Yes, spring is nearby and love is in the air.  And don’t be surprised if your cats start notifying you with vocalizing and intermittent spraying in the next couple months.  As the temperatures warm up outdoor cats become more active and will be out seeking their seasonal soul mate.  While your cat may not be outside with them, the caterwauling and odors that accompany this behavior will possibly influence your resident feline.  If your resident feline has not been spayed or neutered, his or her responses may be even more exaggerated.

If your cat begins a spraying habit, or starts becoming more active or vocal at night, avoid the temptation to “let him/her outside.” Instead, help your cat out by keeping outside cats away from your doors and windows.  You can find “boundary” pellets to sprinkle on the ground around your windows at local pet stores or garden stores.  If someone else’s cat is making things difficult for your cat, notify the cat’s owner – they may not be aware. You can also give them a hint by printing a spay/neuter flyer from our Web site www.richmondspca.org/clinic. 

There are also organizations that can help if you find you are neighbor to a feral cat colony.  A feral cat colony is a group of stray cats, typically un-neutered and unvaccinated, who form their own little community.  You can find many helpful organizations by searching on-line using keywords like “trap neuter return,” “trap neuter release,” or “feral cats.”

Cats procreate at any time of the year, but the number of homeless kittens dramatically increases each year around springtime.  Understand that your cat is dealing with hormonal urges when you see these behaviors increase.  Remember, you can always contact our Behavior Helpline ( or (804) 643-SPCA) for assistance. 

If your cat has not yet been spayed or neutered, he or she may be sending an unintended invitation to other cats.  We can help with that situation as well.  We are currently offering free spays and neuters for owned cats through March 31.  Call our Spay/Neuter Helpline (804) 521-1300 for more information.  Spaying or neutering your cat at a young age may actually prevent this behavior from occurring.

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