Male cat spraying is a natural signal tom cats use to communicate and mark their territory but may also be a sign of stress. To be able to stop your cat from spraying, you need to understand why your cat is spraying and act accordingly.
Neutering Often Stops Spraying
Neutering is the most common solution to spraying cats. Castration can stop this behavior within the first 6 months. Neutering is recommended in case your cat sprays to mark his territory or to let other cats know he is ready to mate. If your cat sprays due to other reasons, neutering will not solve the problem.
Pheromone Diffusers
A new solution for male cat spraying is to use some pheromone diffusers. These devices will spread an odor that is similar to cat urine smell and will usually stop your cat from spraying in your home. Use the diffusers in the most frequent places your cat likes to spray. Plug-in diffusers are also available.
Put Vinegar Where You Don't Want Cats to Go
Vinegar is a more conventional alternative to get rid of the cat spray smell. Unlike other detergents, vinegar has a powerful odor that cats don't like. Clean the sprayed area with vinegar and water and the smell of the vinegar will keep your cat away from that area (at least for a while).
Comfort Your Cat
If your cat's behavior is stress-related, you should find the source of stress. Cats are sensitive creatures and may stress over various reasons. Environmental changes, such as redecorating a room, or bringing a new pet into the home, can stress a cat. Try to comfort your cat and reassure him that he's still important for you and be patient until he gets used to the new situation.
Stress Medication
In case comforting your pet doesn't help getting rid of stress-related cat spraying, you will have to get medical help. Valium and Clomicalm are among the most common drugs used to calm your cat down and stop him from spraying. However, these drugs have a few side-effects and your cat may lose his personality, being less friendly and less energetic.
Alternatively you can get behavioral therapy for your cat.
Switch Back to Your Old Litter Brand
A cat may spray even if you change the litter brand or the location of the litter box. Your cat disapproves and decides to urinate in a different place. Just switch back to your old litter brand and your pet should stop spraying around the house.
Go for a Check-Up
Cat spraying may be caused by lower urinary tract infections or cysts. If the cat is sick, he associates the location of the tray with the painful urination and avoids using the litter tray. Go to the vet and run some tests. Treating these infections should stop the cat from spraying.