My baby sprays... ON ME!!

by Kitty's mommy

My boy and I have been together for 8 years- since he was 3 months old. He is the smartest cat I know and is accustomed to changes as I was I'm the military and moved around a lot/ travelled a lot and always took him with me- he actually enjoyed it! Over the past few years things have settled down a bit for us, but he still goes for walks on the leash or comes out with us to the local bar or coffee shop and hangs out, etc. He has always been a very outgoing, dominant, assertive, confident cat, but really chill and laid back at the same time. He also adores me (as I do him), and will do anything he can to please me.

About a year and a half ago we rescued a stray, and had planned on taking it to the shelter the next day, but we were in love! We had always wanted to get kitty a friend as we felt bad when we had to leave him alone, so we decided this would be the perfect chance to do so. The cat turned out to be male and approx. 1 year old (now 2). They had the usual adjustment phase you always hear about, although the new cat (Loki) is very submissive. We moved to a new place shortly after and that seemed to help everything quiet down. They will play, sometimes rough, and sometimes Loki doesn't understand when kitty is done playing which I'm sure annoys him, but nothing big. Loki is just cute and playful- a "Nermal" type. They will hang out side by side and I constantly reward and make much over them for this. Everything has been great until recently. Kitty started spraying. Mostly doors and doorways. It was annoying, but not the end of the world until he started spraying ME... It's always when I'm in a sitting position and always when he's pacing around or on me purring while I'm petting him, then out of nowhere vibrating tail twitch and spray on me. The vet said he was fine and urine analysis was wonderful. He couldn't be healthier if he were a kitten. I know kitty adores me, and I try to give them both attention, so when I speak to Loki and kitty is watching, I try to speak to him too. Same goes with playing as kitty will look up or get up and want attention too when Loki is getting it from me. Kitty goes on all outings solo as Loki is terrified of the outdoors, so he gets more time with us this way too. I think he may be a little jealous? I want to bond and give Loki attention too- I feel I've been very good about giving kitty positive attention whenever I give Loki attention of any kind and I try to be fair with him, but he keeps spraying. The litter boxes are fine. Access to food, water and scratchers and hiding places and perches are fine, no apparent dominance issues. Kitty is king of his house, so he should be fine too. And nothing has changed recently, although I try to keep it interesting for them with treats or games so they don't get bored.

On a side note kitty has done this once before (only once and not repeatedly) about 5 years ago under a period of extreme stress for both of us. And he was very obviously stressed then. He is not obviously stressed now. Also I had issues with severe anxiety from PTSD a little while ago, but I've been better for over or around 4 months now, and as it was all internal it also didn't seem to stress out kitty, although he would check up on me and cuddle a little more frequently. I honestly cannot find a reason for his spraying, especially me, and there is NOTHING about this I've been able to find online or in books. He knows I hate it, and he even looks apologetically at me when I react (honestly how can you not react to that??). I've started using rescue remedy from Bach as I had some around the house and kitty likes it, but don't know about the total effect yet. Looking into feliway but have heard mixed reviews. When I catch him spraying I use a cleaner but sometimes it appears as though he is spraying but no urine comes out which I find equally as odd as my predicament... I'm tired of babysitting his ass (literally) when we are enjoying each other's company. I would love any help you can give! Thank you so much, and thank you for a wonderful website with tons of good intel!

RESPONSE:

Sounds like Kitty is feeling insecure and is spraying to comfort himself with his own scent. Loki, at 2 years old, is officially considered an adult in the cat world and this may be enough to concern Kitty. Kitty also seems to get over-excited when in your lap and likely "lets loose" because of the hightened level of excitement. Try more interactive play time. Play mimics the hunting instincts and helps build confidence in cats. Play with him several times a day if possible using a string or fishing pole type toy, balls or fuzzy mice, what ever he likes the most. Interactive play, more than outings or other types of activities, will help Kitty feel more confident especially around Loki. When petting, just pet and rub around his face and head and try to avoid the long strokes down his back. For some cats, this can cause them to get over-excited and pee. Try the increased play time and see if this helps. Hopefully, Kitty will get his confidence back and realize his status hasn't changed just because Loki is a grown-up now.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom