Why does my cats urine smell like cat spray? [Details inside]?

If he isn’t neutered, then that’s the answer to your question.

But like I said he isn’t spraying anywhere else. Just in his liter box. So it is spray?

There’s no difference between the material that a cat deposits in the litter box and the material that a cat sprays to mark territory – the only difference is the muscular control used to deliver it. There is no “spray” – it’s urine. And intact tomcat urine smells atrocious.

And, yes, it’s always possible the he has a UTI. Bacterial contamination can alter to odor of the urine. But if he’s intact, then that’s the likely reason for the reek.

Consider yourself fortunate that it’s ONLY in the litter box.

Presumably you have plans to have him neutered ASAP ?

Like @syz said, it’s the same stuff being tinkled into the litter box as he might spray onto your couch.

Take a look at this article by the Humane Society of the United States Why You Should Nueter Your Pets

And this one Low Cost Spay/Nueter Programs and the top 10 reasons to spay or nueter your pet by the ASPCA

If you neuter him the odor will be neutralized after his hormones fade away.

How old is he?

It is really best to neuter male cats before full blown sexual maturity. but anytime is always still good, of course.
I have always neutered my males around 7–8 months old and never had any issues with spraying or bad smell.

@Buttonstc- Neutered cats will spray too.

Ehow
Why Do Cats Spray After Being Neutered?

@Chuck

Your right, of course, that’s true for some. Its not a 100% guarantee But prompt neutering will decrease the likelihood of it’s occurrncr by a very significant degree, especially since this cat has not yet started spraying.

The absence of testosterone really really cuts down on the urge so if it’s not yet been present, the habit pattern has not yet established itself.

At the very least, the neuter will change the overpowering rank stench which was the original complaint in this Q to begin with. That alone would be more than enough reason for me :)

I had a Siamese cat named Shang who was neutered when he was old enough to have it done. He still went out and got in fights, killed birds and mice (once a huge rat!) and sprayed like crazy. About the only thing he didn’t do was Tomcat around with the ladies.

I have an appointment to get him neutered next week!!! He’s almost six months old. I hope getting him neutered stops his urine from smelling so strong.

Thank you all so much for the helpful answers. and @Buttonstc, yes I am very lucky he is only spraying in his box!