I got the question a while back from one of my customers, “So.. since the Siberian cat matures slower than many other breeds, do they actually spray?”. The answer might seem obvious at first but it is a perfectly valid question when you think about it. Now I don’t want to have you read through the whole article just to find out if they do or not.
The answer is yes they do, both male and female Siberian cats can get into the behavior of spraying.
However, there are causes to why this occurs and in this article I will try to list all of them as well as many other things such as:
- What the typical age is you see your cat starting to spray.
- When and why they spray.
- Methods to solve the issue.
- Information on neutering/spaying.
- House training your cat.
- And much more.
A few months ago one of my neutered cats “Amidus” got into this very habit. Indoors!
Now spraying itself is not some super rare phenomenon, but this isn’t the first time I have had this happen. The changes we made inside- and outside the house years ago is still something we practice to this day so I found this to be a bit unusual. You’ll see further down the article what I mean by “the changes we made”.
When a cat starts to spray, it is basically telling you something. After much trial and error this time, finally we managed to get it sorted out. Which is why I’m writing this specific article because spraying can be seen in up to 1 out of 10 cats. However, this article is mostly focused on the Siberian cat and Neva Masquerade, therefore much of the information will be towards them but can absolutely be taken as general facts as well.
At what age do Siberian cats start spraying
The majority of the time you find your Siberian cat starting to spray is around 5 to 8 months of age, depending on if it’s a male or a female. Why 5 to 8 months? Because one of the most common reason for cats spraying is they reach sexual maturity. Typically and especially for male Siberian cats, this can occur at as young as 5 months old since Siberian cats often reach puberty faster than many other breeds.
Female cats grow into sexual maturity on average at around 6 months old so this is normally where you start seeing them spray, although it is far less common for female cats to spray, it does occur at times.
That being said, even if your cat is well and beyond sexually matured they can still develop this behavior. Even though it is not seen very often, it’s still very possible. Since the reasons of spraying are many, some of them are not connected to sexual maturity which is why this habit does occur at later stages of your cats life too.
Related article: Helpful Tips For Raising A Siberian Kitten
When and why do cats spray
So having covered what age you normally see your cat spraying, it is also a good idea to explain some “when’s” and “why’s”.
Ailment
Checking your cat’s health is a good idea if they appear to be messing up unintentionally or have abruptly changed their behavior. A bladder infection, which is unpleasant for your pet, is one health issue or medical condition that might occasionally be the root of spraying. Your cat may urinate outside the litter box due to arthritis or age-related pain while entering and exiting the litter box. Therefore, it’s crucial to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian if you detect anything strange in order to rule out any medical problems.
Litter Box
Does your cat have a problem using or detest the litter box? Your cat might not be spraying if she uses the bathroom outside of the litter box. She may not like something about her litter box, though. Your cat can feel imprisoned by another cat, the space might be too tiny or the environment too loud. Consider whether this could be the case. For instance:
- Is the litter box sufficiently clean? Cats are exceptionally tidy animals. Therefore, cats might not use their litter box if it is not as clean as they would want.
- Is your cat always able to reach the litter box in the same room? They require constant access, and if they can’t get in when they need to, they won’t just “hold it.”
- The litter box may be too high. If you have an elderly cat, this can make it tough for your pet to reach.
- Perhaps you might want to try a different kind of litter. Sometimes the solution is as straightforward as your cat’s preferences! Try using a different kind of litter to get them to use the litter box; they might not appreciate the one you picked.
Scent
The aroma may be luring your cat back for a second spray if they have a favorite spraying place. Cleaning the place where your cat urinated with only soap and water or using an approved urine stain and odor remover will help break this bad habit. Avoid using ammonia- or bleach-based cleansers since they can encourage your cat to urinate more frequently.
Turf
Cats can mark their territory by spraying, particularly if another cat is nearby and leaving their own mark in your yard. Even though your cat never leaves the house, it is still possible that they will see or smell another cat trespassing and subsequently spray around a door, window or rock for example in retaliation.
Stress
You may not be aware of how temperamental your cat can be. Any modification to your home, including the removal of a beloved piece of furniture or the addition of a new family member (a human or a pet), can lead to an increase in stress.
Natural Mating Behavior
You’ll probably notice more than a few sprayings if your cat hasn’t been fixed or spayed. When they are in heat, cats have a natural instinct to do this. If you have several cats in the house, this behavior could happen much more frequently.
Suggested article: The Personality and Temperament to Expect from a Neva Masquerade
Can Siberian cats be indoor cats?
It is recommended by many to keep your Siberian and Neva indoor. A big reason for this is because of their lack of fear and calm demeanor, they might not be able to discern dangers well.
Siberian cats are energetic and extremely vivacious, but if they have access to the outdoors for mental stimulation, they may also be satisfied to remain indoors. It is good for their mental health that they experience the outdoors from time to time. There are several great catios that can come in very handy for this.
The Siberian cat is sometimes compared to dogs, requiring play and exploration to let off steam. Siberians prefer cat harnesses over collars, so it’s ideal to get your cat acclimated to wearing one as soon as possible.
Some Siberians may be taken on strolls on a harness every now and again. Siberian cats love to chase objects and play fetch, so as long as they have space to run around, they’ll be more than happy living in your home.
They get along nicely with most people, especially those who have small children, dogs, and other animals. Despite their friendliness and tendency to cling to family members, they don’t make a lot of demands but will gladly accompany you around your home.
