Picture the scene you are sat in your favorite chair reading a magazine, you look up and see your cat backing up to the sofa. In disbelief you watch as she releases a fine mist of urine all over your furniture.

A cat will spray for the following reasons:

• To mark his territory
• Because he's stressed
• A new cat in the house or neighbourhood
• Your cat is not getting enough attention
• A change of location (you've moved house)
• To signal sexual readiness

Before we discover how to remove cat urine lets look at some common causes.

Cats spraying in the house can be very distressing not only are you left with a stain but you also have the overpowering smell to deal with. The best solution is to prevent you cat from spraying at all so below are the most common reasons a cat will spray.

• Get your cat checked by your veterinarian to ensure it's not a health related problem
• If your cat is entire consider getting him neutered or she spayed
• Clean old urine marks completly as a cat will tend to spray in the same places.
• Try and discover if your cat is stressed and if he is do your best to remove the stress
• Modify his behavior by training (yes you can train a cat)

The cats that are most likely to spray are unneutered cats and intact females.

Useful tips to remove cat urine

• As soon as the accident happens dry the wet area
• Rinse the area well with clean water
• Pick up as much of the water used to rinse as possible

• When drying don't rub at the spot try and blot it up
• Put a clean cloth on the spot and apply some pressure
• Use a cat urine cleaner to help eliminate any left over odour
• Don't use a cleaner based on amonia - cats tend to like the smell and will spray there again
• Always test a hidden area with any cleaner you apply to ensure it does not damage your carpet.

If you can smell the cat urine but can't find out where it is try buying a small Ultra Violet lamp (Black Light) this will quickly show where to clean.

All the best,

Laura