How To Get Cat Pee Smell Out

How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell: A Guide

Alternatively, if we’re being courteous, we may say that we’re eradicating the stink of “inappropriate elimination.” Then, when the cat pees in your house, it’s all good fun and games. Kitty tinkling has one of the most distinct and pungent scents on the earth, maybe only equaled by the infamous durian fruit in terms of intensity. Cleansing cat pee is also not particularly obvious — in fact, it’s more like a science experiment than anything else. However, although you’d automatically use warm or hot water to clean almost everything else, using hot water to clean up cat urine would just serve to set and intensify its unpleasant scent.

General cat pee removal guidelines:

Eek! What happened to the pee?! First and foremost, determine the source of the odor. And do it as soon as possible. As a rule of thumb, the longer cat pee remains on your mattress or couch, the stronger the odor will be.

Using COLD water, blot the area. You’ll want to use cold water and paper towels or an old cloth to blot the region and absorb as much of the cat pee as you possibly can once you’ve discovered the cat pee location. It’s quite OK to use your extraction wet vac on the cold setting if you have one on hand. Instead of scrubbing, this will just make the cat pee angrier and more tenacious, causing it to bleed farther (and more permanently) into the sofa, the floor, or the clothing
Neutralize the situation! Afterwards, you’ll want to douse the area with an enzymatic cleanser or just prepare your own cleaning solution by mixing equal parts (white or apple cider) vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Because vinegar is acidic, it will neutralize the germs in the cat pee, so reducing the stench of the cat urine. Allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes before using it, or carefully follow the directions on the cleaning product’s packaging.

Rinse and repeat as necessary. Repeat the process with a new paper towel or damp rag, going over the soiled area only one more. Keep in mind to use cold water while you’re using a damp rag. Refresh yourself! Following thorough drying, consider usingFebreze Fabric Pet Odor Eliminator to offer an extra layer of freshness to the fabric. You may also useFebreze Air Heavy Duty Pet Odor Eliminator around the litter box area to help reduce the lingering smell of cat urine
However, this is not recommended.

If your cat peed on the carpet, mattress, or couch:

Wash your hands after each use. Apply one more fast pass over the stained area with a new paper towel or damp rag. It’s important to remember to use cold water while cleaning with a moist towel. UseFebreze Fabric Pet Odor Eliminator after it has been thoroughly dried to offer an extra layer of freshness. For lingering cat urine stench, you may also useFebreze Air Heavy Duty Pet Odor Eliminator around the litter box area; this will help to soften the smell.

If your cat peed on tile, sealed wood flooring or baseboards:

Follow the usual rules, or use a homemade solution of hydrogen peroxide and water (1:2 ratio) or direct undiluted white vinegar to the stain to get rid of it quickly.

If your cat peed on unsealed floors:

The answer to that question is a little more difficult. If your floors are not sealed, after you have cleaned up the cat pee with cold water, scrub the stain with pure vinegar before rinsing with additional cold water to remove any remaining vinegar residue. Using a cloth, blot the stain until there is no longer any trace of wetness. Enzymatic cleansers have the potential to cause harm to your unsealed flooring, so test a little amount on a hidden area first before applying it generously to the stain.

We recommend that you seal your flooring, but that’s a process for another day entirely.

If your jerk cat peed on your clothes:

It’s time to get a new kitty. So. Embarrassing. But, in all seriousness, one of the most prevalent cat-ceptions is that cats mistake laundry baskets for litter boxes. No matter how tempting it may seem, do not toss your cat pee garments into the washing machine right away. If you do this, the stink will become entrenched and your garments will be rendered useless. Consider the cat pee as if it were a disease such as smallpox: The odor is quite contagious and can be spread to other items in the same washing load, resulting in the need for a completely new wardrobe in no time.

Remove the cat pee stain from your clothing by rinsing them with cold water and blotting them with towels, just as you would if the stain were on the floor or a piece of furniture.
Wash your clothing in a bucket with 12 cup oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach!) and leave them there for 2-3 hours to dry.
Add a little amount of baking soda straight to the stain and let the mixture to settle for 10-15 minutes.
Because the heat from the dryer may still cause the stench to set in, it is best to hang garments to dry.

