Cat spraying in house, why and how to stop

6 min

Sarah Endersby

Veterinarian

"While it’s normal for cats to mark their territory, if your cat is urine spraying in your home, it is distressing for you and a sign your cat is feeling stressed. Even small changes in your home or routine can result in your cat feeling unsure and spraying to cope."

Recommended by vets

Cats spray in the house mainly due to stress, territorial marking, mating behaviour or medical issues. Understanding why your cat is spraying in the house is the first step to stopping the behaviour effectively.

Our expert guide explains why cats spray and how to help your cat stop, including tips to reduce stress and how to get rid of a cat spray smell.

• Understanding cat stress and spraying causes
• Learn how to stop cats spraying indoors
• Cat spraying FAQs and expert advice

How To Stop a Cat from Spraying: Step-By-Step Guide

1

Clean all areas where your cat has urinated

Use warm water and soap or an alcohol based product and allow to dry.
Do not use bleach. Ammonia-based or bleach cleaners encourage cats to spray here again.

Learn more about how to get rid of cat spray smell with our 6 steps to clean cat spray.

Use warm water and soap or an alcohol based product and allow to dry.
Do not use bleach. Ammonia-based or bleach cleaners encourage cats to spray here again.

Learn more about how to get rid of cat spray smell with our 6 steps to clean cat spray.

Use warm water and soap or an alcohol based product and allow to dry.
Do not use bleach. Ammonia-based or bleach cleaners encourage cats to spray here again.

Learn more about how to get rid of cat spray smell with our 6 steps to clean cat spray.

2

Use FELIWAY Optimum to stop your cat urine spraying

FELIWAY Optimum the latest pheromone discovery, is scientifically proven to help reduce urine spraying.
Improvement can be seen within the first 7 days.
It is recommended to use continuously for at least 1 month.

For more information on FELIWAY, refer to our FAQs here.

FELIWAY Optimum the latest pheromone discovery, is scientifically proven to help reduce urine spraying.
Improvement can be seen within the first 7 days.
It is recommended to use continuously for at least 1 month.

For more information on FELIWAY, refer to our FAQs here.

FELIWAY Optimum the latest pheromone discovery, is scientifically proven to help reduce urine spraying.
Improvement can be seen within the first 7 days.
It is recommended to use continuously for at least 1 month.

For more information on FELIWAY, refer to our FAQs here.

3

Follow the litter tray “golden rules”

One litter tray per cat, plus one extra.
Place in easily accessible areas of the home, away from food and water bowls and in different areas.
Keep clean by scooping at least once daily, and thoroughly clean the litter tray once a week.

Read our 8 Cat Litter Tray Tips

One litter tray per cat, plus one extra.
Place in easily accessible areas of the home, away from food and water bowls and in different areas.
Keep clean by scooping at least once daily, and thoroughly clean the litter tray once a week.

Read our 8 Cat Litter Tray Tips

One litter tray per cat, plus one extra.
Place in easily accessible areas of the home, away from food and water bowls and in different areas.
Keep clean by scooping at least once daily, and thoroughly clean the litter tray once a week.

Read our 8 Cat Litter Tray Tips

4

Check your cat's health

It's always a good idea to rule out any underlying medical issues - urine spraying can be linked to some health problems.
Check with your vet if signs continue or have suddenly started.

It's always a good idea to rule out any underlying medical issues - urine spraying can be linked to some health problems.
Check with your vet if signs continue or have suddenly started.

It's always a good idea to rule out any underlying medical issues - urine spraying can be linked to some health problems.
Check with your vet if signs continue or have suddenly started.

WATCH: How to Stop Your Cat Spraying

Watch this video to learn more about how to get a cat to stop spraying:

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The most advanced FELIWAY solution to help solve the common signs of stress in cats, such as:

Urine spraying
Scratching
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Hiding
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UNDERSTANDING CAT STRESS AND SPRAYING CAUSES

What is Cat Spray?

Cat spraying is a scent-marking behaviour where cats use urine to mark areas of their territory. While this can be frustrating, this is a normal behaviour that you shouldn’t punish your cat for.

Although this is a natural territory-marking behaviour, there may be an underlying reason why your cat sprays in the house. Learning why cats spray can help you understand how to prevent it, how to stop the cat spray smell and to keep your home clean.

WHY DO CATS SPRAY?

4 Reasons Cats Spray in the House

1

Stress or Insecurity

Cats are creatures of habit and like to feel in charge. If they're not feeling completely happy or are facing any stress, they can feel threatened which is why cats spray.

