How does water/cat urine affect video tapes?

Question

We had some home videos of my son as a baby in a box downstairs, and the cat (for god knows what reason) peed on them! Then to make matters worse, my husband put the box outside, intending to go out and get it later. He forgot about it, and they got rained on! The tapes are drying on a towel right now, but what are the chances that they will still be okay afterwards? Needless to say, my husband is in the doghouse at the moment. Is there anything I can do to try and make sure they're okay?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, once Videotape is wet, it turns very sticky and will stick to itself.  If you try to play the tape it will break.  Sorry.  The information on the tape may still be good, but the stickiness will make it difficult to salvage.  DO NOT try to play in the VCR.  It will only break/snap the tape.