If this appears to be a significant amount of effort to remove a stain, you are not mistaken. We would only use this level of care and effort for your most prized possessions; otherwise, it may be necessary to go shopping for new clothes.

The future is feline

We need a new kitty in our lives! You’re being a total jerk. But, in all seriousness, cats frequently mistake laundry baskets for litter boxes, which is a typical mis-cat-ception to encounter. No matter how tempting it may be, do not immediately toss your cat pee garments into the washing machine. Attempting to do so would result in the stink becoming permanent and your garments being useless. As if the cat pee were smallpox, here’s how to think about it. You’ll need to replace your entire wardrobe because the odor is extremely infectious and can spread to other garments in the same laundry load.

Remove the cat pee stain from your clothes by rinsing them with cold water and blotting them with towels, just as you would if the stain were on the floor or a piece of upholstery.
For 2-3 hours, soak dirty garments in an empty bucket with a 12 cup oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach!) After that, take off your clothing and immerse in a bath of vinegar and water for a few minutes (1:3 ratio).
After then, and only then, may you put the cat pee clothing in the washing machine on cold with no detergent and let them wash.
There is a lot of labor involved in getting a stain out, and you are correct.

How to Get Rid of Cat Odors for Good!

Do you have the impression that your entire house smells like a litter box? In order to keep your home smelling fresh and clean, it’s important to remove cat scents from carpets and furniture. How do you go about really eradicating cat odor, rather than simply masking it with a scent? Knowing a little bit about the science behind the fragrance is essential.

Why Cat Urine Is So Potent

It is possible for cat urine to remain in carpets, textiles, and wood for several years! Although baking soda, vinegar, soap, and hydrogen peroxide can temporarily neutralize the scents, a humid day might allow the uric acid to recrystallize, resulting in the reappearance of the iconic “cat stink.” According to TheCatSite.com, the only method to get rid of the uric acid is to apply an enzyme cleaner on the carpet. It is necessary to soak the afflicted portions of the carpet or clothes in enzyme cleanser and let them to dry entirely on their own.

Cleaners containing enzymes may be purchased both online and at most food shops.

How to Clean It

No matter if your cat has just urinated on a surface in your home or whether you have old stains and stench, it’s critical to manage the issue with a plan of action.

The following are some fundamental suggestions to help you get started:

Immediately after discovering a leak, wipe and absorb as much pee as possible using a soiled old cloth. Wait a few hours for an enzyme cleanser to settle on the soiled area to allow it to dry on its own
If you want to keep your cat away from the cleaner while it is being treated, place a laundry basket over the area. Make advantage of open windows and running fans to keep the airflow moving preventing scents from accumulating in your home
Find out why your cat is having accidents and try to figure out what is causing them (urinary problem, stress, change in habit),

Cleaning the area thoroughly with vinegar first, followed by the use of an enzyme treatment, will break down and evaporate the uric acid, resulting in the elimination of cat scents from your home. Vinegar and enzyme cleansers are effective on a wide range of surfaces, including hardwood floors, carpets, and mattresses. However, keep in mind that different types of flooring and materials can react differently to different cleaners, so always test a small area before applying any solution. One important thing to know is that you should never use a steam cleaner or heat on cat urine stains or spots, according to petMDwarns.

If you have previously steam cleaned your rugs or mattresses, make careful to repeat the enzyme treatment a couple more times on them.

Preventing Cat Odors

The most effective method of preventing cat odors from invading your home is to avoid them in the first place. Maintain the cleanliness of the litter box and add baking soda to help absorb odors. If your cat appears to be suffering from urinary stress difficulties (which are causing her to have accidents) or is continuously spitting up hairballs all over the place, try gently switching her to a meal that is designed to help minimize hairballs and urine stress issues. The majority of animal odors in your house are likely related to body fluids, but it is also crucial to avoid allowing cat fur to accumulate in your home, since this can result in cat odor as well.

To remove cat hair from the surface after it has been sprayed, use rubber gloves that have been soaked with water.