Related article: Scratching Posts That Your Cats Will Enjoy
House train siberian cat
Siberian cats are regarded as being simple to teach. Siberians are very clever, gregarious, and like interacting with others, which explains why. They enjoy participating in household activities, and because of their kind and inquisitive nature, they are always focused on their humans, which makes it easy to educate and train them.
Litter training your Siberian Cat
Toilet training your Siberian or Neva Masquerade is not a tough process.
It simply needs a little time, persistence, and the appropriate equipment.
As soon as your new cat or kitten enters the house, you should introduce her to her litter box so she knows where it is.
Place young kittens in the litter box first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and after every meal since they frequently want to use it when they wake up and after eating. By doing this, you strengthen the link between toilet and litter box usage. When your kitty behaves properly, compliment her.
They come in a large kind of variety. However, any type of litter you use should be absorbent. Some of the commercially available litters are deodorized to lessen box smells.
A dirty litter box is not something cats prefer to use. Feces should be removed as soon as you find them, and filthy litter should be cleaned up at least once daily. Change the litter entirely and clean the box properly at least once a week.
You might also want to clean the box, but be cautious to use cleaning supplies free of phenol, which is particularly hazardous to cats. Cats may find the scent of other strong disinfectants repulsive and avoid using the litter box.
Here are 4 easy steps to take with you to keep your kitten happy around its toilet area.
- Ensure that the litter box is hidden and far enough away from the dining area.
- Make sure the box’s edges are not too high for a kitten to climb up.
- Maintaining a clean litter box is very important.
- Ensure that the kitten can fit comfortably in the litter box.
Suggested article: 15 Fun & True Facts About Neva Masquerade and the Siberian
Do neutered cats spray?
Male cats who have been neutered are less prone to spray urine.
Although neutering your cat can assist to reduce such behaviors, it is not a guarantee in and of itself. Always discuss neutering with your veterinarian along with the actions he is doing before taking action
As mentioned earlier in the article, stress is a big factor to why cats spray. This is also true with neutered cats. Changes in a neutered cat’s surroundings can therefore cause it to start spraying. A cat may spray as a response to situations that are upsetting or stressful for him, such as moving into a new house or adopting a new pet.
Spraying by a neutered cat may also potentially be him claiming his territory. This is especially true if there is a female cat in the house who hasn’t been spayed or neutered, or if there is another male cat around.
Your cat may be feeling the desire to mark the same territory again if it’s already marked with his or her smell. Because of this, it’s crucial to get rid of any smells from the region.
Spraying all over the house, short, frequent urinations, blood in the cat’s urine, discomfort when urinating, painful urination, or improper urination outside of the litter box are all signs of feline lower urinary tract illness.
A cat urinating outside the litter box indicates they have a medical or psychological condition if they had previously been litter trained and typically urinate in the litter tray.
Always consult with your veterinarian if you suspect illness or notice very unusual behavior!
Suggested article: Things We Use to Increase the Life-Quality for Our Cats
What age to neuter or spay a siberian cat
The majority of veterinarians advise that the ideal age for owned cats would be 5 months. However, between 5 to 8 months is the most common time period you will hear. Many breeders will require you to sign a contract upon purchase stating that you must have your cat neutered or spayed within this period of time.
There are many issues that can arise from spaying to soon, some of them are:
Operative Risks
Animals that are spayed as kittens or pups must take certain surgical precautions that adult animals cannot. Pediatric patients, especially those under the age of three months, metabolize medications differently.
Deformation
In dogs and cats, sex hormones often regulate bone formation. Early spaying of animals allows the bones to continue growing for a longer time. Early spayed animals frequently had longer limbs, narrower heads, and smaller chests.
Overweight or obese
It is typical for neutered or spayed animals to be obese. As kittens develop into adults, it may cause problems with their hearts, joints, and other organs.
Link to a good read about early spay and neutering
How To Prevent Your Cat From Spraying
First thing I advise is to always make sure that your cat is actually spraying and not peeing. This is obvious for many but I have encountered numerous times where cats are not spraying but in fact just peeing, most of the time by accident.
When a cat has to urinate, they will stoop and urinate on a flat surface. Accidents typically occur on the carpet, duvet, sofa, or bathroom floor.
Your cat will typically perform a treading motion with its rear legs and have an erect, quivering tail when it wants to spray.
Then a little amount of pee is sprayed backwards onto a wall or other vertical object, producing a clear fragrance trace.
Along with many other things,
Here are some of the things you can try to prevent your cat from spraying:
- Clean up any spills completely and regularly. Avoid using cleaning products with strong scents since your cat might try to erase the scent with its own.
- Make formerly contaminated regions inaccessible or unsightly. Try to alter those regions’ relevance to your pet if this isn’t possible.
- Pay a lot of attention to your cat. To get attention, some cats spray. Spend daily time caressing and communicating with your cat in a pleasant way. Feed, reward, and play with your pet in the locations where they like to leave markings.
- If your cat is experiencing anxiety while being trained, a brief course of anti-anxiety medication may be helpful. Before medication and if your cat is acting nervously do consult your veterinarian.
- Keep stray animals at bay. Keep unknown cats away as well as limit the animals or cats your cat can see through windows for example, since spraying is a territorial behavior.
- Make sure your cat isn’t spraying due to a medical condition by taking it to the vet.
Neva Breeder:
Enjoyed this post? Consider sharing it to spread some love, and don't forget to check back soon for more! 🙂
