Territorial cat - spraying at front door

[KittyWitty]

Hi guys

So I need some help - my cat Smokey who lives at my mum's house has recently started territorial spraying at the front door. My mum lives in a flat and the neighbours up stairs have a outdoor cat who has to travel down the communal stairs to get outside - we assume that the neighbour cat is spraying in the stair well to claim that area as his also.

I am looking for advice to help my mum and to stop Smokey doing this - any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[Grace56]

Hi Kitty Witty,
Here is something I downloaded for you (and anyone else with this problem)

Has your schedule and therefore his routine changed drastically? Are you "seeing another cat" outside your home and bringing back its scent on your clothing? Moving into a new home or changes in the environment can cause a cat to spray. Previous occupants of your new home may have had a cat and your cat may be reacting to the smells that cat left behind.

All these things can cause a cat to spray or urine mark. Many people don't realize it, but both male and female cats can urine mark. Again, and I cannot emphasize this enough, the primary cause of spraying is your cat's insecurity in his territory. Help your cat increase his confidence and feeling of security. Give him tons of praise, affection and attention for simply breathing. Constantly reassure him that he is the most wonderful cat in the world. Play with him, massage him, talk to him, do everything to rebuild his self esteem.

When cats spray windows, doorways, fireplaces or any area where outside smells can enter your home, it's a sure sign that something out there is provoking it. It can be a tomcat, a female cat in season, maybe even a dog. Close off the windows so your cat can't see out. Maybe even just the sight of a perceived rival or threat is causing him to spray. In addition, place a few drops of your favorite perfume or aftershave by the window to mask out any scent that may be entering through the window. At the same time, your cat needs his confidence and security reinforced. Pay extra special attention to him and under no circumstance reprimand him for spraying behavior. You will only add stress to stress and worsen the problem. What your cat needs is reassurance and a sense of security from you

Also...have you tried 'Feliway' diffuser or spray? I find that works well for stress in cats.

Good luck, and let us know how Smokey gets on.

[bobbys girl]

Great advice Grace and I hope it works for KittyWitty.
I know why Purdy (our Top Cat) sprays, I just don't know how to stop her! Tried EVERYTHING, and I can understand Spraying near doors and windows but the microwave? What's that ever done to her?
The bane of our lives, Nasty Cat, sweeps by now and again. I recently caught him spraying on the kitchen window reveal - our cat's way in and out of the house. Concrete is a beggar to clean so I have decided to paint it and mix something 'smelly' in the paint. Any suggestions?
A gardening friend of mine uses canes soaked with Jeyes Fluid poked into the ground near her beloved cat mint. It works! Her cat mint is enormous, unlike mine, which has to live in a pot on the wall so Willow doesn't overdose on it.
I know Jeyes Fluid pongs (though better that than septic tanks!) but the smell fades, to our noses. Outside it might be enough to stop both cats spaying?
Let us know how you go on and good luck!

[bobbys girl]

Or should that be SPRAYING

[KittyWitty]

We know why so is spraying just need tips on how to help her regain her confidence so she doesn't spray any more. I wish I could bring her home now that I am in a position where I can have cats but my mum has got very attached to her - it would stop the problem all together.

My poor girl - think my mum may have been disciplining her because of it when really it isn't her fault!