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Cat spraying is a behavioral problem that most cat owners will have to deal with at some point. It occurs when a cat wishes to mark its territory, and it does so with a spray of urine onto the wall, a piece of furniture, or anything else that gets in the way.

Cat urine is laden with scented chemicals called pheromones. These chemicals serve as a signal to others. Usually, a cat sprays to send various messages like calling a mate, protecting his territory or as a result of stress.

As innocent as the reasons behind cat spraying may be, it is a behavior that even the most devout cat lovers want to eliminate. Don't be tempted to punish your cats for spraying - after all, they are just doing what's in their nature. The easiest and most effective way to stop cat spraying is to have the cat neutered. Since most incidents of spraying occur due to a desire to mate, removing the desire to mate will most likely stop the problem.

If your neutered cat is still spraying, or if you are unable to get your cat neutered, consider seeking out the source of the problem that is causing your cat to spray. If there is another cat in the area that does not get along with your cat, try separating them. At times, cat spraying can be due to a medical problem. This is something that you will want to discuss with your veterinarian.

Thoroughly clean up every area that your cat has sprayed, so that your cat will be less tempted to spray the same area again. Cat pheromones often cannot be detected by the human nose, so use a potent antibacterial cleanser to be sure that you're removed every trace of the spraying.

If nothing seems to work, then your cat may simply not be happy living in your house. Perhaps he doesn't like the food you're giving him, or he wants your company more often, or your house doesn't provide him with enough space. You should consult a veterinarian before making any major changes.

Cats, like other animals, have their own system of logic and their own means of expressing themselves. Consulting a cat behaviorist or reading books on cats behavior are good ways to try to understand your cat. When they do things that you don't like, they are simply expressing themselves in their own natural language. If you are going to invite them into your life, you need to learn what they are trying to say.

Cat spraying is a cat behavior that even the most devout cat lovers want eliminated. Don't punish the cat, they are just doing what's in their nature. If you can't get your cat neutered, or neutering doesn't stop the spraying, find out causing your cat to spray. If he doesn't get along with another cat in the environment, try separating. Spraying can also be due to a medical problem, so consult your veterinarian. Cat urine contains pheromones which humans may not smell. Clean all affected areas with a strong antibacterial cleanser to eliminate the odor completely. This will prevent the cat from using the same area again.