--- title: Why Do Cats Spray? 5 Reasons for Cat Spraying description: Does your cat sometimes urinate outside the litterbox? We’re exploring the reasons behind this behaviour, plus sharing a few tips on how to stop cats spraying! image: https://blog.feliway.com/hubfs/Template%20Blog%20Articles%20FELIWAY-Feb-15-2024-06-09-06-4881-PM.png --- #### Want to sign up for our blog? [ Subscribe ](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/why-do-cats-spray-5-reasons-for-cat-spraying#signup-form) # Why Do Cats Spray? 5 Reasons for Cat Spraying Does your cat sometimes urinate outside of their litterbox? Cats are usually such clean and careful creatures, so if your pet has started to spray somewhere away from their normal spot - such as against a wall, door, furniture, or on another vertical surface - they may be trying to communicate something. Of course, this knowledge doesn’t make it any less unpleasant when your cat is spraying around your home! With all this in mind, you’re probably looking for tips on how to stop this behaviour. But first, we’d suggest that it may be more beneficial to understand why cats spray in the first place. This helps us to recognise what’s changed in our cats’ lives and resolve any underlying causes. So, keep reading for our expert tips! ## **Why Do Cats Spray****?** **![Ginger cat in a litterbox.](https://blog.feliway.com/hs-fs/hubfs/%5BFeliway%5D%20Why%20Do%20Cats%20Spray_%20X%20Reasons%20for%20Cat%20Spraying%20-%20Draft%202%20-%20approved-1_cropped.png?width=602&height=316&name=%5BFeliway%5D%20Why%20Do%20Cats%20Spray_%20X%20Reasons%20for%20Cat%20Spraying%20-%20Draft%202%20-%20approved-1_cropped.png)** ## **1. Illness** If your kitty seems to be messing accidentally or has suddenly changed their behaviour, it’s a good idea to check that nothing’s wrong with their health. Sometimes cats urinate in different places due to **an underlying health or medical condition,** such as cystitis. This is no fun for your pet! Arthritis or age can also create discomfort and cause your cat to urinate outside the litter box. So, if you notice anything unusual, it’s important to get your furry friend checked by the vet to rule out any medical issues. ## **2. Kitty Litter Box Preferences** Does your kitty dislike or have trouble with their litter box? Try to investigate whether this might be the cause behind your cat peeing elsewhere**.** For example: - Is the litter box clean enough? We all prefer to use a clean toilet, and cats are no different! If their litter box is not as clean as they like then, they might not use it. - Is the litter box always in a room that is accessible to your cat? They need easy access at all times - and won’t just ‘hold it’ if they need to go and can’t get into it. - Is the litter box too high up? This might make it difficult for your pet to access, particularly if you have a [more senior cat](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/how-to-help-your-cat-age-gracefully?hsLang=en-ca). - Is the litter box in a quiet spot? Cats can feel vulnerable while toileting so it’s best to avoid areas where noises can happen, such as near washing machines. - Have you tried a different type of litter? Sometimes, the answer to why cats avoid a litter box is as simple as your kitty’s preferences! They may dislike the litter you’ve chosen, so try using a different type to encourage them to use the litter box. ![ Human pouring litter into a tray while a cat investigates.](https://blog.feliway.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_2329245369_cropped-min.png?width=602&height=316&name=shutterstock_2329245369_cropped-min.png) ## **3. Limited Litter Boxes** How many litter boxes do you have in your house? If you have [multiple cats](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/living-in-a-multi-cat-household-a-kittys-point-of-view?hsLang=en-ca), you might not have enough. This could then be prompting your cats to urinate elsewhere. As a helpful tip, it’s best to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the house. And make sure to have them all in separate places, rather than all together. Otherwise, this is just one large litter box in the mind of cats! If one of your fur-babies are a little on the shy side, make sure they have easy access to their own litter box. This should be somewhere quiet and out of the way where your cat won’t be interrupted. ## **4. Stress or Unhappiness** Like a lot of humans, cats also like to feel in charge! If they’re not feeling completely happy, or are facing any [stress or anxiety](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/understanding-cat-stress-just-what-is-my-cat-thinking?hsLang=en-ca), this can explain why cats spray. They’ll leave urine marks to help them feel safer in that particular