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.

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)

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.

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)