Sexual Maturity

• Cats will generally start spraying when they reach sexual maturity. This is usually between five and twelve months.
  
  

Communication

• Spraying is a form of communication between cats. Cats will spray to mark their territory and let other cats know that the area belongs to them. During mating season cats will spray to express their availability.
  
  

Cause

• A cat will spray if it isn't spayed or neutered. According to the Humane Society of the United States, "Neutering solves 90 percent of all marking issues, even in cats that have been doing it for a while." In addition, stress may cause a cat to spray as any change in the cats environment may cause the cat anxiety. Spraying is a way for a cat to relieve the anxiety.
  
  

Solutions

• One way to stop spraying is to spay or neuter your cat. If your cat has sprayed in the house, thoroughly clean all areas because the scent will make them spray again. Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti anxiety drugs to reduce your cats stress level.