Cat spraying in house

[MamaMolho]

We got our cat 2.5 years ago from the local rescue centre. It wasn't until we got him home and looked at the extra paperwork that we hadn't been shown that we saw that he sprays in the house. He's done it from time to time, rarely in the same place so difficult to spot and change his behaviour and our vet says at his age (11 years old) it's not likely to improve.

Our big problem is that we have a new baby (14 weeks) and the spraying has increased. We've got medication to de-stress him and have been showing him love and attention but feel the spraying is not good when we have a baby in the house - I want to be able to leave her toys downstairs without fear of him spraying on them. Also she'll be touching other things once she starts getting mobile. Has anyone else had a similar issue - we love him very much but feel like we may have to rehome him even though it would break our hearts.

[cozietoesie]

Spraying is quite unpleasant - and it suggests he's still unhappy about something.

What are your current toileting arrangements, MamaMolho ? Does he go outside?

(I'm assuming he's neutered by the way?)

[MamaMolho]

Yes he's neutered and has a cat flap so he can come and go as he pleases, also litter tray upstairs. He's been like this since we got him and will even spray when he seems happy and not anxious but we thought he'd mellow and stop doing it. Spoke to our vet about it and she thinks his previous owners perhaps neutered him too late and this behaviour became ingrained. He really is a lovely cat, despite wrecking furniture and carpets, but I can't have him spraying in the house now that we have a baby.

[cozietoesie]

My instinct is that, despite the length of time he's been with you, he's still insecure in the house. Have you seen any other cats around or trying to get inside?

[MamaMolho]

He's our only puss but we do live in an area with a very high cat population. Poor wee thing is normally so happy but there is obviously something that unsettles him from time to time. Have you any suggestions on how to make him more secure please?

[cozietoesie]

Do you have a microchip cat flap that would mean he would be the only cat that could get in the house? If not, that would be a big help to him.

[MamaMolho]

Yes, we have one of those already so no way any other cats can get in the house through the flap and we don't leave doors open - especially in this weather. There was no cat in the house before so he can't be smelling another puss in the house.

[cozietoesie]

Okey cokey. Then I'd try a Feliway diffuser and at least one more litter tray. (As well as rigorous cleaning of the spots he's using - which I'm sure you're doing anyway.)

Maybe also review the placing of his trays to be in or near spots he might use and the kind of litter you're currently using. He may not like it.

(I know he can go outside if he wants but he may not like it - may want to pee in the security of his place but gets himself so worked up by the populace outside that he can't contain it.)

[cozietoesie]

Other posters may have more suggestions.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Buy the ponciest expensive litter you can find that you don't want to buy regularly because its way too much money.

The cat will love it to the extent of rolling over in it & will happily wee in it.

Only wash the trays in washing up liquid and hot water because disinfectant can put them off too

[cozietoesie]

And have a read of \link{http://www.icatcare.org/advice/keeping-your-cat-happy/making-your-home-cat-friendly\this} as a general guide.

Best of luck.