Changes in your cat’s routine or lifestyle, like a new home, furniture rearrangement, visitors, or loud noises can trigger stress and lead to spraying or urination.

Read more about cat stress and anxious behaviours.

2

Territory Marking

One of the most common reasons male cats spray is that they are unneutered, which makes them especially prone to territory marking.

But any cat can do it whether they are neutered or not, particularly in multi-cat homes, or when they sense other animals nearby.

Find out more about neutering for cat spraying.

3

Litter Box Preferences

Cats may start peeing outside of the litter tray if there are problems with their litter box.

Try to investigate whether this might be the cause behind your cat spraying or peeing outside the litter box, such as asking:

Is it clean enough?
Is it in a room that is always accessible to your cat?
Is it easy for your cat to get in and out of? Is it in a high-traffic spot?
Would they prefer a different type of litter?

Discover more kitty litter tray tips.

Cats may start peeing outside of the litter tray if there are problems with their litter box.

Try to investigate whether this might be the cause behind your cat spraying or peeing outside the litter box, such as asking:

Is it clean enough?
Is it in a room that is always accessible to your cat?
Is it easy for your cat to get in and out of? Is it in a high-traffic spot?
Would they prefer a different type of litter?

Discover more kitty litter tray tips.

4

Medical Conditions / Mating Behaviour

In some cases, cats spray in the house or urinate outside the litter box due to an underlying medical condition rather than a behavioural issue.

Arthritis or age can also create discomfort and cause your cat to urinate outside the litter box.

If you’re wondering why your cat is spraying all of a sudden, conditions affecting the urinary system, such as urinary tract disease or inflammation. These can cause discomfort and more frequent urination which may be in unusual places for your cat.

If you notice any changes in your cat's behaviour, including their urinating habits, it’s important to take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical issues.

Unneutered cats may spray to attract mates. Neutering significantly reduces this behaviour in males. If your neutered cat is spraying, learn more about the reasons why your cat is spraying here.

Why Do Cats Spray Due to Stress?

Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on stability. Changes in their environment can cause stress, and one common response is spraying.

By marking their territory in this way, cats are trying to feel more secure. While this behaviour may be frustrating, it’s not done out of spite. It’s their natural way of coping with uncertainty.

If you think stress might be the cause of cat spraying in the home, try to identify what’s making your cat feel unhappy.

For example, there might be a change in your family or in the home, such as redecorations or celebrations, or even the presence of new furniture.

The good news? FELIWAY has designed a natural solution for how to stop a cat from spraying due to stress. Pheromone solutions like FELIWAY Optimum paired with a calm environment, enough resources such as their litter box, food and water, and a consistent routine can help reduce your cat’s stress and ease the urge to spray.

Spraying vs. Urinating: What’s the Difference?

Cat spraying usually involves small amounts of urine being sprayed on vertical surfaces such as walls, doorways and windows and is associated with stress.

If your cat is urinating in the house on horizontal surfaces like beds or rugs, especially in larger amounts, this often points more strongly to medical issues or litter box problems.

Check Your Cat’s Health

When understanding why your cat is spraying in the house, it’s important to rule out any underlying medical issues as urine spraying can be linked to some health problems.

There’s no harm in checking in with your vet if signs continue or have suddenly started.

Frequently asked questions:
CAT SPRAYING / PEEING / URINE MARKING

Find quick, expert-backed answers, to all your questions about FELIWAY, cat spraying behaviour and tips to help your cat feel more relaxed and happy.

See all FAQs

Key Takeaways: Why Cats Spray and How to Stop It

Cats spray in the house mainly due to stress, territorial behaviour, mating behaviour or underlying medical conditions.
If your cat is spraying suddenly, it may indicate a medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection or inflammation, and should be checked by a vet.
Stress-related spraying is often triggered by changes in the home environment, such as new pets, visitors or routine disruptions.
Territory marking is more common in unneutered cats but can still occur in neutered males and females, especially in multi-cat households.
Litter tray problems like cleanliness, location, type or access can cause cats to spray or urinate outside the litter box.
To get rid of cat spray smell, clean affected areas with warm water and mild soap or enzyme-based cleaners, avoiding ammonia-based products.
To reduce the likelihood of a cat spraying indoors, provide a stable routine, maintain clean and accessible litter trays and use proven calming pheromone solutions like FELIWAY Optimum.