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Forty percent of all house soiling complaints consist of 'cat spraying', when one's cat stands next to an object and sprays an unpleasant odor. Cat spraying is one way cats mark their territory. Usually the cat is an un-neutered male (tom), but some females also spray when they are in heat.

Cats can spray for multiple reasons. Territorial disputes can cause them to spray. Another cat in heat can cause them to spray. The stress of fighting with another cat can cause them to spray. Normally cats mark their territory to reduce conflicts with other cats. Most of the time they spray outside, but if there are conflicts inside they will do it there.

When the cat sprays an object, it releases a foul smelling odor akin to ammonia. Removing the smell quickly and completely is important because the smell will encourage the cat to spray again. To remove the smell, clean the object thoroughly with an enzymatic cleanser specially designed to remove odors. Avoid cleansers with ammonia because it smells like the spray itself.

So what do you do about this behavior? Can it be stopped before it starts? If cat spraying is a problem for your tomcat, getting him neutered is the first step toward a solution. Also, seeking out the instigating factor for the spraying can help - try seeking the help of a cat whisperer or an expert in cat psychology for assistance. If you're always noticing spraying in the same place, try rearranging furniture or objects to discourage the behavior. It may also help to separate your cat from other neighborhood kitties that may aggravate the problem.

Cat spraying cannot be cured by punishment. A stressed cat may even spray more often, and hitting your cat will simply encourage fear, not obedience. Nor will taking your cat to the sprayed area for punishment be an effective deterrent.

Even with taking all the precautions, cat spraying will be difficult to eliminate completely but can be easily be controlled and minimized. It is just an occurrence that comes along with the responsibility and pleasure of owning a feline friend.

The problem of 'cat spraying' is when a domestic cat will soil its house to mark its territory by backing into furniture or any household item and release a pungent spray. Approximately 40% of all soiling complaints are made of such instances. Females cats will sometimes do it when they are in heat, but generally it is mostly un-neutered male tom cats. Employing a cat whisperer who understands cat psychology to come into your home can also lessen the problem. Don't ever try to punish your cat by bringing him into the area and hitting him. This will lead your cat to be fearful of you.