Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/cat hissing and spraying

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/17/2008


Question
My husband and I just got a cat that isn't neutered. Amazingly enough he (Chang) doesn't spray on anything in our house but always goes in his litter box. First question: should I still be worried? Will he only spray when he detects a female in heat or when he gets completely comfortable in the house? Second question: after he pees in the litter box, he walks around making weird noises, shaking his butt, his tail is puffed, and once time when i tried to pet him during this he hissed and batted at me. Why is this? I've always had fixed cats (and we're planning on fixing him VERY soon), but I'm just wondering about this behavior!
Thank you :)

Jenny

Answer
Jennifer,

You don't say how old the cat is but he may be young enough not to spray yet. Also, if there aren't any other male cats in the home to be territorial with he may not feel the need to 'mark his territory'. If a female in heat is detected, if he is old enough, and has the desire, that might all change! It's good that you are going to have him neutered.

The cat may have a urinary tract infection or urinary crystals which are very painful when they urinate so that is why he may be sensitive after he goes. If they cause a complete blockage they are usually fatal in a male cat. I would have the vet check him for it when you take him to be neutered.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

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Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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