place. Essentially, spraying may be due to a change in your cat’s routine or lifestyle. Your furry pal is a [creature of habit](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/do-cats-need-routine-tips-for-a-happy-cat?hsLang=en-ca) and doesn’t like change! If you think stress might be the cause, try to identify what’s making your cat feel unhappy. For example, there might be a [scary neighbour cat](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/5-ways-to-prevent-kitty-conflict?hsLang=en-ca) outside the window, so shutting blinds or windows would stop your cat feeling intimidated. Another cause might also be a change in your family or in the home, such as redecoration or celebrations, or even the presence of new furniture. ## **5. Scent Habits** If your cat has developed a habit of urine spraying in a particular spot, the scent could be attracting them back for a repeat spray. To discourage this habit, you should [clean the area where your cat has urinated](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/how-to-clean-cat-spray-in-6-steps?hsLang=en-ca) with a simple soap and water, or use a recommended urine stain and odour remover. Don’t use ammonia-based or bleach cleaners as this will attract your cat back to pee again.   ![Grey cat beside a litterbox watching as the litterbox is cleaned out.](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/8HCw8OgAwUC51Jjrk6FcFXFCMf00Zi7codUF4uWlTMZWQNszGsq76p9lmwKsV6BVbBQYutigH_9dcf2rwSLCGJouNQjnkgr8snPjlYyA9W0Y7R8PpeEJ9qL1at9fbhA8mJQH5fslGt12) ## **How To Stop Cats Spraying** If you’ve ruled out illness and other stress factors, the best way to [stop a cat from spraying](https://www.feliway.com/ca_en/Why-Feliway/Cat-peeing-outside-the-litter-box) is to provide your cat with a calming and comforting environment. [FELIWAY *Optimum*](https://www.feliway.com/ca_en/Products/feliway-optimum) is clinically proven to comfort cats at home and decrease urine spraying. This is the ideal solution to help your cat feel secure in their environment, making both you and your cat happier! For the best results, plug the diffuser into a socket in the area your cat spends most of their time. You can also consider using [FELIWAY *Classic* Spray](https://www.feliway.com/ca_en/Products/feliway-classic-spray) if your cat keeps spraying in one single place. This should be sprayed on the area at least once daily after the area has been cleaned. Remember, making your kitty feel comfortable in your home will help to reduce them from spraying  from stress and limit any signals, including spraying, as well as bring you both closer together. For more information on creating a cat-friendly home, [check out our article here](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/how-to-make-your-home-cat-friendly-6-ideas?hsLang=en-ca). **Are you looking for more tips on ****stopping cats from spraying ****or are interested in learning more about ****recognizing**** the signs of stress in cats?  [Get in touch](https://www.feliway.com/ca_en/Footer-links/Contact-us)! We’d love to hear from you and share all the advice we can. You can also stay informed with our latest tips and ****FELIWAY ****product advice by [signing up to our newsletter](https://share.hsforms.com/1Vmq0Rw1cTvC-tEP55q5pRQ2lmh3).** Share on: ## Related posts #### [Spraying How Can I Stop My Cat Peeing Outside The Litter Box? It can be a bit distressing and frustrating if your cat starts peeing outside the litter box - and ...](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/how-can-i-stop-my-cat-peeing-outside-the-litter-box?hsLang=en-ca) #### [Understand your cat How to Litter Train a Kitten - 8 Tips Excitement, chaos and delight will reign when you bring your new kitten home for the first time! ...](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/how-to-litter-train-a-kitten-8-tips?hsLang=en-ca) #### [Understand your cat Why Do Cats Pee on Things? Cats are renowned for their cleanliness. It’s thought that they spend at least five hours a day ...](https://blog.feliway.com/ca_en/why-do-cats-pee-on-things?hsLang=en-ca) #### Leave A Comment Want to sign up for our blog? **Information Notice** The personal information collected is intended for Ceva Santé Animale, and Ceva group companies, in order to manage your request.This information may be passed on to service providers in order to organize this management. In accordance with the Regulations on personal data you have rights of access, rectification and limitation of processing of your data. You may also, in certain limited cases, oppose the treatment, withdraw your consent and request the deletion and portability of your data. For any request relating to your personal data please go to this [page](https://www.ceva-canada.ca/en/Footer-links/Privacy-policy#contact)