As much as we adore our little furballs, giving them affection without any reserve, we must admit they can get a little funky sometimes. Okay, often it’s more than a little. Whether your pet barks or meows, the smells accompanying them are simply a part of the package. Even if you’re the most meticulous pet owner out there, making sure your cat is clean as a whistle at all times, there are some things you just can’t help.
The title already gave it away: we’re talking about the infamous cat spray, something all cat owners are more than familiar with. Even if you don’t own one yourself, you’ve surely felt this unmistakable, less-than-appetizing odor in someone’s house. It’s important to note right away that this is not a health problem; on the contrary, it’s perfectly natural and normal. The issue is that it doesn’t match Chanel No.5, but there are some ways to get around it. Stay tuned!
What is Cat Spray?
Clearly having nothing to do with perfumes or deodorants, cat spray is used for territory marking. The thing is, cats and dogs always find ways of communicating various signals between each other, and this is one of them. It has always been a part of their natural behavior, even if it may seem strange for a domestic animal to do this. Once we learn the causes of a certain habit, it no longer seems that unusual.
Most people think that cat spray is simply pee in short bursts. Well, judging by the aroma, you can’t really blame them, right? But that’s only partially true. While it is a urine-based secretion, it is mixed with other bodily fluids, like saliva or sweat. Pee by itself has a much stronger smell, so it’s fairly easy to tell them apart.
To understand this feline behavior fully, we need to find out what makes them do it in the first place. So next time you see it in action, instead of fuming, you’ll understand your kitty a little better.
Reasons Behind It
The primary purpose of spraying, as we said, is to mark territory. This is very important to animals in general, an age-old habit and a clear reminder of their wild past. By doing it, they claim a particular spot, give information about themselves, and let other animals know of their presence.
Female cats spray to inform a male they are ready to mate, attracting them with the scent. On the other hand, toms usually do this to claim territory, especially if you’ve moved to a new place. Male cats are competitive, so they like setting physical boundaries in this way. But spraying can also be a result of high stress or anxiety. Pets aren’t immune to these feelings, and it’s important to recognize when your kitty is feeling under the weather.
While outdoor spraying is no big deal, it can be a messy affair when done inside. If it turns into a regular thing, it could mean your cat is suffering from stress. Territory marking in the house is not really necessary, so why do they do it? They might feel insecure, lonely, or struggling with separation anxiety if you’re often away. They usually spray beds, chair legs, curtains, doorframes, or window sills. Consulting a vet can help you understand this habit better.
By spraying out in the open, cats can claim territory, inform their peers about their health, sex, or age, and avoid physical conflict. They usually mark fence posts, tree trunks, street lights, hedges – any place where other cats can smell it. As you can see, our furry friends don’t need verbal communication – pee does it for them. Thankfully, it’s not a human habit, too: now that would be a sight to behold!
Yes... The Smell
Those who have been lucky enough to feel cat spray in the air usually describe it as pungent. Being a mixture of different fluids, it’s not exactly a subtle aroma. This is because cat spray contains pheromones, natural chemicals that send messages to members of the same species, be it territory marking or readiness to mate. The odor can be very foul: some describe it as something halfway between poo and urine, while others claim it smells like tuna. In any case, it’s not something you would put on before a date at a restaurant.
Pee alone smells more offensive than spray, though both are not pleasant to the nose. If you can’t decide which is which, the general rule is – cats pee on horizontal surfaces but spray on vertical ones. In this way, they leave a message at nose height, where other cats can easily receive it. Vertical or horizontal, it is a stinky situation, and we need to address it sooner or later.
Taking Action
If done on rare occasions, spraying is not a reason to worry. But if it becomes habitual, you might need to take a few steps, even if it doesn’t threaten your pet’s health.Cats need their own space, period. When you buy new furniture move old furniture around, or move to a new place, it can cause stress for your feline. They like familiarity, and when living arrangements change, they might spray more intensely to feel more secure. For this reason, vets recommend providing spaces for cats where they feel safe: litter boxes, beds, cat trees, etc.
Feeling threatened is another common reason for spraying. There could be new cats in your neighborhood, noise pollution from outside, and loud music – all this can be very upsetting for your kitty. If this happens, try to spend more time playing games or petting: there is nothing more stimulating for a cat than a loving owner.
Also, having other pets plays a role, too. If your feline feels insecure around them, it might spray more than usual, venting its frustration. Luckily, most domestic cats adapt fairly easily to other pets, so this shouldn’t be an issue. Of course, the reason can also be medical, but that sounds like a job for the vet.
