do but I want my house back and to make it smell nice but love our kitties too. Any suggestions are welcome.

Thank you in advance

Janet  

Thank you for your recommendation.  I finally tried a behaviorist even though she was an hour drive away and very expensive.  But she said she couldn't help much unless I brought in all the cats (6 total).  THAT couldn't happen.  And the anxiety both Noel and I went through each day as I tried to get the pills the behaviorist prescribed into him made me abandon this option.

For now, I am taking Noel on supervised "walkabouts" in the backyard each day.  Additionally, he and his brother have their own room separate from the other cats.  It seems to be helping his confidence.  He still sprays in his room but it seems to be lessening.  I am praying one day we will be beyond this issue.  Thanks again for you recommendation and all prayers for a resolution are appreciated.

@wendy

Hi Wendy,

I am happy that the separate room and backyard walks have given Noel time to decompress and build his confidence. Emotional safety and stability are paramount for his overall well-being.

Keep it up – despite the setback with the behaviorist, I’m proud of you for persevering.

Sending love & healing

Melina

@janrocksch 

Hi Janet,

I am sorry to hear you are having similar issues as Wendy.

TigTig (cool name) and Izzy may be experiencing a similar intense emotional reaction as Wendy’s cat. The feeling of safety and stability in their surroundings is paramount for the cats' survival; otherwise, it will manifest as an imbalance in their body.

Here is another link to Animal Behavior Consultants in the United States: https://iaabc.org/en/certs/members .

If you still can’t find a behaviorist in your area (preferably one that offers face-to-face consultation), try an Animal communicator who can help you remotely and holistically.

Sending you all Love & Healing

Melina