If a (spayed) female cat is spraying, what does it smell like?

[MrsLettuce]

We are having a problem with a very odd smell appearing in random places and on random things, it's not massively unpleasant and clearly 'catty' (like male spraying) but it certainly not a pleasant smell. It's very localized when it appears and it's driving me stir crazy. I know female cats can spray and although I've never seen her doing it I'm beginning to suspect she might be the root of the problem.

She seems perfectly happy in herself but she is a siamese, which may or may not be relevant.

So, can anyone describe the smell of female spraying to me

Oh Siamese are a delight - just wilful as all heck.

If you're non-UK, you might still be able to get personal contacts in other countries from the main UK Welfare people - Siamese being an international breed. Otherwise, you should be able to find your country's breed rescues on the net.

Best of luck.

I've had a vet tell me that euthanasia was the only solution for a persistently spraying cat

What we did was (as well as changing vets obviously) got rid of the carpets where we could, made sure all door mats were the type that could go in the washing machine, and when we replaced our sofas we got ones with removable washable covers. There's one corner of a sofa that's a problem spot as it's by a doorway, so I bought a couple of towels that match the colour and have one tucked round. If it gets sprayed on we can just whip it in the washing machine.

Spraying Feliway has definitely reduced the number of times it happens here.

Also, it might be worth checking with a vet that she doesn't have bladder problems.

You can get cat nappies. Duct tape them on & stand back with a sense of "now pee on the walls you little terror".

I've got this prob too (have a thread running) this morning as it was beautiful day I threw open my big bedroom window and up jumps cat and sprays all over window cue me cleaning windows at 6 o'clock in the morning! I'm at wits end too. He sprays over walls doors furniture people's bags washing hanging on line and even my leg once! Nothing is safe.

Have you had a behaviourist visit? I assume both have had a clean bill of health from the vet?