How to Stop a Cat From Spraying Indoors

Spraying vs. peeing

Spraying is different from a litter box lapse. A spraying cat backs up to a vertical surface, quivers their tail, and leaves a small amount of urine — it's scent marking, not emptying the bladder. Recognizing the difference matters, because the causes and solutions aren't the same as for general litter box avoidance.

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Rule out medical causes first

Before assuming it's behavioral, see your vet. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and other conditions can trigger marking or make a cat associate discomfort with certain spots. This is especially important if the behavior is sudden. A quick check rules out a medical driver before you focus on the environment.

Reduce stress and territory stress

Cats most often spray when they feel insecure — new pets, a move, a stray visible through the window, or household tension. Identify and ease the stressor: block views of outdoor cats, keep routines steady, and add vertical space and hiding spots. In multi-cat homes, make sure there are enough resources so no one feels they're competing.

Clean thoroughly and manage the space

Any lingering scent invites a repeat, so clean sprayed areas with an enzymatic cleaner rather than ammonia-based products, which can smell like urine to a cat. Feliway-style pheromone diffusers can help some cats feel calmer, and a vet may suggest a calming supplement or other options if anxiety is a major factor.

Spaying and neutering

Intact cats spray far more, driven by hormones and mating urges. Spaying or neutering dramatically reduces or eliminates spraying in most cats, especially when done before the habit sets in. If your cat isn't fixed, this is often the single most effective step — talk to your vet about timing.