I am caring for an unneutered male cat for a month while its owner is away. He started off really sweet and cuddly, but then got aggressive, started scratching, and sprayed in the entire room. No way to get in there.
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He is marking his territory. Clean thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle.
I have been cat sitting for years and I have always gone by the protocol if there was any change in behavior, from the norm, I call the owner ASAP and ask 1 if they have had similar issues and what they do and 2. if not, if they will OK a vet visit and confirm the instructions that they have already given me for where to go and which vet to see. It is possible he has a UTI or something is wrong--including anxiety from the owner being away so long--best to get this checked out ASAP.
Neutering should help if it is just a phase, but that is the owner's decision. I always encourage it, but people can get quite resentful of me butting in--depends on the relationship between you and the owner.
Cleaning the mess (wait until the cat is in the crate before the vet visit if it gets OK'd--if it doesn't get OK'd, crate the cat and go in and clean).
The owner should tell you how he/she cleans messes and the cleaning needs to be done with whatever the owner prefers. Some people do not allow cleaning chemicals in their house. Some do so you have to respect their wishes for how to clean. I am anti chemical and if I have to use it per owner wishes, I open all the windows and wear a mask.
Bottom line, call or text the owner and get guidance and then proceed.
Hopefully it all will work out for you!! Post back with an update.
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