Cat spraying in house.

[Mzy123]

Has anyone had success stopping or reducing a cat spraying in the house. He is 9 months old, neutered and I am at the end of my tether. I am constantly cleaning up. He is an indoor raggie. He uses the litter tray but won't stop spraying. I have tried all the usual stuff, cleaning up with bio washing powder and white vinegar. Playing with him for longer. Feliway diffusers and nothing is working . I have 2 litter trays which he uses. I thought that getting him neutered would help but it hasn't. He is a sweet little guy but I can't go on like this. It's not medical and appears behavioral. He is a softie and easily scared. I don't want to rehome his as that would stress right out. I can't see how it would stop him and would probably make him worse than he is. I just can't see a way forward. Anyone had this problem and how did it end?

Oh and I never catch him doing it. I only notice the smell which I clean right away. I restricted him to 2 rooms which he had not sprayed in and he started doing it in them so now he has more areas marked.

Does he have particular places where he sprays?

I believe the effect of neutering on hormone levels and behaviours can sometimes take a while, up to 6 months in some cases. When was he done? It might still be possible that the urge could decline over the next couple of months. Otherwise I'm not sure what else you can do, it's definitely a very frustrating problem. Hopefully someone will have some ideas for you.

Not a solution - more of a help with the incessant cleaning.
but depending on where he sprays, either cover the area with cling film eg if is soft furnishings and if it’s a wall blu tack cling film or plastic sheet to the are (laminated sheets for example). Just makes it easier and a quicker cleanup with the smell soaking into paintwork and furniture.
Simple solution from amazon or pets at home is brilliant at making the clean up quick and less smelly.

Thanks, good advice. He was done at 6 months. To be honest, he just started spraying before he was done . I thought that would be an end to the problem. He did seem to spray in the corners but I have noticed the smell in various other places. I clean as soon as I notice and wipe with spirit. It was downstairs until I restricted him to 2 rooms upstairs where he has now sprayed as well. I am now having to go round the house checking constantly. I just can't see how this is going to be remedied. I have read every available article and tried everything. Husband says we can't keep him if this continues. I am just feeling pretty low about the whole situation.

Well. Spraying is territory marking. You’ve said he’s easily scared. I guess lots of patience and reassurance. He’s still a toddler iyswim. Don’t give up on him yet.
Don’t mention it hubby and clean up any accidents - out is sight out of mind? !
( yes I know I’m going to get flammed).

Lol, at least you have made me laugh. Ok will just keep quiet for the time being. He is a lovely boy and so soft. I think that he is just a stressy boy and you are right marking his territory.

Hi Mzy123 did you sort this out??? I am in the same situation and like you have tried / read every thing to no avail. At my wits end ☹️
Does ANYONE ever actually stop their cat from doing this??

Hi lollipop mum, sent you a private message.

Are the places he's spraying on an outside wall. Perhaps he can smell other cats spraying and is trying to mark over it?

Try jackson galaxy on YouTube, he will likely have some tips.

Yes to outside walls and sadly yes to inside anywhere! 🤷‍♀️
It is 9 days today since he was neutered and it is slight slowing down. I am on him wherever he goes. Putting dreamies in any place he has sprayed. And scrubbing with washing detergent. He is nowhere near as affectionate as he was before the spraying started and is quite aloof tbh. Had also gone very skinny but is putting on weight now. Has lived happily with my other 3 female cats, one arrived with him, before this. He is half bengal. Was lush! I am hoping he will be again 😊
I am going to give him 6 months to hope it’s his hormones and they wear off. OP has given me some hope. Will check out the YouTube video you suggested. ANY advice, tips, happy endings are all appreciated. 🤞🤞🤞

My cats went through a phase where they sprayed by the inside patio door. I think they saw other cats in the garden. I cleaned the area and started putting their food bowl there. It seemed to stop for whatever reason. Our worst nightmare was returning from holiday and one of them had peed on my bed. It took months to get rid of the smell! Hope things are getting easier for you.