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Cat Spraying and Cat Cleaning

3/6/2017

7 Comments

 
Picture
by Nomi Berger
 
Inquiring minds want to know: What is spraying and how do you keep your place smelling springtime fresh?
 
Quite simply, spraying is when your kitty leaves a small amount of urine on any surface in your home. Not always noticeable to the naked eye, these tiny spots are certainly detectable by their odor. Cat urine is extremely potent, and after repeated sprayings can travel deep into your carpets, upholstery or bedding, even penetrating hardwood floors.
 
Although spraying is most often associated with intact males, ALL cats can spray, and it’s mainly because they’re trying to “mark” their territory. It’s also their way of dealing with stress. Cats are creatures of habit and many react badly to even the slightest change in their environment -- a new pet or a baby in the family, a cat guardian’s abrupt absence, a strange cat in the backyard, or environmental factors people simply don’t notice. Because they feel anxious, they attempt to relieve that anxiety by leaving behind their scent as their non-verbal way of meowing, “I’m feeling stressed.”
 
Medical problems, such as urinary tract infections or blockages, may also be the culprits, and any new or suspicious behavior on the part of your kitty should immediately be brought to the attention of your vet.
 
As for cleaning up after your kitty’s spraying, some experts suggest the following:
 
1) Locate the stains. Often the most difficult part of the process due to the small size of each stain, darken every room in your home, one by one, and use a black light (usually found in pet supply stores) to find all of the offending spots.
 
2) Spray each stain with an enzymatic cleaner. Using biological enzymes, these specially formulated cleaners work to break down the odor-causing phenomes in your cat’s urine and help to eliminate the smell altogether.
 
3) Use a vinegar solution. Once most of the urine from each stain has been cleaned, apply a solution of half-vinegar, half-water to the area. The vinegar will further mask any remaining odor and help prevent future spraying in the same spot.
 
4) Apply baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on each affected area to draw out any remaining moisture and/or urine that’s soaked deep into the fibers of your carpets or furniture.
 
5) Vacuum each treated spot. Wait about 15 minutes, then use a wet vac to vacuum everything up. If, however, you don’t have a wet vac, allow the baking soda to sit for a day or two before vacuuming. The baking soda will absorb any residual odors.

7 Comments
cat spraying no more review link
5/11/2018 10:23:22 am

great site

Reply
Emily link
5/13/2023 02:50:22 am

If you're a fellow cat owner struggling with the issue of your cat peeing outside the litter box, I wanted to share a resource that has been incredibly helpful for me. The Stop Cat Peeing Online program offers practical solutions and a supportive community of cat owners who are all dealing with similar issues. It can be really reassuring to know you're not alone in this, and to connect with others who understand what you're going through.
I highly recommend checking it out if you're looking for solutions to this problem. It's made a big difference for me and my furry friend.

Reply
Sunless spray tanning nyc link
6/23/2023 10:30:33 pm

Thanks for sharing! Very good Informative and useful... Keep up the great work.

Reply
ClearHolidays link
9/23/2023 09:12:34 pm

Dear Nomi Berger,

I wanted to extend my heartfelt appreciation for your insightful article on cat spraying and cleaning, a topic that is often a challenge for cat owners. Your expertise in explaining what spraying is and its various causes, particularly emphasizing the importance of understanding a cat's behavior and potential stressors, was truly enlightening.

Your guidance on effectively locating and cleaning the stains left by cat spraying, including the use of enzymatic cleaners, vinegar solutions, and baking soda, is invaluable for anyone facing this issue. The step-by-step approach you provided gives hope to cat owners dealing with the aftermath of spraying incidents.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and providing practical solutions that can significantly improve the living environment for both cats and their human companions. Your contribution to cat care is undoubtedly making a positive difference in countless households.

Warm regards,

Prateek Karnadhar
CEO
ClearHolidays™

Reply
carpet cleaning windsor link
10/5/2023 06:02:32 am

I wanted to express my appreciation for your fantastic blog. Your content consistently delivers valuable insights and keeps me engaged.

Reply
Delft in Holland link
10/29/2024 01:25:39 am

Pets also play significant roles in the lives of children, helping them develop important skills like empathy, responsibility, and patience. Growing up with a pet can teach children the importance of caring for others and the daily responsibilities involved in nurturing a living being. This sense of responsibility often extends beyond just feeding and cleaning; it involves understanding the needs of another creature and learning how to meet them consistently. For children, this can also be an early lesson in emotional intelligence, as they learn to interpret and respond to their pet’s behavior. These skills, when learned early in life, have long-lasting impacts, shaping more compassionate and responsible adults. Furthermore, children who interact with pets are shown to have better social skills, as they practice communication, empathy, and affection with their furry friends.

Reply
DIY spray tanning link
6/2/2025 10:55:59 pm

Great post! Very informative and helpful. I’ve shared something similar here — would love your feedback!

Reply



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    Author
    Blog articles for TCMR are written by Nomi Berger, an established author and journalist of 40 years, living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who graciously volunteers her time and talent to help further our rescue efforts.


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