Spayed Female Cat Spraying

Question
QUESTION: I thought having a cat fixed would stop them from spraying, and I had no idea that female cats COULD spray, but I've caught Greyleigh in the act numerous times.  She was spayed at about 5 months.  I'm not sure when she actually started spraying, but I know I kept telling my husband it couldn't be her because female cats don't spray.  Well she does -- so how do I get her to stop?  She's an indoor/ outdoor cat, and she spays indoors and outdoors.

Karen answered my question with some sound advice -- she suggested that I take Greyleigh to the vet to be sure there isn't a urinary tract infection.  I have and she's fine.  But yes, it's ALWAYS a good idea to check with the vet.  Cats should be treated like the family members they are!

She also asked if I was sure that Greyleigh is actually spraying.  She has "cats that look like they are spraying. The tail is upright and does that little quiver thing but nothing is coming out. It's sort of like a little quiver of pleasure."  But yup, I've stood right there and watch her spray, and unfortunately there's no mistaking the fact that liquid is in fact being released.

Karen also suggested that it could take a little while after Greyleigh was spayed for it to take affect.  It's been about 2 years since she was spayed.

She said that I could get back to her after I've checked with the vet, but Karen's maxed out so it won't let me reply to her answer.

So, thought I'd ask you your opinion.  You said you like research etc, lol.  You have more to go on than Karen, because I've included her comments and my responses.  Good luck!  :)

ANSWER: Female cats DO spray. They spray a lot. I have a female that sprays. It's the tom's who get the brunt of the blame for it, but female cats are pretty darn good at it themselves.

The cause of her spraying behavior is most likely territory. Cats that are allowed access to the outdoors often mark their territory against strays or even birds and squirrels. If she shares her space with other animals, this is her way of saying, "Back off, this is MINE." If it's not other animals that are causing her to mark, it may be your housing situation. Have you recently moved, or taken on a roommate?

No matter the cause, I'm sure you want it stopped! I have a few really great products in mind for you, and a nice proactive course of action.

First of all, I recommend getting Hartz "Stay Off Training Aid" Spray. This stuff is great! It has a smell, only noticeable by cats, that drives them away from areas that you don't want them in. Spray down the areas that she has marked as hers. The smell should help keep her away from the area. Next, I recommend getting at least two Feliway plug-ins. This product releases a pheromone that makes the cat feel relaxed and happy. That will stop her from feeling territorial.

Now, for the action plan! Plug in those Feliway plug-ins, and then them to their magic. Then spray down those areas of the house where she thinks she can mark with the Hartz spray. Next, get a water pistol! Have several, filled with water, in those rooms of the house. When she goes to spray, give her a snoot full of water, then pick her up and drop her in the cat box. She can mark in there! If you have other cats, get a separate box and drop her in that. She can mark in the box. If you choose, put her outside when you catch her marking inside. She can mark out there without harming much.

If you keep up on her, I think this method should start to see some real improvement within a week.

I hope this works for you and Grayleigh, Kim!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Madonna!!  I think you hit the nail on the head.  Greyleigh was very timid as a baby, and got pushed around by the other "kids".  Many times she stayed in one or two rooms.  As she grew up, she outgrew the other female and was no longer afraid of her.  And she probably went around claiming as much territory as she could.

Will this "stay off" spray work outside in the garden too?

I'm heading to Petco tomorrow!  Wish me luck!


Answer
I wouldn't spray the "Stay Off" directly on your plants, but it is useful for outdoors, too. I would recommend spraying it around the border of your garden.

Don't be surprised if you have to do many more coatings outside than you do indoors. You will have to respray indoors every other day, and outdoors everyday.

Good luck!