Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best Blacklights for Finding Cat Urine Stains – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Ed Malaker

By Ed Malaker

ultra violet light illuminates many stains from pet urine on a carpet in home

Coming home to the smell of cat urine is no fun, especially when you have no idea where it is. Let’s face it—cat urine is potent. Luckily, we live in a world where just about anything’s possible, including finding cat urine stains with special gadgets.

UV LED Black Lights make finding cat urine possible, and it’s a must-have if you own a cat. Thanks to UV LED blacklights, you can find the stain and take care of the odor. But how do you go about finding the right one?

Below, we have examined the top 10 reviews of the best blacklights out there for detecting cat urine. Sit back, relax, and read all about it. We hope that in doing so, you’ll find the right UV LED blacklight that will suit your needs and get rid of those hard-to-find stains!

hepper single cat paw divider

A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Vansky UV Flashlight Black Light Vansky UV Flashlight Black Light
  • Lightweight and water-resistant
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Large light with 51 ultraviolet LEDs
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Morpilot Blacklight Flashlights UV Flashlight Morpilot Blacklight Flashlights UV Flashlight
  • Impact-proof and waterproof
  • Textured grip
  • High intensity
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    NEXTORCH Pocket-Size LED Torch for Pets Urine and Stains NEXTORCH Pocket-Size LED Torch for Pets Urine and Stains
  • Compact design
  • Waterproof
  • Powerful light
  • Yunyeeneen UV Blacklight Flashlight Yunyeeneen UV Blacklight Flashlight
  • Large light with 128 LEDs
  • Ergonomic design
  • Waterproof
  • DARKBEAM UV Flashlight DARKBEAM UV Flashlight
  • Small size
  • Easy to use
  • Charge lasts a long time
  • The 10 Best Black Lights for Finding Cat Urine Stains

    1. Vansky UV Flashlight Black Light — Best Overall

    Vansky UV Flashlight Black Light

    Wave Length: 395 nm
    Material: Aluminum
    Power: AA batteries

    The Vansky UV Flashlight Black Light is the best overall backlight for finding cat urine stains. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use. It’s also lightweight and water resistant. The large light uses 51 ultraviolet LEDs to illuminate a large area, making it easier to see the cat’s urine without the light pointing directly at it.

    The biggest downside to the Vansky is that though the light covers a large area, it’s not that bright, so your room must be quite dark when you are using it to see the urine. Many customers also wish that it used rechargeable batteries instead of alkaline ones that don’t last long and need frequent replacement.

    Pros
    • Large light
    • Water resistant
    • Ergonomic handle
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Not that bright
    • Alkaline batteries

    2. Morpilot Blacklight Flashlights UV Flashlight — Best Value

    Morpilot Blacklight Flashlights

    Wave Length: 395 nm
    Material: Aluminum
    Power: AAA batteries

    The Morpilot Blacklight Flashlights UV Flashlight is the best blacklight for finding cat urine stains for the money. It is a set of two lights for the price of one, and each has a durable aluminum body that is impact-proof and waterproof. The textured grip makes them comfortable to carry and less likely to slip as you use them. Although these flashlights are small enough to fit in your pocket, 12 LEDs produce a high-intensity light that makes it easy to spot cat urine.

    The only real downside about the Morpilot is that many users complain about the design of the power switch, which can result in the lights turning on and off intermittently as you use them. A few people also complained that you must angle the light just right to see the cat’s urine.

    Pros
    • Impact-proof and waterproof
    • High intensity
    • Textured grip
    • Small size
    Cons
    • Poor switch design

    3. NEXTORCH Pocket-Size LED Torch for Pets Urine and Stains — Premium Choice

    NEXTORCH Pocket-Size LED Torch for Pets Urine and Stains

    Wave Length: 405 nm
    Material: Aluminum
    Power: AA batteries

    The NEXTORCH Pocket-Size LED Torch for Pets Urine and Stains is a premium-choice blacklight for finding cat urine. It has a pocket-sized, portable, water-resistant, and impact-proof design that’s perfect for finding pet stains and has many other uses, including curing 3D resin. The light is powerful and can spot urine from several feet away. Many users also report that the batteries last quite a while.

    The downside to the NEXTORCH is that while the light is quite bright, the beam is narrow, so it can take a while to search a large area.

    Pros
    • Compact design
    • Waterproof design
    • Powerful light
    Cons
    • Narrow light beam

    4. Yunyeeneen UV Blacklight Flashlight

    Yunyeeneen UV Blacklight Flashlight

    Wave Length: 385–395 nm
    Material: Aluminum alloy
    Power: AA Battery

    The Yunyeeneen UV Blacklight Flashlight is a wonderful product that features a large light containing 128 LEDs. Many customers report that they can see every speck of dust while using it, and the ergonomic handle is easy to grip and use despite the large light. Another great feature of this flashlight is that it’s waterproof, so you can use it in any weather.

