How To Stop Your Cat Spraying Indoors

Has your cat started spraying on your walls, carpets, furniture, or curtains? That distinctive, pungent odour of cat spray can quickly overwhelm your home, leaving you frustrated and unsure of what to do. While this territorial marking is natural cat behaviour, it doesn't have to be a permanent problem in your house.

Whether your cat has just started spraying or it's a persistent issue, we'll help you understand why your cat sprays and show you exactly how to stop this unwanted behaviour for good.

Understanding why cats spray

First, let's clear up a common confusion: cat spraying differs from normal urination. While regular urination happens in a squatting position, spraying occurs when a cat backs up to a vertical surface, makes a treading motion with its back legs and releases a small amount of urine while its tail quivers.

Both male cats and female cats spray, though it's more common in unneutered males.

Why is my cat suddenly marking?

If your previously well-behaved cat starts spraying out of the blue, it often points to recent changes in your cat's world. Common triggers for cat spraying behaviour include:

• Stress from changes like new furniture or a new pet.
• A multi-cat household where one cat feels threatened.
• Medical issues like urinary tract infections or kidney problems.
• Response to other cats visible through windows.

How to stop a cat from spraying indoors

Not sure how to stop a cat from marking territory?

The key to success lies in both immediate actions and long-term changes.

Stop your cat spraying today: 4 essential litter tray changes

Start with these immediate changes to your litter box setup:

1. Provide enough litter trays (one per cat plus one extra).
2. Keep all trays pristinely clean and avoid strongly scented litter that might put cats off.
3. Choose quiet, easily accessible locations for each litter tray.
4. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule—scoop soiled litter daily.

Long-term solutions: 5 ways to create a stress-free environment for your cat

Reducing your cat’s stress levels helps prevent spraying behaviour from returning:

1. Build cat-friendly spaces with cat trees, hiding spots and quiet retreat areas where your cat can escape household activity.
2. Install calming pheromone diffusers throughout your home. These plug-in devices release synthetic versions of natural cat pheromones that help reduce anxiety and create a sense of security (allow 2-3 weeks for full effect). You can find them at vet clinics and pet stores.
3. Create and stick to consistent daily feeding and play routines.
4. Add enrichment zones with scratching posts, interactive toys, and window perches.
5. Manage multi-cat dynamics by ensuring each cat has their own resources and space.

When to seek professional help

Sometimes, cats spraying indicates an underlying medical problem requiring vet attention.

Contact your vet if:

• Your cat shows signs of urinary tract problems, such as:
  • Frequent trips to the litter tray
  • Difficulty peeing
  • Blood in the urine
  • Excessive licking of the genital area
  • Urinating outside the litter box
• You notice additional health changes like:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy or unusual tiredness
  • Changes in water consumption
  • Visible discomfort when touched
  • Changes in grooming habits
• They continue to mark their territory despite implementing all suggested changes

Best cleaning methods for cat spray marks

While you may be tempted to use home remedies to stop a cat from spraying indoors, thorough cleaning is crucial to prevent repeat marking. Cat urine has a strong smell that can linger if not properly treated.

Even when you can't detect it, cats can smell traces of their previous markings, which actually encourages them to spray in the same spot again. It's like a giant flashing ‘spray here!’ sign to your cat, creating a frustrating cycle of repeat marking.

Want to get rid of cat spray smells and stains? Here’s how

Here are Rug Doctor's cleaning solutions for cat owners:

1. Use Stain Remover to break down urine proteins
2. Follow with Odour Remover to eliminate lingering odours
3. For set-in marks, try our PET Portable Spot Cleaner

Never use ammonia-based cleaners, as these can actually encourage more spraying!

Frequently asked questions

Why do cats spray indoors?

Cats spray urine to mark their territory, communicate with other cats, or when feeling stressed.

Changes in their environment or medical issues can trigger this behaviour.

How do I stop my cat from marking territory?

If your cat is spraying inside, create a stable environment, maintain clean litter trays, and use Rug Doctor products to thoroughly clean marked areas. Consider speaking with your veterinarian about possible medical causes behind your cat's spraying issues.

Will neutering a cat stop marking?

Neutering often reduces or eliminates urine marking, especially in a male cat, but it's most effective when done before the habit develops.

Say goodbye to pet stains and odours

Understanding and addressing why your cat sprays is the first step to a happier home environment. While you work on creating a more comfortable home for your cat, eliminate those marked areas with Rug Doctor's professional carpet and upholstery cleaning solutions.

Find everything you need at your nearest Rug Doctor stockist - from stain and odour removers to machine hire. Want more tips on caring for your feline friend? Check out our 10 tips for being a great pet owner.