Spraying in Cats

The cat marks the boundaries of its patch with a spray of concentrated, very strong smelling urine. It will also do this if it feels threatened or insecure, for example, if strange visitors or animals come into the house.

The most common and the most pungent spraying come from unaltered males, but entire females spray, especially when they are on heat. Neutered cats also spray, but the odor is usually less offensive.

In extreme situation, the marking may involve dropping farces away from litter trays or pans. This is not simply dirty behavior, but dysfunctional, and the causes must be established.

A cat that constantly remarks its territory is trying to reassure itself that it is worth something. The wise owner checks with the vet for medical advice. Home treatment of attention and affection may solve the problem.

If the behavior continues, you may be referred to an animal behaviorist. Some countries insist on a period of quarantine to keep rabies out of rabies free areas.

In Britain, although the law is under review, there is still a statutory six months' quarantine before an imported pet cat may be released to its owners.

Do carefully consider the effects on the cat of such a long separation, and the expense involved.

A quarantine kennels may want guarantees of a cat's fitness before accepting it, and may also require a male cat to be neutered.

A nine month old Greek stray raised by an English family severed a nerve in its leg shortly before it was due to move in Britain.

As well as the stress of the journey, it would have had to be neutered and its leg amputated, followed by six months' quarantine and a complete change of climate and environment.