As a temporary fast remedy, products like air fresheners should be avoided unless they are specifically labeled as such.

Contributor Bio

Chrissie Klinger is a model and actress. Mrs. Chrissie Klinger is a writer, an educator, and the mother of two children as well as three dogs and three cats. She appreciates leading an active and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell

You have a strong attachment to your cat. However, when you go into a room and smell the distinct stench of cat urine, you may put your love to the test. What caused your cat to pee outside the litter box? What is the best way to get rid of the smell of cat urine?

Here’s how to clean cat urine and eliminate the scent of cat pee from carpet, non-carpet surfaces, and beds with household products. First and foremost, there are three things you should be aware of when it comes to the reasons why your cat may be peeing outside the litter box:

In order to communicate with you about a health condition, their sentiments about changes in the house, or their dissatisfaction with their litter box, cats will frequently go outside the litter box. Another possible explanation is that Unneutered male cats spray urine to establish their territory, while unspayed female cats spray urine to alert male cats that they are in heat, according to the ASPCA. Another important reason to spay or neuter your feline companions is to avoid the development of cat urine odor. The sooner you clean up the cat urine, the sooner you will be able to get rid of the stink and help prevent your cat from urinating in that location again. You’ll need to neutralize the odor of cat urine rather of simply masking it with perfumes or aromas
You don’t enjoy the ammonia smell that may be found in cat pee, and your cat doesn’t either. If your litter box has a strong odor of urine, your cat may select an inconvenient location to relieve itself rather than the filthy litter box. If you want odor control that lasts seven days and a litter that absorbs cat pee in seconds, ARMHAMMERTMAbsorbX Lightweight Cat Litter is what you need. The proper litter and a clean litter box help to lessen the smell of cat pee in your house while also encouraging your cat to use their litter box rather than your carpet, floor, or bedding.

In the event that you have discovered cat urine in your house, here’s how to safely and effectively clean it up and get rid of the cat pee stench.

1. Cleaning Cat Urine Odor from Carpet

The stench of cat pee can be difficult to remove from carpeting because it can seep through the carpet fibers and into the carpet padding, making it difficult to remove. Furthermore, because cats have an acute sense of smell, it is critical to thoroughly clean and deodorize the area in order to prevent a return visit! For a do-it-yourself solution, try the following: Club soda should be used to thoroughly scrub the area, and it should be allowed to dry. then sprinkle with ArmhammerTM Baking Soda (optional).

For a simple solution from ARMHAMMERTM, consider the following: Try ARMHAMMERTM Pet StainOdor Remover Plus OxiCleanTM to remove even the hardest pet stains* and eliminate smells on the spot using a mix of ARMHAMMERTM deodorizers and OXICLEANTM stain fighters to get rid of even the worst pet scents.

2. Getting Rid of Cat Urine Odor from Non-Carpeted Surfaces

For non-carpeted surfaces such as ceramic tile, grout, vinyl plank, or linoleum where your cat has been urinating, follow these instructions for getting an effective, deep clean that eliminates the urine stench. For a do-it-yourself solution, try the following: No matter if the solution is handmade or purchased, cleaning non-carpet surfaces necessitates the use of an ammonia- and vinegar-free formula. It is important to note that any remedy you use to get rid of cat urine should not include chlorine bleach.

OxiCleanTM Versatile Stain Remover harnesses the cleaning power of oxygen to effectively remove stains and neutralize smells from a variety of surfaces.

It is devoid of chlorine and bleach, and it may be used to clean up cat pee.

Fill a five-gallon bucket halfway with boiling water. Utilizing the supplied scoop, carefully pour one scoop of OxiCleanTM filled to Line 1 into the bucket. Stir the solution with a long-handled spoon until all of the OxiCleanTM has been completely dissolved. Apply the solution to the floor and let it to stand for 1-5 minutes before sweeping it up. Clean the afflicted area with a mop or sponge — you may even clean the entire floor while you’re at it if you want to! The stench of cat urine shouldn’t stay in the air or on your floor for long. Empty the solution into a bucket and fill it half-full with cold water. Rinse the floor with water once you’ve finished mopping it.