    The downside to the Yunyeeneen is that the rechargeable batteries lose charge quickly, causing the light to dim and making it hard to spot cat urine. Many users also complain that replacing the six batteries can get expensive. The number of batteries also contributes to the weight of the light, which is considerably heavier than many other models.

    Pros
    • Large light
    • Ergonomic design
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Dims quickly
    • Requires many batteries

    5. DARKBEAM UV Flashlight

    DARKBEAM UV Flashlight

    Wave Length: 365 nm
    Material: Aluminum
    Power: Rechargeable battery

    The DARKBEAM UV Flashlight is a great choice if you are looking for a blacklight small enough to keep with you. You can attach it to your keychain or keep it on your wrist with the included strap. Although it’s small and doesn’t produce as much light as some other models, it’s quite powerful and can detect cat urine several feet away by causing it to glow brightly. The rechargeable battery holds its charge for many hours, and most customers find it easy to use.

    The downside to the DARKBEAM is that it uses a micro-USB charging system that some customers feel is dated. It can also be hard to find a replacement cable if something happens to the included one. Many users also complain that charging can take a long time if you let the power get too low.

    Pros
    • Small size
    • Easy to use
    • Charge lasts a long time
    Cons
    • Micro USB charging
    • Long charge time

    6. Realhunlee UV Black Light Flashlight

    UV Black Light Flashlight, Super Bright 100 LED Pet Dog Cat Urine Detector Flashlight for Pet Urine Stains, Professional Black Light Flashlight with UV Sunglasses for Scorpions Hunting

    Wave Length: 385nm–395nm
    Material: Aluminum
    Batteries Included: No

    UV adjustable protection glasses come with the Realhunlee UV Black Light Flashlight. You’ll want to use the glasses when using the flashlight to show stains easier and more clearly. With a lighting time of up to 100,000 hours, the cat urine detector displays a large area for easy spotting. It detects both wet and dry stains and is waterproof. It’s made of commercial aerospace-grade aluminum and fitted with quality-verified UV LED. It also works to detect scorpions, leaks, official identification cards, passports, etc.

    The handle may get hot with prolonged use at a single time, and some consumers are disappointed that it doesn’t detect dog or cat urine. It requires 6 AA batteries, which are not included. Most people have success with this product—some have even pulled up their carpets and replaced them with hard floors because of the great detection of this UV flashlight. It also comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee.

    Pros
    • Comes with adjustable UV protection glasses
    • Detects both wet and dry urine stains
    • Multi-purpose flashlight
    • 1-year money-back guarantee
    Cons
    • Batteries not included
    • Handle may get hot after prolonged use

    7. LIGHTFE UV Flashlight 365nm

    LIGHTFE UV Flashlight 365nm UV Blacklight UV302D with LG UV LED Source, Black Filter Lens, Max.3000mW high power for UV Glue Curing, Rocks and Mineral Glowing, Pet Urine Detector, AC Leak Detector

    Wave Length: 365nm
    Material: Aerospace aluminum alloy
    Batteries Included: Yes

    A 18650 rechargeable Samsung lithium-ion battery powers the LIGHTFE UV Flashlight 365nm, which is included. The manufacturer guarantees an 18-month quality warranty with a 30-day return policy. Unlike most of its competitors, it comes with a black filter optical lens that removes stray light to produce a clearer image. It serves multiple purposes, such as detecting scorpions, leaks, gasoline, body fluids, and other soils. It provides a long beam distance and can be used for forensic science and fluorescence.

    This UV blacklight shows cat and dog urine very well; however, some consumers claim the battery life is very short, becoming dead after about 8 minutes of usage, and some have to bang it against their hand to get it to work. Also, some state the light isn’t bright enough.

    Pros
    • Rechargeable battery included
    • Comes with a black filter optical lens
    • Provides a long beam distance
    Cons
    • Sucks battery power
    • May have battery issues
    • Light might not be bright enough

    8. McDOER Blacklight Flashlight Ver 2 UV 109 LED

    McDOER Blacklight Flashlight Ver 2 UV 109 LED with Ultraviolet Ink Marker for Urine Detection, Finding Scorpions, and Dog & Cat Pee - 18 Watt, 385-395nm

    Wave Length: 385nm–395nm
    Material: Aluminum
    Batteries Included: No

    The McDOER Blacklight Flashlight Ver 2 UV 109 LED with Ultraviolet Ink Marker for Urine Detection, Finding Scorpions, and Dog & Cat Pee has a wavelength between 385nm and 395nm. It’s easy to use with its single-button operation, and the LED lights should last over 100,000 hours. A fun little bonus with this product is the added UV marker. If you have kids, they’ll have fun with this little tool, as they can use it for games.

    This blacklight detects cat and dog urine, as well as scorpions and other critters or bugs. It has 109 UV LED individual lights, and it’s durable enough to handle a shock resistance of up to 3 feet.  A downfall is the required 6 AA batteries are not included. Some claim that this flashlight goes through batteries quickly, and the on/off button may stick. It may not detect urine if the stain is fresh.

