How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell Guide?

Intuitive as you’d think. Warm or hot water might seem like the go-to solution, but it can actually amplify the stench, making the unique and pungent smell even more challenging to neutralize. It’s a science experiment that requires precise guidelines and a bit of patience to resolve this inappropriate elimination.

Turning this cleanup into fun and games might sound far-fetched, but approaching it with a polite and light-hearted attitude can make all the difference. Cleaning cat pee effectively is about understanding the chemistry involved in neutralizing the odor without worsening it.

Cats are notorious for leaving behind smells that no other planet inhabitant, except maybe the durian fruit, can rival. Yet, with the right approach, even the most pungent odors can be tackled efficiently, restoring peace and freshness to your home.

General Cat Pee Removal Guidelines:

1. Eek! Where’s the pee?! The first step in battling cat pee odor is to quickly track down the source. Whether on a mattress, couch, or hidden corner, identifying where the pee sits is crucial. The longer it remains, the worse the smell gets.
2. Blot with COLD water. After locating the spot, blot vigorously with COLD water using paper towels or an old rag. The goal is to absorb as much liquid as possible. If available, a wet vac on a cold setting can be particularly effective. Avoid scrubbing to prevent the odor from becoming more resilient and permanently setting into your couch, floor, or garment.
3. Neutralize it! Treat the area with an enzymatic cleaner or a cleaning solution made of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio. This acidic concoction kills the bacteria causing the odor. Allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes, or as advised by your cleaning product’s label.
4. Rinse + Repeat. Clean the area again with a fresh paper towel or wet rag, rinsing with cold water. Repeat the neutralizing process if necessary to ensure all odor and bacteria are eradicated.
5. Freshen up! Once the area is dry, use Febreze Fabric Pet Odor Eliminator or Febreze Air Heavy Duty to bring back freshness. These products are excellent for removing any dull, lingering cat pee odor around the litter box or in affected areas.

The Ultimate Guide to Eliminating Cat Pee Smell

Tackling the issue of cat pee smell in the home starts with understanding the causes, which can range from health issues to stress, leading to your cat urinating outside the litter box. The ultimate guide to eliminating this odor emphasizes not just cleaning carpet, furniture, bed linens, and clothes to neutralize the odor, but also preventing a repeat offender by addressing the underlying behavior.

My personal journey has shown me the importance of creating a stress-free environment for your cat, which significantly reduces the chances of them returning to the spot they previously eliminated. Determining the right balance of care and cleanliness is key to maintaining a harmonious living space free from the challenges of masking urine smells.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Litter Smell So Bad?

Why Cat Pee Stinks?

Understanding why cat pee stinks is crucial in addressing the bad smell that can take over your home. Cat urine contains compounds that, when left to decompose, produce a potent odor. This natural characteristic is common in many animals, but it’s the bacterium in the urine that begins the process, leading to that unmistakable ammonia-like odor.

Cat Urine Gets Worse with Time

As cat urine sits, especially outside the litter box and goes unnoticed, the problem intensifies. During the second stage of the decomposition process, it emits mercaptans the same compounds found in skunk spray. This evolution explains why the bad smell of cat urine becomes worse over time, transforming into a stale, old urine scent that’s incredibly difficult to eliminate without prompt and effective treatment.

Older Animals Have Smellier Urine

As cats age, their kidneys lose efficiency, leading to older animals having the worst-smelling urine. This is a natural consequence of the aging process, where the body’s ability to filter and eliminate wastes diminishes, intensifying the stench of their pee.

Unaltered Males Have Hormones in Their Urine

Unaltered males carry hormones in their urine that not only contribute to a powerful stench but also serve as signals to other males to stay away and to females that they are around. The testosterone-spiked urine of these cats is more difficult to eliminate due to its potent nature, unlike neutered cats whose urine is less odorous.

Why Cats Urinate Outside of the Litter Box?

Contrary to the popular belief that cats are peeing outside the litter box as a way of getting even with their owners, they lack the sophisticated cognitive abilities to concoct a revenge strategy. Dr. Laura George, DVM, of Cats Exclusive Veterinary Center in Shoreline, Washington, explains that when cats urinate in unexpected places, they’re not trying to ‘get back’ at their owner but are instead trying to tell us something important.

Health Issues Can Cause Inappropriate Urination

Inappropriate urination can often be a sign of underlying health issues. Dr. Bruce Kornreich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, associate director at the Cornell Feline Health Center, emphasizes the importance of ruling out any medical problem. Conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and feline lower urinary tract disease can lead cats to urinate outside the litter box, as they may associate the box with pain.

If you believe your cat is suffering from any of these conditions, observing symptoms of discomfort or changes in urination patterns, consulting a veterinarian immediately is crucial. Without treatment, these medical issues can become serious, further emphasizing the need to not overlook such behaviors as mere acts of defiance or misconduct.

Arthritis Can Make Litter Boxes Hard to Use

Arthritis can significantly impact an older cat’s ability to forego the litter box, especially as age makes it harder for them to get into. Dr. Kornreich points out that if the box has sides that are too tall or is located in a place that requires arduous physical activity, like up or down a flight of stairs, it becomes nearly impossible for arthritic cats to maintain their usual hygiene routines.

