Dealing with your cat peeing inappropriately in your home can be exceedingly frustrating. Many cat owners don’t realize there’s a difference between your cat peeing and spraying. While it may not seem like it, the distinction is important because several factors can cause your cat to spray or inappropriately pee in your home. There are also different approaches to remedying both issues.
Your vet can help you determine which issue you’re dealing with, but there is information your vet will likely need from you. It’s essential to keep track of the behaviors your cat is exhibiting, along with tracking your cat’s litter box usage and any changes your cat may have recently experienced. Here are some of the differences between cat spraying and peeing.
At a Glance:
Overview of Spraying
Spraying is an instinctive behavior exhibited primarily by male cats, especially those that are intact, but it is also sometimes exhibited by female cats in heat. Even then, it’s an undesirable behavior that most people work to prevent.
Why Do Cats Spray?
Spraying primarily marks territory and lets other cats know they’re there. It leaves behind information about the cat via pheromones and odor.
While most cats spray to mark territory and show sexual receptivity, they will also do it if they feel threatened or stressed. Spraying isn’t specific to intact cats, but it occurs at a much higher rate in cats that are intact.
Characteristics of Spraying Behavior
When a cat is spraying, they typically do so on a vertical surface, like a wall or fence. Generally, they will hold the tail high, sometimes vibrating or shaking it, especially toward the base. Male cats, especially tomcats, may have more pungent-smelling urine when spraying than females.
Neutering can decrease the unpleasantness of the odor, and in most cases, it will also reduce the likelihood of spraying. Spraying usually consists of small amounts of urine instead of emptying a full bladder.
Cats spray the same spot or area repeatedly but may also seek new spaces to spray and mark. Either way, you’ll need a reliable cleaner to help eliminate the smell.
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Overview of Peeing
Peeing is a normal bodily function, but cats are pretty particular about where they urinate. When your cat starts peeing in odd places or skipping the litter box, you should take notice and start looking for causes. The causes of inappropriate urination in cats can range from behavioral to serious medical issues.
Why Do Cats Pee Inappropriately?
There are multiple reasons your cat may be peeing inappropriately. Some cats will begin avoiding the litter box due to stress or environmental changes, but it can be different from spraying. If your cat has a UTI or other medical issue causing discomfort in the litter box, they may begin peeing elsewhere.
In their mind, the litter box is the cause of their discomfort, and peeing outside the litter box doesn’t carry the same stress. Other issues can lead to this behavior, like stress related to other illnesses and changes in the home. Bringing home a new pet or a baby, moving, and rearranging a room can cause your cat to pee outside the litter box.
Characteristics of Inappropriate Peeing
Technically, spraying would fall under the “inappropriate peeing” umbrella. However, if your cat is peeing due to illness or stress but isn’t attempting to spray or mark, they will likely squat and urinate instead of peeing on a vertical surface. You may see blood in the urine if your cat has a UTI, bladder stones, or other issues affecting their urinary tract.
Your cat’s urine may not have a strong odor if they are peeing inappropriately unless they have a UTI or overly concentrated urine. It’s not uncommon for cats that are peeing inappropriately to seek out unusual places to pee, like in bathtubs and sinks.
| Spraying | Peeing |
| Common in intact cats | Can occur in any cats |
| Marks territory or indicates stress | Indicates stress or illness |
| Occurs on a vertical surface | Can occur on any surface |
| Often accompanied by strong-smelling urine | Usually normal-smelling urine |
Conclusion
Spraying is a behavior that is often associated with intact male cats but can occur in any cat. Inappropriate peeing can occur with any cat and indicates that your cat is likely exhibiting stress or reacting to an illness. Both spraying and inappropriate peeing are issues that may require veterinary intervention to correct.
Monitoring your cat’s litter box usage can help you identify when an issue is developing. It can also help you and your vet determine what is causing your cat to start spraying or peeing inappropriately. Make sure to keep a stable, calm environment with plenty of comfy hiding places to keep your cat free of stress and decrease the chances of either issue developing.
Related Read:
- Do Female Cats Spray? The Interesting Answer!
- Why Is My Female Cat Spraying All of a Sudden? 5 Possible Reasons
Featured Image: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock
