Special to the Star-Herald
Why is my female cat spraying? Feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett says: “It surprises many cat owners to learn that female cats can spray. When a cat displays this behavior, she is marking her territory because she feels that it’s in danger. It may be because of something that’s changed in the house, or it could be because she spotted a strange cat outdoors. Cats who spray are stressed; so don’t punish your kitty. Get to the root of the problem. Something has changed in or around your house, and it has caused your cat to become alarmed. It may be something that seems minor to you, but is of major concern to your cat.”
While you are conducting your investigation into the cause, be sure to clean and neutralize the areas she has sprayed. An enzymatic cleaner will remove the stain and odor. Using an ordinary household cleaner will only cover the odor. A cat’s sensitive nose will still be able to detect a trace of urine, which will trigger her to return to that spot.
www.usask.com suggests the following to deter your cat from urinating/spraying:
• Place the cat’s food and water in the location(s) where the cat marks. The cat is less likely to mark near its food and water.
• Place aluminum foil or plastic at the base of the marking site and on the marking site. The cat may not like the sound and feel associated with them. The cat also cannot smell the site before marking so it disturbs the marking pattern.
• Pepper or cat repellent on the site(s) may deter the cat from marking.
• Place a tray of pinecones or marbles at the base of marking site(s). Similarly, covering the base of the site with upside-down mousetraps is suggested by some experts.
• Spraying the cat with water as it begins marking may be an effective deterrent. The cat should not know where the water is coming from. If the cat associates punishment with the site(s) and the behavior rather than the owner, it is more effective.
As you use these methods, pay close attention to the cat’s reaction. If the cat’s anxiety level increases, then discontinue and move on to another method. Unfortunately, results of behavior modification methods vary. Some cats may be cured while others will simply change the urine-marking site.
Don’t forget to get your pledge sheets for our annual Paws for the Cause Walk at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org. We hope to have a great turnout again this year. If you have yard sale items that you would like to donate to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, please feel free to bring them to the shelter. We ask for sellable items that are in good shape and no clothes. We hope you can join us for a day full of fun.
Visit our animals Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or give us a call at 764-3441.
Coach is still looking for a home. He is a neutered “all American mix.” This dog is a lot of fun and loves to play. He has been with us for a long time and deserves a loving home.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