3. Removing Cat Urine Odor from Bedding and Clothes

It may appear as though your cat is being spiteful, but the fact that they are spraying or peeing on your mattress, blankets, or clothing is their way of informing you that they want your attention. Don’t be upset; instead, become clean!

Place the urine-soiled items in your machine and wash them separately at the warmest temperature advised on the item’s care label until they are clean. In addition to your detergent, you should add a quarter cup of white vinegar to the bleach dispenser in your washing machine. Make use of the natural power of baking soda to help neutralize the stench of cat pee in soiled bedding and clothing by rubbing it in. Add a half-cup straight to the washing machine drum with your clothing, or use a detergent that contains baking soda to get the same result. Optional: Use ARMHAMMERTM Plus OxiCleanTM 3-in-1 Power Paks, which combine ARMHAMMERTM Baking Soda with OxiCleanTM Stain Fighters to effectively remove stains. Add a fragrance booster, such as ARMHAMMERTM Clean ScentsationsTM In-Wash Scent Booster with Odor Blasters, to the wash cycle to increase the effectiveness of the urine odor elimination

Note: When washing sensitive materials, proceed with care. Also, keep in mind that you should never use chlorine bleach when washing objects that have been contaminated by cat urine. When you combine bleach with ammonia in cat urine, you can generate potentially hazardous fumes. No matter what the reason is for your cat peeing outside the litter box, keeping the area clean and fresh is essential to convincing them to stop – and to reclaim your house from their destructive habit. Its products, which include everything from carpet cleaners to laundry detergents to scent boosters to good old baking soda, are all designed to absorb and neutralize odors, including those caused by pet urine.

Read this resource on this irritating, though not unusual, cat habit to better understand why your cat could be peeing all over the place all of a sudden.

Follow these litter box guidelines and make certain that the litter box is correctly set up in order to avoid future pee incidents. When used as indicated after an average pet stain has appeared, it can help to eliminate the stain.

Tips to freshen things up

Keep in mind that while washing sensitive clothes, you should use caution. In addition, when cleaning objects that have been contaminated by cat urine, avoid using chlorine bleach. Combining bleach with ammonia in cat urine can result in the release of potentially toxic gases into the environment. If your cat is peeing outside of the litter box for any reason other than to relieve himself, keeping the area clean and fresh is critical to convincing them to stop and reclaim your house. ARMHAMMERTM specializes in absorbing and neutralizing odors, including pet urine, with a variety of products ranging from carpet cleaners to laundry detergents and scent boosters to good old baking soda, which is the simple solution to many home, health, beauty, and baking needs.

Read this resource on this irritating, though not unusual, cat habit to better understand why your cat could be peeing everywhere all of a sudden.

In the event that an ordinary pet stain has occurred, it is important to apply the product as soon as possible.

Go Big on Litter Boxes

Litter boxes should always be large enough to allow your cat to completely cover their waste with new litter before going to the bathroom.

More Cats, More Boxes

In order for your cat to cover their waste with new litter, the litter box should always be large enough.

Oh No! Here’s How To Get Rid Of Cat Pee Smell In Your Home For A Freshly-Scented Sanctuary

Old cloth or paper towels, enzyme carpet cleaner, dish soap, cool water, floor cleaner (optional), baking soda, and other household items See the whole list »
Vinaigrette (optional)

Before You Begin…

Image courtesy of istockphoto.com Cats, in contrast to dogs, do not require extensive training to become housebroken. Even with newborn kittens, using the litter box should be a natural impulse for them. If your cat refuses to use the litter box, there is almost always an issue with the litter box or the dynamics of the family. It’s possible that the box is too tiny, or that they don’t care for the litter. They may even be suffering from a urinary or bowel ailment, and because they link the litter box with discomfort when peeing or defecating, they prefer to relieve themselves elsewhere.

If you have numerous cats, be sure that you have enough litter boxes in your home to accommodate all of them (the general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one extra).

