If your cat backs himself up to a door or other object and lifts his tail, that means he is releasing urine. This cat behavior is usually called spraying, and it is an issue seen mainly with indoor and male cats. So the question is do ragdoll cats spray?
Why Do Cats Spray?
Many people mistakenly believe that spraying is a litter box problem, when in fact it is actually a cat’s way of marking its territory. Cat urine that is sprayed contains pheromones, which are chemicals used by cats and other animals to communicate. Just like fingerprints are used to identify humans, pheromones are also used to identify cats to other animals.
When a cat sprays something, it is simply marking its territory with its urine.
When cats are in heat, they are very attracted to the smell of urine. Therefore, spraying can be thought of as an invitation to mate.
Regardless of the reason, spraying is not always welcome and can be disruptive when it occurs in the home.
Do Ragdoll Cats Spray?
Yes, all cat breeds are prone to spraying if they are not neutered or spayed, but Ragdolls, in particular, may do so more often than other types of cats as they are predominantly kept as an indoor cat.
If you notice your Ragdoll spraying excessively, it may be helpful to consult with your veterinarian about possible underlying issues that could be causing the behavior.
What Age Do Male Ragdolls Spray?
Most cats start spraying around the age of six to seven months, although male cats can reach sexual maturity between four and five months. It is often advised to neuter your ragdoll kitten before they reach sexual maturity, in order to reduce the likelihood of them spraying.
Do Female Cats Spray?
It is generally accepted that female cats spray to mark their territory. While some people believe that all cats spray, this is not universally true. Some female cats only spray when they are in heat, and others do not spray at all. It is also possible for a female ragdoll cat to spray when she is startled or afraid.
How Can You Stop Your Ragdoll Cat From Spraying?
Spraying is a way of communicating for cats, but the smell for people is horrible. Most cats will do a majority of their spraying outdoors, so if you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, spraying can indeed be a problem. If you’ve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately.
If you want to stop your cat from spraying, neutering or spaying them is the easiest and fastest way to do it. Male cats usually stop spraying once they have these surgeries done.
Neutering your male cat will also make their urine more manageable and less smelly.
If you don’t want to get your cat neutered or spayed, there are other options available. Obviously, if you plan on breeding your cat some day, you will not want them neutered or spayed.
Why has my Ragdoll Cat Suddenly Started to Spray?
If your Ragdoll cat has suddenly started to spray urine this may be caused by a number of different factors, including changes in routine or stress or it may an underlying medical issue.
Medical Issues
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is the most common medical reason why a cat may suddenly start spraying. Although these can occur in both sexes and at any age, they are most commonly seen in older male cats.
Kidney Disease
One of the most common medical issues in cats is kidney disease. If you notice your cat starts drinking a lot more water than usual and urinating more frequently, it can be a sign that something is wrong with your cat’s kidneys. In an effort to ease pain or because they cannot make it to their litter box in time, some cats may resort to spraying.
Cat Behavior Issues
Litter Box Training
Cats like a routine and to have a defined space. If you’ve moved the litter box recently they may be finding it difficult to adjust to the new area.
Territory
If one of your cats is feeling anxious or its territory has been encroached upon, this can sometimes lead to strange behaviour. If you live in a multicat home, one of your cats may be bullying the other and the anxiety and stress caused by this can result in the bullied cat spraying.
If you notice that your Ragdoll Cat is spraying, talking to your veterinarian is always a good idea in order to figure out what the problem might be and how best to solve it. It’s important to address the problem immediately. This will save you a lot of time and frustration because the odor is really strong and can quickly ruin just about everything in your house.
