I have tried everything and she still sprays everywhere..
I was thinking am I the only one in this problem because I have not heard my friends to have this issue, only maybe when the kitten is small but my cat is already 1 y/o.
Brief Answer:
You are absolutely not alone; cat spraying, while often associated with unneutered males, is a very real and distressing problem for many cat owners, including those with female cats.
It is a misconception that only male kittens or small kittens spray; a one-year-old female is certainly old enough to develop this behavior, especially if she is intact or highly stressed.
The fact that you have “tried everything” suggests the underlying cause of her stress or insecurity has not yet been addressed, or the cleaning protocol has not fully broken the scent-marking cycle.
The essential, non-negotiable first step is a veterinary check-up to rule out a medical cause like a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or bladder issue, which are common in female cats and often mistaken for behavioral spraying.
Assuming she is medically clear, the spraying is due to territorial anxiety.
I strongly recommend implementing the structured, natural-instinct based approach found in Cat Spray Stop by Susan Westinghouse, focusing on environmental enrichment and security to address her underlying stress immediately.
Detailed Answer:
I want to assure you that your frustration is completely understandable, and you are definitely not the only one dealing with this issue.
While male cats, particularly unneutered ones, are the most common offenders, unspayed and even spayed female cats can and do spray, using it as a stress-relief mechanism or a territorial marker.
Your one-year-old cat’s spraying is a clear sign that she perceives a threat, feels insecure in her environment, or has an unaddressed medical issue.
Since you have tried multiple things unsuccessfully, we must approach this methodically.
First, and most importantly, is the vet visit.
A bladder infection or other urinary tract issue can cause a cat to feel the urge to urinate frequently and often associate the litter box with pain, leading to inappropriate elimination.
Since you describe it as spraying (small, vertical marks), this is less likely to be pure voiding, but a medical check is the most reliable, cost-effective way to rule out a physical problem before investing further time and money in behavioral solutions.
If the vet confirms a clean bill of health, the problem is behavioral, stemming from anxiety, territorial distress, or boredom.
The principles outlined in Cat Spray Stop by Susan Westinghouse will be highly beneficial here.
Spraying is a communication method, and we must change what she is communicating about.
Since she is an indoor cat, the cause of her insecurity often relates to visual access to outdoor cats or internal household dynamics (even if she is the only cat, she may be reacting to perceived threats).
I recommend an immediate focus on environmental enrichment and reducing stress.
Ensure she has ample vertical space (tall cat trees, shelves) and safe hiding spots.
This allows her to survey her “territory” and retreat from perceived threats, which drastically reduces the anxiety that triggers spraying.
Consider using Feliway Classic diffusers in the rooms where she sprays most often, as the synthetic feline facial pheromone can create a general feeling of calm and security, often making the cat less inclined to mark.
This is a small, relatively low-cost investment that targets the anxiety directly.
Finally, your cleaning protocol is paramount.
If you are not using a high-quality enzyme-based cleaner, you must switch immediately.
Products like Nature’s Miracle or Anti-Icky Poo work by breaking down the organic proteins in the urine, completely eliminating the scent marker that encourages her to spray in the same spot again.
Normal household cleaners or bleach will not work and may even encourage remarking.
Thorough, repeated cleaning of all affected areas is a cost-effective behavioral interruption strategy that breaks the spraying cycle and prevents further damage to your home.
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