Cat Owners: Anyone find a blacklight that actually works?

**TheFantod** · #1 08-16-2011, 07:50 PM

As in, actually detects urine? I bought a big one from Lowes. It revealed all kinds of nasty molds & bacterias, but not urine. I did some research and (apparently) the blacklight has to have a spectrum wavelength of under 385nm to accurately find urine.

I'm taking the one from Lowes back tomorrow. I have a local Petsmart, and they advertise a couple of different ones, but they have mixed reviews from other sites.

Has anyone tried the ones from Petsmart? Any other ideas? I know how to get rid of the smell once I find it (Nature's Miracle) but it can be a PITA looking (smelling) for it.

Oh, and it's a behavioral thing, not a medical problem with my cat.

Thanks in advance...

Bongolation · #2 08-16-2011, 09:08 PM

Can't help, but that's interesting. I wondered about this.

CapnSev · #3 08-16-2011, 10:22 PM

As a former forensics worker, I can tell you that a blacklight alone will not detect urine very well at all. You need to find a chemical called "Bluestar" that you spray before using the blacklight to find bodily fluids.

Strohsx · #4 08-17-2011, 04:39 AM

Wondering too, I've got a closet that STINKS!

One thing I hate about my cats, their revenge.
I;ve lost alot of tee shirts.

**TheFantod** · #5 08-17-2011, 05:37 PM

Okay, here's an update:

Took the big one back to Lowes, and went to Petsmart and bought this:
Simple Solution Spot Spotter - Dog - Sale Category - PetSmart

I was doubtful about its performance, as I had read some pretty awful reviews for it on Amazon. But I figured I'd give it a shot.

My black cat finally exacted his revenge on my being gone for a week by peeing in my, all things, gig bag! He mostly peed on my Sure microphone box (maybe trying to give an opinion? thankfully the mic wasn't in it!) and of course, on other stuff as well. I brought my (very stinky) bag in the bathroom, which has no windows and is pitch black with the door shut, and turned on the light.

HELLO! THIS THING WORKS! You have to get it pretty close to the area, but it lit it up nicely. You could see exactly where the urine was and wasn't. I guess this thing gives off the right spectrum wavelength?

Hopefully, I can salvage my gig bag. It's actually just a travel suitcase that I got for my 10 year award from work. I bought a big bottle of Nature's Miracle "Urine Killer" for it.

Will update later on the de-stinkification!