Behavioral Issues Could Be the Cause

When illness is ruled out, a behavioral reason often lurks behind why cats avoid their usual spot for relief. Sandra DeFeo, executive director of the Humane Society of New York, highlights that not using the litter box is among the common reasons cats are relinquished to animal shelters.

Becoming a detective to figure out the behavior that changed can help deter your cat from staining your carpet or bed linens. Early intervention with behavioral issues is key, advises Dr. George. Sometimes, simply adding additional litter boxes throughout the home, scooping daily to remove waste, or moving the box to a new space can encourage use.

As a general rule, the number of cats in the house should match the number of litter boxes, plus one. Removing the cover of a cat’s litter box or changing the type of litter can also make it more appealing for your feline friend to use.

Also Read: Keeping a Cat in One Room

Why Cats Spray?

When we talk about cats and their spraying habits, it’s a tale of territory, hormones, and stress. At the heart of this behavior, unfixed males and females express their readiness to mate, or in the case of tomcats, to mark their territory.

This can lead to your home becoming a canvas of urine on both vertical and horizontal surfaces from bare floors to furniture. DeFeo highlights that neutering or spaying your cat before they hit 6 months can significantly curb these behaviors. Yet, it’s not just about hormones; stress, anxiety, and frustration from factors like restrictive diets, insufficient playtime, or territorial disputes can also trigger spraying.

Territorial disputes within the home or with other cats in the neighborhood can exacerbate spraying issues. To resolve these disputes, it’s crucial to separate the feuding members of your household and reintroduce them slowly, using treats to reward and encourage peaceful behavior.

This method can help ease their anxiety. Additionally, using a plug-in diffuser that emits a synthetic cat pheromone can reassure your cat and further reduce stress. If the problem persists, it’s important to discuss it with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive solution to minimize these unwelcome scents in your home.

Clean Up Cat Urine Stains Before They Smell Worse

Dr. Kornreich and Meg Roberts, president of Molly Maid, a residential cleaning company, both emphasize the critical mistake cat owners often make: not cleaning up cat urine quickly enough. When cat pee is left to sit, the stench becomes more concentrated and worse over time. Once the urine stain dries, it’s not only harder to see but also to smell, encouraging your cat to mark the area again. The key is acting initially the sooner you tackle the cleanup, the less chance there is for the urine to develop into a persistent stench that haunts your home.

Products to Clean Cat Urine Messes

A variety of products exist to neutralize cat pee odor, but among the most effective are vinegar, baking soda, and enzymatic cleaners. These options are invaluable for those looking to get rid of cat pee smell effectively. Enzymatic cleaners, in particular, break down the odor-causing components in cat urine, offering a robust solution for pet owners.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Using vinegar and baking soda can tackle even the most smelly challenges, including removing lasting odor left by cat urine. When sprayed on affected areas, the acid in vinegar neutralizes the alkaline salts found in dried urine stains. A simple solution of one part water to one part vinegar can clean walls and floors efficiently. Once applied, proponents suggest the smell subsides within a few days, leaving behind no trace of the initial urine smell.

Enzyme-Based Cleaners

For odor elimination from carpets, couch cushions, mattresses, and linens, enzyme-based cleaners offer a powerful solution. These cleaners work because enzymes and helpful bacteria break down the acid in cat urine, effectively getting rid of the smell. This process not only cleans the surface but ensures that it does not smell like urine, preventing your cat from mistaking a previously used spot for an acceptable place to relieve themselves or for another cat to use again. Dr. George emphasizes that these natural enzymes attack the bad bacteria causing unpleasant odors, making them a go-to for thorough cleaning.

Avoid Products That Contain Ammonia

It’s crucial to avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia. Since ammonia is a component of cat urine, using such products can make cats more likely to go there again, as highlighted by Dr. Kornreich. Instead of eliminating the problem, chemical cleaners with ammonia can actually set the stain and do the opposite of what’s intended. This insight underscores the importance of selecting the right cleaning agents to not inadvertently encourage repeat offenses.

Also Read: Do Groomers Cut Cats Whiskers?

How to Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Carpet?

Here’s what you should do to help eliminate the smell of cat pee from a surface.

1. Blot the Spot to Absorb the Urine

Immediately upon discovery, blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much urine as you can find. Acting as soon as possible is key to minimizing the smell.

2. Rinse and Vacuum the Area

After blotting, rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining liquid, and then use a wet/dry vacuum or steam cleaner to extract the moisture. Roberts warns against using heat, as it can set the stain.

3. Soak the Spot in Enzyme Cleaner

Finally, apply an enzyme cleaner to the area, using a spray bottle for spraying a light coat over the stain. Don’t hesitate to douse the spot liberally with the cleaner; enzyme cleaners work best when the spot is fully saturated.

4. Let It Sit Before Blotting with a Clean Cloth

After applying the cleaner, let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, blot it up with a clean cloth to remove any residue.

5. Prevent Your Cat from Returning to the Spot

To stop your cat from returning to the spot during the cleaning process, cover the area with an aluminum foil or an upside-down laundry basket. This method helps deter them from marking the same spot again.