    Pros
    • Comes with a UV marker
    • Over 100,000 hours life expectancy
    • Single-button operation
    Cons
    • Takes 6 batteries to work, not included
    • May drain batteries quickly
    • On/Off button may stick
    • May not detect fresh urine

    9. DARKBEAM UV 365nm Light Wood’s lamp Blacklight

    UV 365nm light wood's lamp DARKBEAM Blacklight Ultraviolet Flashlight LED Portable Mini Handheld Torch Detector for Dog Urine Pet Stains 370nm Anti-counterfeiting Identification, Resin Curing

    Wave Length: 365nm
    Material: Aluminum
    Batteries Included: No

    The DARKBEAM UV 365nm Light Wood’s lamp Blacklight has a zoom in/out feature to adjust the appropriate light range, unlike its competitors. It’s small and easy to carry anywhere you need it, and it has a clip so you can attach it to your pocket. It takes only 1 AA battery, and the mesh texture design is durable and makes it easy to grip. The 365nm is the perfect wavelength to detect cat urine, and it detects other critters and bugs, too.

    Consumers claim the light is too dim for use outside, so you probably don’t want to use it for camping. Some also have difficulty seeing urine stains with this light, but it works better if the room is entirely dark.

    Pros
    • Has zoom in/out feature to adjust the light range
    • Requires only 1 AA battery
    Cons
    • Light may be too dim for outside use
    • May not detect cat urine

    10. uvBeast NEW V3 365nm MINI – Black Light UV Flashlight

    uvBeast NEW V3 365nm MINI - Black Light UV Flashlight – HIGH DEFINITION Ultraviolet - Rechargeable 18650 USB-C Quick charge Port - Professional Grade HIGH POWER UPGRADED LED – USA Stock

    Wave Length: 365nm
    Material: Aerospace-grade aluminum
    Batteries Included: Yes

    The uvBeast NEW V3 365nm MINI – Black Light UV Flashlight comes with an 18650 rechargeable battery, a USB-C cable, and a US adapter. You don’t need to take the battery out to charge, and the charge time is quick. It’s small and compact yet powerful for cat urine detection. uvBeast is known for its flood UV lights, but you get the same powerful UV light in a small and compact design with the mini. This design has minimal visible light leak, making it powerful enough for daytime usage in normal light. In the dark, you get 20 to 30 feet of coverage.

    The light may go off when moved around or flicker, and some have problems charging it, stating it won’t charge.

    Pros
    • Small and compact
    • Comes with a rechargeable battery and USB-C cable
    • Light shows up to 20 to 30 feet of coverage
    Cons
    • Light may shut off on its own
    • Light may flicker
    • May not charge with provided USB-C cable

    hepper cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Right Black Light for Finding Cat Urine

    When operating a UV blacklight, it’s important not to shine into your eyes or your pet’s eyes. Prolonged exposure could affect your vision over time, so it’s a good precaution to only use these lights when needed.

    While you’re looking for a blacklight to find cat urine, here are a few things to consider.

    The UV light black light flashlight glows in the dark
    Image Credit: Pavelis,Shutterstock

    Wavelength

    UV lights differ in wavelength, usually 10nm to 400nm. Nm stands for nanometer, which is one-billionth of a meter. The recommended wavelength of the blacklight needs to be between 365nm and 385nm because it’s the best for finding cat urine. We do not recommend lights with 395nm or 400nm because they are too close to visible light, which will not detect cat urine. Most blacklights will tell what wavelength they are.

    Size

    Blacklights come in different sizes, with some being very small and compact. As long as the wavelength is in the recommended range, the size shouldn’t matter.

    Protection Glasses

    Some blacklights come with protection glasses. These help in spotting the stains, as well as protecting your eyes. If you find a light that doesn’t come with glasses, you can purchase them separately.

    Number of LED Lights

    The number of lights makes a difference in finding cat urine. The blacklight should have at least 9 to 12 bulbs, but some have 50 to 100 bulbs. The more bulbs, the better.


    How To Use Blacklights Effectively

    When checking for cat urine, the room will need to be as dark as possible for effectiveness. Nighttime is the best, and make sure no visible light is shining in, such as a streetlight or porch light. Close your blinds or curtains too.

    hepper cat paw divider

    Conclusion

    When choosing your next blacklight to detect cat urine stains among these reviews, we highly recommend our pick as the best overall. The Vansky UV Flashlight Black Light is perfectly suited to the task with its powerful, lightweight, yet durable construction. We like the large light that makes it easy to find urine quickly. Our best value, the Morpilot Blacklight Flashlights UV Flashlight, is another great choice and provides you with a set of lights, so you’ll always have one on hand. The NEXTORCH Pocket-Size LED Torch for Pets Urine and Stains is our premium choice, and although it may be more expensive than some other models on this list, it works well and has a powerful light and a durable, waterproof case. Hopefully, one of these will work well for your needs!

    Also see:


    Featured Image Credit: Steve Heap, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database