Many owners become concerned when they discover small amounts of urine on walls, furniture, doors, or other upright surfaces around the home. Cats do not spray urine out of spite or because they are being naughty. Instead, spraying is a normal form of communication used to leave scent messages for other cats.  While this behaviour is normal for cats, it can become a problem when it occurs inside the home. Successful treatment depends on understanding why the cat is spraying and what the behaviour is communicating. 

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What is spraying?

Spraying (also known as urine marking) is different from urinating outside the litter tray.

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When spraying, a cat typically:

• Stands upright with the tail held vertically, often quivering

• Backs up to a vertical surface such as a wall, door, or piece of furniture

• Deposits a small amount of urine

• May tread with the back feet while spraying

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It is usually a small volume of urine and can often be found dripping down the wall and collecting on skirting boards.  In contrast, cats that urinate outside the litter tray usually squat and pass a larger volume of urine onto a horizontal surface such as a carpet, bed, or floor.

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Understanding the difference is important because the two behaviours often have different underlying causes and require different treatment approaches.  Some cats display both spraying and inappropriate urination, so careful assessment is needed to determine whether one or both behaviours are occurring.

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Why do cats spray?

Cats spray urine for a variety of reasons.

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Common causes include:

• Communication with other cats

• Territorial insecurity

• Conflict between cats living in the same household

• Outdoor cats visible through windows or entering the garden

• Changes within the household environment

• Anxiety or chronic stress

• Introduction of a new cat, pet, or family member

• Changes in household routine

• Sexual behaviour in entire (unneutered) cats

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Successful treatment depends on identifying the motivation behind the spraying rather than simply trying to stop the behaviour.

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Medical problems should always be considered

Although spraying may be behaviourally motivated, in a significant proportion of cats there is an underlying medical problem.  Therefore any cat with changes to their urination pattern should always see a vet first.  This is especially important if there is straining, blood in the urine, crying when urinating, frequently visiting the litter tray or any concern that a cat cannot pass urine, which is a medical emergency.

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Medical causes may include:

• Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

• Urinary tract infection

• Bladder stones

• Kidney disease

• Arthritis or other conditions limiting access to litter trays

• Other painful medical conditions

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Medical causes should always be considered alongside behavioural factors.

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Why punishment makes the problem worse

Punishing a cat for spraying often increases anxiety and may make the behaviour worse. Cats do not spray out of spite or for revenge. Successful treatment depends on understanding the underlying motivation for the behaviour rather than simply attempting to stop it. Punishment should never be used, including shouting, physical punishment, or spraying the cat with water.

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How a behavioural assessment can help

A full assessment looks at:

• Complete medical history and previous veterinary investigations

• Household layout and environmental set-up

• Distribution of resources throughout the home

• Relationships with other cats and household members

• Potential sources of stress or conflict

• Daily routine and predictability

• The location and pattern of spraying behaviour

• The cat's emotional wellbeing and overall welfare

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I then create a tailored management plan aimed at identifying why the spraying is occurring and reducing the likelihood of it continuing long term. This may involve environmental modification, reducing stress, improving resource distribution, behaviour modification, medical investigation where appropriate, and in some cases behavioural medication.

Important safety information

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Repeated urine spraying within the home can create hygiene problems and may damage furniture, soft furnishings, and décor. Areas should be cleaned thoroughly using an enzymatic cleaner designed to remove urine residues and odour, as standard household cleaners may encourage repeat spraying.

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About me

As both a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and Clinical Animal Behaviourist with a particular focus on cats, I understand that urine spraying often reflects complex interactions between emotional wellbeing, environmental pressures, social relationships, and physical health. My assessments combine both medical and behavioural perspectives to develop an individualised management plan for each cat.

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Finally…

If your cat has started spraying urine within the home, a behavioural consultation can help identify the underlying cause and develop a practical management plan tailored specifically to your cat and home environment.

This page is intended as general guidance only and is not a substitute for veterinary examination, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your cat, please speak to your registered vet.

Written July 2026