[onscreen action] Cats sitting and playing.
(funky music)


[Narrator] The key to reducing spraying,
is identifying the cause of your cat's stress,
and then taking the proper steps to eliminate it.
Spraying is most common among male cats
who have not been neutered.


[onscreen action] Cat walking around house.


[Narrator] So, if you haven't already done so,
get your cat spayed or neutered.
It will eliminate spraying in almost every case.


[onscreen action] Person cleaning off side of couch.


[Narrator] Now, if your cat's already altered, and still spraying,
it's likely because he feels threatened, excited,
or anxious, so it's important you identify the cause,
and then eliminate it.


[onscreen action] 
Woman picking up cat. 
Cat laying on table. 


[Narrator] Spraying often begins due to the presence of another cat,
which is why it's a common problem in multi-cat households.
The bottom line is that cats will be stressed if they feel
their territory is threatened.


[onscreen action] Two cats sitting on a cat tree.
[onscreen text] (Cat’s thought bubble) The new guy wants my spot.


[Narrator] For this reason, it's important to have multiple food
and water dishes, and one litter box for each cat,
plus one extra.
You should also provide
multiple scratching stations, and toys.


[onscreen action] Woman laying out food and water dish, and toys.


[Narrator] If your cat's still marking after you've made
these adjustments, keep them separated in different areas
of the house.


[onscreen action] Woman placing cat into closed room. 


[Narrator] If this solves the problem, you should slowly reintroduce
your cats, using the steps we outline
in our introduction segment.
If your cat's marking exterior doors or windows,
the cause is likely the presence of another cat
outside your home.


[onscreen action] Man cleaning door and closing drapes.


[Narrator] Make sure you thoroughly clean the area he sprayed,
and then do your best to prevent him
from gaining access to that area.
Close the drapes so he can't see outside,
or block the window all together.


[onscreen action] Dog running into living room.


[Narrator] Having a dog in your home can cause many anxiety problems
for your cat.
To help your cat feel as comfortable as possible
around your dog, be sure to follow the steps we outline
in our introduction segment.


[onscreen action] 
Man slowly opening door with dog laying down.
Woman adding tablecloth to table. 


[Narrator] Believe it or not, redecorating can also cause stress
and anxiety in cats.
The key to alleviating his anxiety,
is to add his scent to the new furniture.


[onscreen action] Woman rubbing cat’s face with a soft cloth.


[Narrator] Start by taking a soft cloth, and gently rub
your cat's cheeks with it, so you can collect
some of his scent.
[Narrator] Next, rub the furniture he's been spraying with the cloth.
Do this a few times each day to make sure his scent
remains in place.


[onscreen action] Cat walking by table.
[onscreen text] (Cat’s thought bubble) This smells familiar.


[Narrator] When your cat walks by the furniture, and smells
his familiar scent, he'll be less likely to spray it.
Now, if your cat's marking your personal items,
such as laundry and bedding, then the object of his stress
is most likely you.
Something as simple as a change in your daily routine,
which interrupts your cat's routine, can cause spraying.


[onscreen action] Woman entering room and closing her door.


[Narrator] You should start by limiting your cat's access
to your personal items, by closing off doors
to your bedroom and closets where the marking's occurring.


[onscreen action] Woman carrying cat into bedroom. 


[Narrator] One possible way to solve this problem, is to develop
a positive association between your cat
and the item he's spraying.
For example, if your cat's marking your comforter,
try making your bed an area for playtime.
This will accomplish two things.


[onscreen action] Woman playing with cat on bed.


[Narrator] First, you'll be spending more playtime together,
which should help reduce his stress level.
And secondly, he'll begin to see the area as a place
to play, instead of a place to mark.


[onscreen text] 
Factors that can trigger spraying:
Bringing a new baby home.
Having company over.
Holiday decorations. 


[Narrator] There are many other factors that can trigger spraying,
including things like, bringing a new baby home,
having company over, or even holiday decorations.
Try to be sensitive when these changes occur,
and give your cat extra attention.
If all else fails, speak with your veterinarian
about possible medications you could use
in conjunction with these techniques.