If you or your neighbors own a male cat, then you must have experienced the annoying act of spraying on your walls or furniture.
But what exactly is that smell, and why is it so much worse than regular cat urine?
Read this article to learn in detail what a male cat spray smells like and the reason behind it.
Also Read: How to keep cats out of your yard.
Decoding the Smell of Male Cat Spray
While a strong ammonia scent is a primary component of male cat spray, other components are also present in it. Here is a complete breakdown –
Ammonia
This pungent odor of a cat’s urine is due to urea. In male cats, especially unneutered ones, testosterone boosts urea production, making the spray extra-smelly. The smell of neutered cats’ spray can be a bit different.
Male cats usually spray to mark their territory and attract nearby female cats.
It is a way of communicating and showing power.
They often spray on vertical surfaces, like furniture or walls, to establish their presence.
This also leaves a warning message for potential intruders.
The odor of the male cat urine thus becomes difficult to remove with the regular household cleaners.
You need some specialized cleaning products to remove this strong odor of ammonia.
To prevent the spraying behavior in male cats, it is recommended that they be neutered.
This should reduce the intensity of the odor and promote their health as well.
Mercaptan
Mercaptan is a sulfur-containing compound responsible for the cat urine’s musky note.
This small can be typically compared to the combined smell of rotten eggs and ammonia.
Mercaptan is a natural chemical produced by protein breakdown in the cat’s body. It is commonly associated with the scent glands in skunks. Skunks release mercaptan as a defense mechanism when they are afraid of something or feel threatened.
Similarly, when a cat sprays, it releases mercaptan along with other compounds, which contributes to the strong, unpleasant odor.
The smell of mercaptan can be challenging to remove, as the compound’s molecules stay in the air for a long time and can be absorbed by fabrics and surfaces.
Thus, it is recommended to use an enzymatic cleaner specially designed for such stubborn odors. The key point is to address the root cause of cat spraying behavior and prevent repeat mercaptan odor incidents.
You can also consult with a veterinarian or animal behavior experts for guidance on tackling the issue and then ensure a clean and odor-free environment for you and your pets.
Pheromones
As discussed above cats leave a message and try to communicate with other feline members through spraying. Pheromones are the chemical messengers discharged by the cats.
Pheromones are undetectable to humans, but they carry a real message behind why the cat is spraying. Pheromones are usually like a bulletin board for other cats. This sends messages on marking their territory and availability for mating.
This cocktail of all these chemicals creates a powerful olfactory signature that stays long after the cat has sprayed. This is simply a method os communication specially designed to be clear and far-reaching.
Why Does Male Cat Spray Smell Stronger?
Regular cat urine, from both males and females, has its own unpleasant odor, indicative of urine marking. However, male cat spray possesses an extra pungent smell due to the hormonal influence.
Unneutered males have higher testosterone levels, which not only intensifies the ammonia content but also triggers the production of those stinky mercaptans.
Neutering your cat significantly reduces the urge to spray urine and weakens the odor if spraying persists.
Addressing the root cause of the cats’ spraying behavior is essential, as it can be triggered by anxiety, stress, or territorial marking.
You should consult a veterinarian to address any underlying medical issues that may be responsible for the repeated behavior.
You should provide a clean litter box to the cat and monitor it regularly. Cats can develop bad habits quickly, so a well-maintained litter box can change their habit of spraying here and there more often. Besides introducing a litter box, you should also ensure the cat gets neutered.
Together, these should create a calming environment for you and your feline companions. You can also use pheromone diffusers or sprays to help discourage spraying. Consistency and patience are the keys to modifying your cat’s behavior.
If the cat tends to spray even after taking so many measures, you can seek advice from a professional animal behaviorist or a vet for further guidance on how to tackle the issue more effectively. It is essential that you understand the situation and then address it accordingly.
How to Recognize a Cat Spray?
There are a variety of other signs that you should note besides considering the irritating cat urine smell.
Target Selection For Urine Spraying
Cats typically spray on vertical surfaces like furniture, walls, or doors. It’s their way of marking their territory at eye level for maximum impact.
Spraying vs. Squatting
Unlike using the usual litter box, spraying involves a specific posture. The cat backs up to the target surface, raises its tail, and quivers slightly while releasing a small amount of urine.
Cats often spray in multiple locations, creating a well-marked territory.
If you notice frequent inappropriate elimination outside the litter box, with the above signs present, spraying is a strong possibility, and the cat may continue to spray.
Stress, anxiety, or new pets in the household can trigger spraying.
You should observe and keep a note of the cat’s behavior for any changes that might indicate the underlying medical or emotional distress responsible for the spraying behavior.
By recognizing all these signs and the unpleasant cat urine odor, you can effectively identify cat spraying and necessary measures to address the underlying issues.
Early intervention and addressing the root of the problem are always better ways to stop the unwanted behavior, including when a cat may continue to spray.
How To Clean Cat Spray and Prevent Cat From Spraying?
If you discover a cat spay mark or smell it, here’s how you can tackle it:
- You can use a fresh spray to remove dried stains.
- Scrubbing can spread the odor and make it harder to remove. Use absorbent cloths to blot up as much liquid as possible.
- Enzymatic cleaners specifically designed for pet accidents like urine smell, especially effective when a cat has sprayed. ODO-RITE Pet Area Cleaner, perfect for areas where a cat has sprayed, to neutralize the smell and discourage future spraying. or BLUEOXY Urine Buster can be very effective. These cleaners break down the enzymes in the urine and pheromones, eliminating the odor source.
- Neutering your cat is the most effective way to prevent spraying. It reduces testosterone levels and the urge to spray, addressing one reason why a cat may spray. If spraying persists after neutering, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
- After a thorough cleaning, ensure proper ventilation to eliminate lingering odors that may smell like cat pee. Open windows and doors, or use air purifiers to promote fresh air circulation to rid the area of smells like cat pee.
Closing Thoughts
By following the steps mentioned, you can eliminate the smell of the male cat spray and prevent future spraying incidents. This will allow you to breathe easily and enjoy a fresh-smelling home again.
