Answer: The reduction of any territorial threat, for example by reducing the number of the cats in the household, is often sufficient to stop spraying.
And moving the animal’s feeding bowl to the spot where spraying occurs will sometimes deter this behavior. Shouting or hitting the cat when it is discovered spraying my be effective but it is thought that in most instances the cat dos not associate his behavior at the time with the way you are treating him. He simply feels that you are being unkind and responds by keeping away from you rather then by not spraying.
The reaction of an unpleasant shock when he begins spraying, especially if its seem to have no direct connection with yourself, is such more likely to deter him. Throwing some noisy object like a bunch of keys to land near the cat has already been recommended, as has spraying him with a water pistol (squirt gun) or best of all throwing a glass of water over him. Although these responses may seem extremely unkind, they do mimic the type of natural ‘disincentive’ by which cats learn to avoid indulging in certain behavior.
Some cats will only spray one or two place regularly. Hanging a piece of aluminum foil in front from them, which will produce an unpleasant rustling sound if sprayed, may discourage the cat. In the case of tom cats, treatment with one of number natural or synthetic female hormones may, although not always, control the problem. The castration of adult males also produces a marked decrease in this behavior (in around 90% of cases) as well as reducing other forms of typical male behavior fighting and roaming.
When spraying (or any undesirable urination) occurs indoors, thoroughly wash the affected area as soon as possible there are four times which diluted bleach (to those surfaces that will stand it) or with white vinegar. Don’t use ammonia because this tends to encourage further urination in the area. If the surface is absorbent (e.g. a carpet or upholstery) soak up as much urine as possible with paper towels before washing, and also bolt up the remaining liquid each time you wash it. Afterwards, the wet area of carpet should be covered with cornflower or baking powder (bicarbonate of soda) and left to dry. When thoroughly dry, the powder can be vacuumed up. It is important not to leave any residual odor because this cats as a ‘mark’ and encourages the cat to spray or urinate in that place again. Spraying is the usual means by which a male cat scent-marks its territorial boundaries.
Motions are also deposited as a marker as the boundary of the cat’s territory. These are not covered by the cat, in contrast to what usually happens to those passed within its territory. The cat may also deliberately defecate in a very prominent and undesirable position indoors if it feels threatened, and make no attempt to hide it.
