Teaching Intact Male Cats Not to Spray Inside
- When male cats hit puberty, which is about 9 months, keep a close eye on them so you can keep them from spraying inside.
- Observe and be aware of their pre-spraying behaviour so you know what it looks like. The pre-spraying behavior depends on the individual. Some male cats might sniff around a wall or other vertical surface, then put their rear up against it to spray it. The more you observe the earlier you will be able to catch it.
- When you catch him attempting to spray inside, deter or distract him from spraying. You can do this by picking him up, saying "no,” putting him outside (if you have a backyard with cat-proofed fencing or cat proofing on existing fences and gates), or whatever works for you and your cat as long as it is humane.
- If you are consistent at catching them trying to spray inside and deterring them from doing so, he’ll learn to refrain from spraying inside.
Note: Although it is most frequently male cats that spray, female cats that spray are not unheard of. Although far less common in female cats, these tips apply to them as well.