Expert: Karen Craft - 11/21/2010

Question
Hi
We had four cats until recently when we lost three of them  over a short period of time leaving us with just one 9 year old spayed female. She is very independent and spends much of her time outside and will not let you pick her up. She is very affectionate but on her terms.

When the last of the three had to be put down we decided to adopt an older cat from the local RSPCA. In the event we ended up with three! Two eight year old sisters and a 10 year old extremely affectionate female who adopted us.

All is going reasonable well with judicious use of Feliway diffusers and spray. We have had cats for many years, mainly females and all have been sterilised. Over the last few days we have noticed that the 10 year old has started 'dry spraying'. She is going through the actions of spraying, backing into corners with tail erect and quivering, but no urine is coming out. This happened when we started letting her into a new area (the kitchen). She appears very happy with us following us about and not at all fazed with her new home. At the moment she is dominating the two sisters who give her a wide  berth and our existing cat is aware of the newcomers and has made her share of the house out of bounds to the others.

I noted your comments about 'dry spraying' in an earlier article and perhaps you would like to comment on our situation.

Regards

Molly & John  

Answer
Hi John,

Could be one of a few reasons for her dry spraying. One is that she is very happy. Some people subscribe to the theory that the tail shivers are an expression of a high emotional state. Another theory is she is fake marking her territory. And another is that she is displaying the onset of an Urinary Tract Infection. Get her checked by a vet to make sure she isn't.

Personally, I believe it is a combo of the first two. Sounds like she is happy with her new territory. I wouldn't worry about it. If your vet gives her a clean bill of health then there isn't anything that you should be concerned with. I have three here who do the same. And it always seems to have to do with loving time or breakfast time. Looks funky but nothing is happening. Chalk it up to weird cat behavior. Good luck with your new melded family.

Ciao, Karen