How to Get a Female Cat Stop Spraying

Spaying your female cat is the best way to prevent her from spraying. Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, and it stops the cat from producing the hormones that cause her to spray.

* Spaying is a fairly simple surgery that can be done by most vets.

* It is typically performed when a female cat is 6-8 months old.

* Spaying is a one-time procedure that is effective for preventing spraying for the cat’s entire life.

2.Identify and Remove Stressors

Sometimes, female cats spray in response to stress. If your cat is stressed, she may be more likely to spray as a way to release tension or to mark her territory.

* Common stressors for cats include:

* changes to their routine

* moving to a new house

* introducing a new pet or person to the family

* being left alone for long periods of time

* having a conflict with another cat

3. Provide Adequate Litter Boxes

Female cats prefer to use separate litter boxes for urinating and defecating. If you have only one litter box, your cat may be spraying to create another place to go.

* The general rule is to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

* So, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes.

* Litter boxes should be kept clean and in a quiet area of the house.

* Avoid using litter boxes that have covers or hoods as some cats find them stressful and may be less likely to use them.

4. Clean Soiled Areas

If your cat has already sprayed, clean the soiled area thoroughly. Use a cleaner specifically designed for removing cat urine to remove any traces of the scent.

* Do not use ammonia-based cleaners as the smell of ammonia can actually attract cats.

* Be thorough in cleaning the area, as any residual scent may encourage the cat to continue to spray in that spot.

5. Use Pheromone Products

Pheromone products can help to deter cats from spraying. There are a variety of pheromone products available, including:

* Feliway® Classic Spray: This spray contains a copy of the natural feline facial pheromone. It helps to create a sense of security and comfort for cats, deterring them from spraying.

* Feliway® Multicat Diffuser: This diffuser emits a steady stream of pheromones into the home, helping to reduce tension and conflict between multiple cats.

* Comfort Zone® Cat Calming Spray: This spray contains a synthetic version of the feline cheek pheromone. It helps to create a calming effect for cats, reducing their stress levels and their likelihood to spray.

6. Train Your Cat

You can also train your cat not to spray. Here are a few tips:

* Catch your cat in the act of spraying and immediately make a loud noise or clap your hands. This will startle your cat and stop it from spraying.

* Place a piece of double-sided tape or aluminum foil on the areas where your cat sprays. Cats don’t like the feel of these surfaces and are less likely to spray on them.

* Redirect your cat's attention to appropriate scratching surfaces. Cats need to scratch, so provide them with plenty of scratching posts and toys.

_If your cat is continuing to spray despite your best efforts, talk to your veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing the spraying, and your vet can help you determine the best course of treatment._