How to Know If a Male Cat Is Spraying?

During normal urination, male and female cats squat and relieve themselves in a litter box or on the floor. Spraying -- expelling urine toward a vertical surface -- is a territorial behavior exhibited by male cats. Having a pet neutered usually decreases or eliminates indoor spraying, but the behavior may continue if your cat has a physical problem or psychological disturbance. Common reasons for spraying in a neutered pet include introduction of a new pet bladder problems or diabetes. (See References 1 and 2) If you detect the unpleasant scent of cat urine in your home, you can tell whether your pet is spraying or urinating normally.

Things You'll Need

  • Fluorescent black light
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your pet for spraying behavior. Before a male cat sprays, he raises his tail straight up and moves the tip from side to side right before releasing urine. His behind will usually face a vertical object, such as a furniture leg or wall, during the spraying action. Since he may release only a few drops at a time, the release of urine may not be obvious. (See Reference 1)

    • 2

      Inspect the wall and furniture in the room where you suspect the cat sprayed. Look for diffuse droplets of moisture in vertical spots. (See Reference 2)

    • 3

      Turn the lights off and use a black light to detect dry urine stains. Cat urine will glow under a black light. If you see spots of urine in a vertical area, the cat is spraying. If urine is on the floor, the cat is urinating normally. (See Reference 3)