You’ve done everything by the book. Your cat was neutered early. They’ve got a clean tray, premium litter, all the toys and climbing shelves a feline could dream of. And yet…
They’re still backing up to your curtains, tail twitching, and spraying like an overexcited Super Soaker.
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic — and please don’t blame yourself. You’re not the first to mutter, “But he’s neutered! Why is he still doing this?!”
As a breeder, judge, and behaviourist who’s helped more cats with spritzing issues than I care to count, let me assure you: neutered cats can spray. And they often do — especially when something in their environment is off-kilter.
Let’s look at why it happens, what it means, and what you can do about it (hint: yelling “Stop that!” from across the room is not the solution).
First Things First: What Is Spraying?
Spraying is different from regular urination.
- Spraying: The cat stands up, tail usually quivering, and emits a small squirt of urine onto a vertical surface — a wall, doorframe, curtain, or your brand-new handbag.
- Urinating: The cat squats and releases a full bladder load, usually on a flat horizontal surface like a bed or carpet.
The motivation behind the two can be very different. Spraying is less about emptying the bladder, and more about sending a message.
And that message is usually, “I’m anxious,” or “This is mine.”
Want the full breakdown of what your cat's pee is really saying? My ebook Stop Cats Peeing: The Smart, Humorous Guide to Solving Inappropriate Urination in Pet Cats helps you crack the code and stop the behaviour at its source.
“But He’s Neutered!” Doesn’t Mean “Won’t Spray”
Neutering drastically reduces spraying. But it doesn’t eliminate it entirely — especially if:
- Your cat was neutered after reaching sexual maturity
- There’s stress, conflict, or uncertainty at home
- There are other cats nearby (including outdoor intruders)
- Your cat feels the need to reassert their territory
In fact, some neutered cats start spraying for the first time years after the op — usually triggered by something in their environment.
I once worked with a 7-year-old neutered male who started spraying after the family got a puppy. It wasn’t hormones — it was pure, unfiltered territorial panic.
Why Neutered Cats Spray: The Real Reasons
Let’s unpack the most common causes, based on decades of soggy case files.
1. Territorial Insecurity
Your home might feel peaceful to you — but if your cat senses a rival (real or imagined), they may start spraying to re-mark their space. This is especially true in:
- Multi-cat homes
- Areas with a lot of neighbourhood cats
- Households with frequent visitors or scent changes
Cats don’t rely on sight as much as smell. Spraying reinforces their scent map — it’s their way of making sure everyone knows, “I live here.”
2. Stress and Anxiety
Changes in routine, moving house, a new baby, redecorating, or even subtle shifts like changing your cleaning products can stress a cat. And for many, spraying becomes a coping mechanism.
Spraying releases feel-good pheromones (for them, not you) that help them self-soothe.
3. Residual Hormonal Behaviour
If your cat was neutered late, or if they had strong hormone patterns before surgery, some of those behaviours may linger — especially if they’ve already learned spraying as a tool.
It’s not “bad behaviour”. It’s just muscle memory meeting uncertainty.
4. Unresolved Litter Box Issues
Sometimes a cat starts spraying because they’ve developed an aversion to using the tray — and scent-marking becomes a fallback. If the litter is wrong, the tray too small, or the placement poor, they may just choose another method entirely.
Related article: [The One Thing You’re Probably Overlooking: Litter Tray Placement] – you’d be amazed how often this is the root cause.
5. Medical Issues
Don’t rule this out. Cats with bladder discomfort may spray to relieve pressure or out of confusion. If your cat has recently changed their urination habits, it’s always wise to check in with your vet first.
Where and When Your Cat Sprays Tells You Everything
Behavioural spraying isn’t random. Your cat is sending messages. The trick is learning to read them.
For example:
- Spraying near doors or windows? Likely triggered by other cats outside.
- Spraying in communal spaces like the hallway or sofa? Could signal household tension.
- Spraying your belongings (bag, coat, suitcase)? Separation anxiety or scent reinforcement.
Each case is unique — which is why cookie-cutter advice rarely works. That’s exactly why I wrote Stop Cats Peeing — to help you figure out your cat’s motivation and apply a solution that fits.
Can It Be Fixed?
Absolutely. But not with air fresheners, vinegar, or shouting.
Here’s what does help:
- Neutralising all past spray marks with enzymatic cleaners
- Identifying and removing the trigger (stress, conflict, access)
- Restoring your cat’s sense of safety through routine, enrichment, and calming tools
- Using synthetic pheromone sprays (like Feliway)
- And yes — changing your mindset from “naughty” to “needs help”
It’s not an overnight fix. But I’ve worked with countless neutered sprayers, and almost all have improved once the root cause was addressed.
Final Thought: Your Cat Isn’t Broken — Just Trying to Cope
It’s easy to get frustrated when your cat starts redecorating with urine. But spraying is communication, not disobedience. Your cat isn’t giving you attitude — they’re waving a flag that says, “I feel unsure. Please help me feel safe.”
Spraying is powerful, emotional, and deeply instinctive. But with the right approach, it’s also fixable.
For a proper plan — not just quick fixes — check out Stop Cats Peeing: The Smart, Humorous Guide to Solving Inappropriate Urination in Pet Cats. It’s written for real cat lovers, real homes, and real messes.
Stop Cats Peeing: The Smart, Humorous Guide to Solving Inappropriate Urination in Pet Cats
By Ross Davies – Certified Feline Behaviourist