Cats that haven’t been fixed usually spray to mark their territory and to attract a mate.
Male cats usually start spraying around 5-6 months of age, although some may begin as early as 4 months.
Male cats spray much more frequently than female cats do, which makes them somewhat notorious for being difficult pets to deal with at times.
Some male cats are very persistent about spraying, and if left to their own devices they will spray over objects such as doors or furniture for a long period.
Fortunately, spraying is a problem that can be prevented by having your cat neutered at an early age.
Once the procedure has been done, the urge to spray usually goes away within just a few weeks.
But even then, the problem might not go away completely. According to WebMD, only 5-10% of neutered cats will continue marking their territory with urine.
First Things First… Why Cats Spray
There are several reasons why cats spray, including:
A. Stress or anxiety
Cats may spray when they’re feeling stressed or anxious, especially if they’re not feeling comfortable in their environment.
This can be due to changes in their routine, the addition of a new pet or family member, or even just moving to a new home.
B. Marking their territory
Cats may also spray as a way of marking their territory. This is especially common if there are other cats in the house, or if they feel like their territory is being threatened by other cats in the neighborhood.
C. Hormonal changes
Cats can also spray as a result of hormonal changes, such as when they reach sexual maturity or are going through menopause. This can happen whether or not another pet is in the house.
How Often Do Male Cats Spray?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it can vary depending on the cat and the situation.
For instance, if your cat is spraying due to stress or anxiety, they may do it more often when they’re feeling particularly stressed.
On the other hand, if your cat is spraying to mark their territory, they may do it more often when they feel like their territory is being threatened.
As hinted above, hormonal changes can also cause cats to spray more frequently.
If you’re concerned about how often your cat is spraying, it’s best to speak to a vet.
They can help you rule out any medical causes and give you advice on how to best deal with the situation.
Do Male Cats Spray All The Time?
No, male cats generally don’t spray all the time. However, they may spray more during certain periods in their lives, such as when they’re intact (not neutered) or when they’re feeling stressed.
If your male cat is spraying urine around your home, it’s important to have him seen by a veterinarian to rule out any potential medical causes.
If your male cat is neutered, there may be an underlying medical condition causing him to spray urine.
Common medical conditions that can cause cats to spray include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).
If your cat is intact (not neutered), he may spray urine to mark his territory. Intact male cats are also more likely to become involved in fights with other cats, which can lead to stress and consequently, spraying.
Related Post: Can A Neutered Cat Get Erect?
How to Stop Your Male Cat from Spraying
It’s important to determine if your cat is spraying or urinating so that you can treat the problem accordingly.
If your cat is urinating, it will squat and release a large amount of urine all at once.
Spraying, on the other hand, is when a cat backs up to an object and releases a small amount of urine while shaking his tail.
If you determine that the cat is urinating, please consult your veterinarian as this may be a sign of a medical problem.
If the cat is spraying, however, there are some things you can do to help stop the behavior.
First, have your cat spayed or neutered. This is by far the most effective way to stop spraying. In fact, it’s estimated that 90% of male cats will stop spraying after being neutered.
Next, be sure to keep your cat’s litter box clean and free of urine buildup. Cats are very particular about their bathroom habits, so doing this can help encourage them to use the litter box instead of spraying in other areas.
Additionally, try providing multiple litter boxes around your home. This can help your cat feel more comfortable and encourage them to use the litter box instead of spraying.
If none of these solutions are working, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about using behavior modification techniques, using anti-anxiety medications, or trying different pheromones in your home.
With some patience and effort, you can help stop your cat’s spraying behavior.
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Conclusion
If your cat has started spraying for no apparent reason, it may be a good idea to have them checked by a vet.
This is important because it will help you rule out any medical causes, such as a urinary tract infection, which can sometimes cause cats to spray.
Otherwise, just follow the tips shared above and you will rectify the problem.
Hi! I am Eleanor Price. I started this website after my cat, Louie, almost died from a case of botulism (a type of food poisoning often caused by bacteria that grow on food items). Turned out that my cat’s diet was the problem. I have made it my duty to provide the best information and recommendations about everything cat lovers need to know about their felines’ health and wellbeing. My goal is to find the most informative content on anything feline-related and share it with fellow hardworking kitty lovers.