Cat Spraying vs Urinating: Understanding the Difference
As a cat owner, it’s important to understand the difference between cat spraying and urinating, as they are two distinct behaviors with different meanings.
What is Cat Spraying?
Cat spraying is when a cat releases a small amount of urine on a vertical surface, such as a wall or furniture, in order to mark its territory. This behavior is more common in unneutered male cats, but female cats can also spray. Cats spray to communicate with other cats, attract a mate, or assert their dominance.
What is Urinating?
On the other hand, urinating is when a cat empties its bladder on a horizontal surface, like the floor or a litter box, to relieve itself. Cats urinate for the obvious reason of eliminating waste from their bodies. If a cat is urinating outside of the litter box, it could be due to a medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney disease, or behavioral problems, like stress or anxiety.
How to Differentiate Between the Two
One way to differentiate between cat spraying and urinating is by looking at the posture of the cat. When a cat sprays, it typically stands upright with its tail raised and quivering, whereas when a cat is urinating, it squats low to the ground.
It’s also important to consider the location and amount of urine. If the cat is targeting vertical surfaces and releasing only a small amount of urine, it’s likely spraying. If the cat is using horizontal surfaces and emptying its bladder, it’s urinating.
Dealing with Cat Spraying and Urinating
If your cat is spraying or urinating inappropriately, it’s essential to first rule out any medical issues by consulting with your veterinarian. Once medical reasons are eliminated, you can address behavioral problems through techniques like providing multiple litter boxes, reducing stressors in the cat’s environment, and using pheromone sprays to calm the cat.
Understanding the difference between cat spraying and urinating can help you effectively address the underlying cause of the behavior and provide the necessary support for your beloved feline friend.
Watch THIS VIDEO to find out how to stop your cat's spraying now!
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