My neutered cat sprays when guests are over. Is it anxiety or stress?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 years and 5 months old | 20 lbs
My 4 year old Tabby Cat (who is neutered) has recently started spraying again, however he only does it when we have guests staying with us or a get together at the house. I'm not sure if it's anxiety, anger, or illness. It started happening about a month ago and like I said, is only whenever there are other people at the house.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 14th, 2017
Yes, you are correct that this behavior is likely related to the stress of having guests in the house. There are a few things you can do to get Myloe to stop this behavior. You can get Feliway, which is a pheromone diffuser that helps cats with anxiety. There are calming collars you can have him wear that will also help with anxiety via pheromones. Finally, you can take Myloe into the vet. The vet may prescribe him anti-anxiety medication you can give him before guests come over to calm him down and prevent the spraying.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 18th, 2017
Make sure you are cleaning up after the cat sprays really well. He is likely having some anxiety or just trying to mark his territory. Also if he isn't neutered yet then this may help as well. You can also try buying some feliway diffusers which are cat pheromones and will sometimes help to keep them calm. Finally, if that doesn't work I would talk to your vet about an anti-anxiety medicine which can also help. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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