# Cat "Spray"

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-spray/147>\
**Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\
**Created:** [July 22, 1999, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-spray/147 "1999-07-22T18:42:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 1999, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-spray/147/1 "1999-07-22T18:42:00Z")

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Please do not ever hit a cat with a rolled newspaper or anything else. This may work with dogs, but cats do not respond to this form of discipline. A loud noise or a squirt of water, applied at the time of the undesired behavior, is a more effective deterrent. BTW, as spraying is a behavior associated with stress or establishing dominance, attempting to discipline a cat for spraying is pointless. The root problem must be addressed. Your vet can help.

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