6. Reapply the Cleaner if Necessary

For dry or older, smelly stains, don’t hesitate to reapply the cleaner. Sometimes, multiple applications are necessary to completely eliminate the odor.

Removing Cat Urine Smells from the Subflooring

When urine soaks through the carpet and into the subflooring, simply using a carpet cleaner and some elbow grease won’t make the persistent pet odor go away. After your initial carpet-cleaning efforts, if the stench remains, it’s crucial to neutralize the deep-set scent. Applying an oil-based, stain-blocking primer directly to the subflooring and replacing the padding in the affected area can effectively seal off any lingering odors.

How to Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Cushions?

Here a few easy steps you can take to remove the cat pee smell from a cushion.

1. Soak the Area in Water

First, soak the area with water to dilute the cat urine in the cushion. Use a towel to blot up the moisture.

2. Soak the Area with an Enzyme Cleaner

Next, soak the cushion in an enzyme cleaner, focusing on the affected area by pouring it directly.

3. Let It Sit Before Blotting with Towels

Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before blotting out the excess enzyme cleaner with towels, using pressure to squish the liquid out.

4. Let the Cushion Dry

Finally, let the cushion dry outside. Covering it with aluminum foil can help discourage your cat from peeing on it again as it dries.

How to Get Cat Urine Smell Out of a Mattress?

Mattresses require almost the same process as cushions.

1. Soak the Area in Water

Soak the area with water to dilute the cat urine in the mattress, then blot with a towel.

2. Soak the Area with Enzyme Cleaner

Proceed to soak the mattress with an enzyme cleaner, targeting the affected area by pouring generously.

3. Let It Sit Before Blotting with Towels

Allow the enzymatic cleaner to sit for 15 minutes before blotting it up with clean towels.

4. Let the Mattress Dry

Ensure the mattress dries completely by swapping towels out and using a plastic sheet, tarp, or waterproof mattress cover to protect the bed from future incidents.

5. Reapply If Needed

Reapply the cleaner on mattresses if multiple applications are necessary to remove the cat urine completely.

Also Read: Cat Grooming for Difficult Cats: Creating Positive Experiences

How to Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Linens and Clothing?

For linens and clothing, NEVER use bleach when dealing with cat urine, as it can mix with the ammonia in the urine to cause harmful gases.

1. Rinse the Spot with Cool Water

For bed linens and clothing that are machine washable, first rinse the spot in the sink with cool water.

2. Wash With Detergent and Baking Soda or Cider Vinegar

Wash the items in the washing machine with detergent and add either baking soda or cider vinegar (a cup or a quarter cup, respectively) to the load.

3. Add Enzyme Cleaner If the Smell Persists

If the smell of urine persists, add an enzyme cleaner to the cycle, following the instructions on the package, and run.

4. Air-Dry After Washing

Always air-dry the linens after washing, as heat from the dryer can lock in the smell if it’s not completely gone.

5. Rewash

Rewash the items if the scent is not completely gone after the first wash.

Keep Your Cat from Urinating in That Spot in the Future

To prevent a recurrence of your cat urinating in the same area, it’s essential to not only clean it thoroughly but also to understand the significance of keeping where they eat and eliminate in separate areas. Placing food bowls, treats, or engaging in play in previously soiled areas can help change your cat’s association with that space. Leave toys around to encourage positive interactions and deter future incidents.

Conclusion

In the quest to conquer the formidable challenge of cat urine odor, our guide has illuminated a path through understanding, patience, and precise action. From the initial shock discovery to the triumphant neutralization of the most persistent smells, the journey underscores the importance of timely and appropriate responses blotting with cold water, employing enzymatic or natural solutions, and ensuring a clean, welcoming environment for both pet and owner. This guide not only serves as a beacon for those navigating the murky waters of pet odors but also celebrates the bond between humans and their feline companions by fostering a harmonious, odor-free living space. Through a combination of science, practical wisdom, and a touch of humor, the battle against the notorious cat pee smell can indeed be won, leaving your home a sanctuary of freshness and peace.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kills the smell of cat urine?

Enzymatic cleaners are a specialist’s choice for cleaning the spot effectively. Vinegar, by rinsing and then applying a diluted solution with dish soap detergent, can also remove the smell of cat urine. A 50% mixture of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with water can gently clean the urine stain.

How do I make my house not smell like cat pee?

To ensure your house doesn’t smell like cat pee, tackle both old stains and new spots swiftly to remove cat urine smells as possible. Absorb wet urine, apply an enzyme cleaner, cover the area treated, keep airflow moving, and identify all cat accidents.

Does cat pee stop smelling?

Cat pee may stop smelling so bad if your cat has a bad kidney and begins to drink a lot, resulting in pee that’s mostly water. However, if it suddenly stops smelling entirely, it’s possibly a bad sign.

How harmful is cat urine to humans?

Cat urine can be harmful to humans, as it’s full of ammonia, a toxic gas that can cause headaches, trigger asthma attacks, and lead to serious respiratory illnesses like pneumonia. Children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are at particular risk of illness from overexposure.