Cats are generally very tidy and neat by nature, so seeing your Bengal cat spraying against certain surfaces can get a little confusing. However, there is nothing to worry about because this is perfectly natural.
They are simply marking their territory or letting the opposite sex know that they’re available. As a pet owner, you probably want to know more about why your Bengal cats spray. This article will help you understand this intriguing matter by explaining it in greater detail.
If you want to learn how to stop your Bengal cat spraying, then we strongly recommend that you take a look at the Cat Spraying No More system – this is the best, most comprehensive guide we have found to understanding exactly why your Bengal is spraying and how to stop it; well worth the modest investment!
Why Do Bengal Cats Spray?
Cat spraying is a commonly-misunderstood behavior. Some individuals confuse this gesture with urinating which is not the case. Furthermore, spraying is usually done in combination with yowling, a unique cat language that indicates other cats of their availability.
The reason Bengal cats spray is not limited to territorial marking and availability indication. They may also do this to comfort themselves and reduce stress. Moreover, both male and female cats do this action, even after spaying or neutering.
If you’re a pet owner who’s Bengal cat is starting to spray, it is typically a good sign that your pet is becoming an official adult. There is nothing to worry about. Maybe, it’s even something to celebrate about.
When Do Bengal Cats Start Spraying?
You should start anticipating the signs of spraying when your kitten is near its maturity. For the majority of cats, spraying starts when they are around 6 to 7 months old. Male cats may mature earlier, coming between 4 to 5 months.
Some pet owners worry that their young kitten is too young to become pregnant. It is not rare for young cats to get pregnant, so feel free to observe your Bengal kitten for signs of spraying early on.
Other Reasons for a Cat to Spray
To help you understand your cat on a greater level, here are some other reasons why your cat is spraying.
Medical Problems
There are several other reasons why your Bengal cat is spraying. Cat owners are advised to ensure first that spraying is not caused by medical issues. Trying to break a cat’s urge to spray when it is medically-caused might cause unwanted adverse effects on your pet.
One possible cause for cat spraying is Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS). It’s a fairly common medical issue where the cat can’t control its spraying. This may also mean that your Bengal cat desires to disassociate itself from its litter box.
Stress
In some cases, cats spray around the home due to stress. Doing it provides them a sense of comfort that their house has their smell, making them feel protected. This is just how cats normally protect their territory.
Some possible reasons why your Bengal cat craves a sense of security include moving to a new home, the presence of other animals in the property, new family members, or furniture rearrangement.
How to Deal With Spraying Bengal Cats
Once you ensure that your pet’s spraying is not something medical, you can now implement ways to deal with this issue. Here are some great ways to deal with spraying Bengal cats.
Spaying or Neutering
For pet owners that don’t plan to breed their cats, they can consider having their pets spayed or neutered. This is best done before they reach maturity, usually around 4 to 5 months.
However, this won’t guarantee that your Bengal cat will stop spraying. Although spaying or neutering can get rid of a cat’s spraying tendencies, it’s still possible for it to spray.
A better alternative would be to train them as they grow up instead. One great way to do this is by creating a reassuring and positive environment for them, making your cats feel happy and comfortable as they develop.
Reduce Their Stress Levels
As mentioned earlier, Bengal cats may spray due to stress. Your pet may also be struggling to adapt to the changes occurring around them. Eliminating factors that stress them out could be what you need to stop their spraying for good.
To do this, you can start by identifying the source of stress for your Bengal cat. This could be a visitor they are not familiar with, the presence of other animals in their territory, or the altering of their usual environment. Make sure that you give them enough attention and cuddles to help them relax as well.
Conclusion
It’s perfectly normal for a Bengal cat to spray. As a pet owner, it’s up to you how to deal with this situation. You can either your cat spayed or neutered, help them reduce stress levels, or train them. Cats generally start to spray near maturity, around 6 to 7 months. Lastly, before you resort to methods in trying to eliminate your Bengal cat’s spraying behavior, ensure that it is not medical first. Overseeing this might cause unnecessary stress for your pet.
If you are still struggling with your Bengal spraying, or you would like the fastest possible solution, then we recommend that you invest in the Cat Spraying No More system – this is the best “system” we have found for understanding and solving challenging spraying issues in Bengals.
