Both intact and neutered male cats (and to a lesser extent, females) may back up to vertical objects, such as furniture and drapes,raise and quiver the tail, and squirt a small amount of urine on the object. This is called spraying. This is not to be confused integralities or cystitis. Spraying apparently makes the surroundings more familiar and comfortable to the cat by giving them theca's own smell, and it lets others know that Morris, Jaws, or Ralph "was here." If the cat perceives a threat to its environment, such asa new addition to the household (another pet,a baby), a furniture change, or a new cat in the neighborhood, spraying may occur. In these cases. however, it will probably be temporary.
Eliminating Smell of Cat Spray
Castrating the male cat before sexual gratuity solves the spraying problem before it be-gins. but castration after maturity is still highly effective. If castration doesn't appeal. try placing mothballs or the cat's food bowl in the -spray zone." Cats don't go to the bathroom where they eat, and they detest the smell of mothballs. ( Do not use moth-balls if small children are in the household.Also, some mothballs contain naphthalene,which causes a hemolytic anemia if the cat licks or chews them.) Hormones or a new home for the cat may be needed if the behavior persists.
