Stop a fixed male cat from spraying

Does anyone know how to stop a fixed male cat from spraying?

We took in and adopted a fixed male cat, about 5 years old. He came from outside but I nor the vet think he was outside for long. Starting yesterday, we put him in a room with the door covered with baby gates to get our other cats used to him. Today we put the other cats in there and let him out and he sprayed all over my son's chair!

How can I make sure this doesn't happen again? He's a great cat, but we can't keep him if he's spraying everywhere

Part of the problem may be that you simply overwhelmed him by giving him access to all the smells of the house so soon. He may simply be saying that he needs more time to settle in before expanding his territory.

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So should I put him back in the room with the gates up? He cries to come out late at night and he tries to climb the gates to get out

How long have you had him? Cats can be very needy when they first come to their new home, and some level of separation anxiety isn't uncommon.

I think it's a case of looking at the bigger picture. How is he responding to the scent swapping and joint feedings? If he's relaxed about your other cats then he's more likely to cope with exploring the house than if he's still worried by them. There's an element to which it's trial and error.

Anti stress measures would be a great idea in any case - Feliway is a great place to start, and Spirit Essences or Composure can also be helpful.

Don't forget the importance of daily interactive playtime. It will help him to own the territory in a positive way, as well as helping him relax and settle. A play session followed by a meaty treat/snack before bed should help him settle down and sleep at night - it worked wonders for my girl [article="0"][/article][article="0"][/article][article="22303"][/article]

Do read the articles I linked to - they explain things far better than I can.

Today is day 3. I tried to combine scent swapping with the room swapping. He dosent seem phased by the other cats when they saw him at the door, but the other cats growled and hissed at him, and my worry is hell hurt one of them if they should attack because he's so much bigger than them

But this was immediate. He came right downstairs, ate, used the litter box and then sprayed on the chair, so I'm guessing he may be insecure about the other cats, or he's trying to mark dominance

Wow - it really is early days. Remember that introductions typically take weeks or (more often) months. Don't be in such a hurry to move forward. In fact, right now I'd be keeping his door properly shut - its too soon to be giving full visual access. You might well find he's far more settled with his door fully closed than with just the baby gates barrier.

Your other cats' feelings have to be given equal consideration. They're clearly telling you that they need more time. Listen to them all and you won't go far wrong

He was actually really cool half of the time with the gates. He'd lay there, on his back just looking at the other cats lol

insomniamama said:

But this was immediate. He came right downstairs, ate, used the litter box and then sprayed on the chair, so I'm guessing he may be insecure about the other cats, or he's trying to mark dominance

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Probably a bit of both Just take it slow and everything should work out.

He's back up in the room now, with the door shut. My other girls are very happy and much quieter to be out of that room lol.

I just feel so bad isolating him. He really just wants to be around people, and just likes being part of the family

I know what you mean - I felt the same way with my girl. Just keep reminding yourself that it's only going to be for a small part if his life with you (even though it might feel like forever right now ). It honestly is the best way, and even in one room he'll be far happier than on the streets.

Excellent point, and thank you for that. He's meowing his head off at that door right now

The spare room is the upstairs play room that he's in, so bringing everyone up there shouldn't be too boring lol