Can cats spray by accident??

I apologize if this question needs posted in the Behavior forum, but, I do want to make sure its not a health concern either.

I have an 8 month old female, who was spayed at the beginning of January. Today she hopped up on me and I was petting her, and she sprayed a dark orange/brown liquid on the blanket (and myself). Thing is, she seemed shocked by it and immediately turned around and licked the blanket clean almost to say "whoops sorry, dont know where that came from".

Her behaviors and habits are otherwise fine, but being that she's never sprayed before...and the color was not what I was expecting, I just want to see if theres any thoughts/suggestions out there.

Thanks in advance!

That brown liquid was anal gland fluid. Gross I know ! It also stinks really bad. I'm surprised you didn't smell it. You must of just been lucky lol

Sometimes if a cat gets too over excited or nervous they can accidentally empty their anal glands. Nothing to worry about completely normal. But don't worry it doesn't happen very often

GemsGem said:

That brown liquid was anal gland fluid. Gross I know ! It also stinks really bad. I'm surprised you didn't smell it. You must of just been lucky lol

Sometimes if a cat gets too over excited or nervous they can accidentally empty their anal glands. Nothing to worry about completely normal. But don't worry it doesn't happen very often

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Most of the time it happens when they're startled.

Our last cat used to do it at will - he'd get the vets right in the face, which was really disgusting. The first two times he did it we thought he was just scared, but then we noticed he was waiting his chance and aiming. I called it "playing skunk".

jcat said:

Our last cat used to do it at will - he'd get the vets right in the face, which was really disgusting. The first two times he did it we thought he was just scared, but then we noticed he was waiting his chance and aiming. I called it "playing skunk".

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Sorry, but that's really funny!! I have to love the cat's way of thinking, cheeky (and clever) scamp!

GemsGem said:

That brown liquid was anal gland fluid. Gross I know ! It also stinks really bad. I'm surprised you didn't smell it. You must of just been lucky lol

Sometimes if a cat gets too over excited or nervous they can accidentally empty their anal glands. Nothing to worry about completely normal. But don't worry it doesn't happen very often

Click to expand...

I have never seen this happen! Didn't even know it was possible. But it clarifies a few previously unexplained stinky moments. Seriously, the things you learn on this site!