Winifred has a problem - a spraying cat, who messes on the furniture, her handbag and more. Why is her beloved pet doing this, and what can be done to stop the behaviour?

Question

Hi Glynne
We have 2 cats. The Ginger cat, Adolf, the amale, is now 13 years old. He is spraying all over the house. On the furniture, the dishwasher, the other night even on my handbag. He is very spoilt, and the cats get only the best food. The doors and a special window allways open, so he can come and go as he pleases. He will come in from outside and do his thing all over in the house. He also knows its wrong, because if I am lucky enough to catch him in the act, he runs away. The problem is the smell and the stains he leaves all over the inside of the house. Both cats sleep on the bed with us. Adolf since I got him sleeps in my arm on the electric blanket. What can be done to stop him? He has been doing it for years, and we don’t know what to try any more. Please help.
Kind regards
Winifred

Hi Winifred
Something is upsetting your cat really badly or he wouldn’t be spraying on the curtains, furniture and dishwasher …not to mention your handbag!
I always cite food as the main cause of this behaviour. You see it’s not what you think is ‘the best’ food but what he thinks is the best! My advice is go the food route first – a smorgasbord, self service, 24/7 of all his favorite foods, including beef, chicken and fish etc. If he still sprays, something else is getting up his nose … identify what it is then rectify it and you’ll be home and dry!
Glynne