How to Tell if Your Cat Is Spraying

Spraying is a territorial behavior that male cats-especially cats who have not been neutered, or were neutered later in life-exhibit. Female cats in heat may also spray. It is not a litter box problem, so it needs to be dealt with in a different way. Cats spray when there is a territorial threat-possibly a new cat or dog in the household.

Things You'll Need

  • Fluorescent blacklight
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Instructions

    • 1

      Catch him in the act of spraying. When a cat sprays, he will back up to a surface-like furniture-hold up his tail and spray urine in several short bursts. Cats who are simply urinating will squat. Observe your cat for this behavior to confirm he is spraying.

    • 2

      Scan with a black light. Turn off the lights in your room and run a black light around vertical surfaces, such as couches, chairs and blinds.Cat spray will glow under a fluorescent black light. Sprays will show up as a ̶0;splat and drip̶1; pattern. Look around the perimeter of the room at about 6 to 12 inches above the floor.

    • 3

      Use your nose. The smell of cat spray smells terrible. You will likely be able to tell that your cat has sprayed simply by walking into the room.