We have an 18 month old male cat who has been neutered for a year. Recently (past 2 months) he has begun releasing a very pungent odored substance when petted. He is very affectionate and likes being brushed and petted. We have tried to make sure we don't touch his hindquarters but lately just petting will cause this reaction. He seems surprised when this happens and cleans himself thoroughly. Any ideas on how to stop this gross smelling spraying? He is a completely indoor cat and his sister has been neutered as well. No other cats in the vicinity. There is someone home all day with the cats and they are played with and petted. He has received all his shots and is on Iams Indoor Cat dry food.

freddysmomma, I think it may be time for a vet check. If it appears to be involuntary, it sounds like your little boy might have a urinary tract infection that is easily treated with antibiotics from the vet. Indoor male cats have a tendency to get UTIs. Please call your vet and make an appointment.

It might be his anal sacks are filling up. The discharge is the most gross stuff you'll ever have the misfortune of smelling. It is a yellowish to brownish color liquid. Many cats need to have them drained/squeezed. I would take a visit to the vet, and see what he says about it. From there he can tell you how to remedy the problem in the future.

LOL HSK! I actually thought it might be the anal glands but what confused me was the words "involuntary" and "spraying".? In any event, I hope freddysmomma gets to a vet asap.

I had a cat with the same problem only a handful of times, and it only happened when excited from being rubbed near his tail. It was the worst smelling stuff of all time, so it made me think of that same situation instantly!

Most altered male cats will only spray out of frustration with a new member of the family being introduced (pet or person), or another cat outside bothering them through a window. Also, when they spray they back up to a wall and shake their tails, so the description of how it was happening led me to believe it was the anal gland getting filled up. It is very common.

It still requires a vet visit to make sure that is all it is. Sometimes there is nothing you can do but keep up squeezing/cleaning them with a little pressure. However, your vet will be the only one to determine what it is, what is the cause, and how to handle it in the future.