How to Determine Cat Urine With an Ultraviolet Marker

Cat urine has an acrid odor that can persist for months on end. Perhaps the worst part about owning a cat is the tireless search for a hidden urine spot. Cats are extremely acrobatic and can find the most unbelievable out-of-the-way locations to relieve themselves. Once a urine spot is actually located, the cleanup procedure is fairly easy. The problem lies in the fact that urine spots are almost always invisible to the naked eye. Thankfully, cat urine is naturally reactive to UV light. With the use of a small, portable black light you can easily detect even the most shrouded urine spots.

Things You'll Need

Portable UV light
Washcloth
Spray cleanser

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a portable UV light source. Portable black lights can be purchased from most party stores. Many pet stores also sell specialized UV lights for the purpose of finding urine spots. The models sold in pet stores use the same type of lighting as a regular black light, but are often much more expensive. Keep this in mind when shopping for the right light.
- 2
  Turn off all the lights in your home. For maximum effectiveness, you'll want to have as little light as possible. You may wish to save your search for the nighttime when there is little natural light to interfere.
- 3
  Perform uniform sweeping motions all across the house. Don't stop searching after finding your first urine spot. Cats are more likely to urinate in a location that they have already marked in the past. Your cat considers urine as a sign of dominance and turf ownership. Check vents, bookshelves, couches and even your walls. Cats can project their urine great distances, and some cats may choose to primarily mark walls and furnishings.
- 4
  Clean urine spots as you detect them. Keep a washcloth and spray cleanser on hand as you search for spots. Since the spots are basically invisible under normal lighting conditions, you'll want to clean them as soon as you find them.