Tips for How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell

Cats are renowned for being inquisitive, and if there’s a work being performed, they’ll want to be right in the midst of things. Make sure there are no cats around to disturb the cleaning process, whether it’s by restricting them to another room for a few minutes or having someone else play with the cat while you work. While the cleaner is sitting on the stain, you can lay a basket over any section of the carpet that needs protection. Intense heat can exacerbate the smell of urine and make it remain longer, so avoid using a steam cleaner directly on the site
And A professional cleaning service may be necessary in order to completely erase the smell of urine in older stains or in carpets, particularly if the stench is firmly buried in the fibers of the carpet.

Safety Considerations

Cat urine contains high quantities of ammonia, which can induce respiratory distress in those who have bronchitis or asthma, or who are otherwise susceptible to respiratory distress. Make use of protective equipment such as a face mask and gloves, and be sure to properly wash your hands after cleaning up the area. Mold may be responsible for the stench that many people believe to be cat urine. Sometimes a distinct scent might suggest a mold problem, such as the presence of poisonous black mold, which necessitates the use of a professional mold treatment company.

Some tasks are best left to the professionals. Get no-obligation quotations from qualified cleaning providers in your area for free.+

STEP 1: Use an old cloth or paper towels to absorb as much urine as possible.

First and foremost, soak up the cat urine with an old cloth or paper towels as soon as possible after the accident has occurred before applying any products. This will aid in the absorption of the liquid, resulting in less remaining on the carpet or the surface. The less urine there is, the less likely it is that a thorough cleaning will be required. If there is cat urine on any of your clothing, linens, or draperies, wash them immediately or get them dry cleaned as soon as you can. Image courtesy of istockphoto.com

STEP 2: Saturate any soft areas with an enzymatic cleaner.

Are you trying to figure out how to remove cat pee out of your carpet? To remove the stain and odour from the carpet, use an enzyme cleanser or cat urine remover. If the pee is not totally digested, the smell will be completely eliminated. This is important because once a cat has urinated on a certain spot, he or she will be lured back to that same area over and over again. Cats are unable to detect the aroma of enzyme cleansers since they are unable to absorb it.

Follow the directions on your specific cleanser, which may include allowing it to dry or removing any remaining foam. If the stench is really strong, try hiring a professional cleaner to completely eliminate it.

STEP 3: Use dish soap and cool water or floor cleaner on any hard surfaces.

Dish soap and cold water, or a floor cleaner, can be used on hard surfaces. The first step is to wipe the cat pee away using a cloth or a paper towel. Then, using a tablespoon of dish soap and two cups of cool water (or floor cleaner), soak a cloth or paper towel in the solution and wipe it along the surface to remove any remaining soap. To finish, dab the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. Make sure to wipe cat pee off of hardwood floors as soon as possible after they have been contaminated.

Some tasks are best left to the professionals.

STEP 4: Sprinkle baking soda on the area to continue neutralizing odors.

Baking soda is a good deodorizer since it absorbs smells. After the carpet or other surfaces have absorbed the most of the cat pee, sprinkling some baking soda on them will aid in the long-term elimination of the stench. Keep in mind that you should let it sit for at least half an hour before vacuuming it up.

STEP 5: Keep your cat away from the area you’re cleaning.

Because some of the cleaning agents used might be irritating to cats, make sure there are no cats present throughout the cleaning procedure. Additionally, they may track the pee around the house, making it more difficult to eliminate the stench after it has developed. Simple solutions include locking them in a safe place or enlisting the help of another household member to keep your cat entertained. While the carpet cleaner is sitting on top of the stain, place a basket on top of it to catch any spills.

Image courtesy of istockphoto.com

STEP 6: Mix vinegar or an enzyme cleaner into the laundry to remove odor from clothes and bedding.

Vinegar aids in the neutralization and elimination of cat urine odor. When washing clothes or bedding that has a strong urine odor, vinegar can be used as a substitute for enzyme cleaning (which is also an option in this situation).

STEP 7: Figure out why your cat won’t use the litter box.

If improper urination is a recurrent occurrence in the home, it may be worthwhile to investigate why the cat is not using the litter box. Find the source of the problem in order to avoid this from happening again. It is important to keep the litter box clean at least once a day and in the same area so that your cat does not become confused. In order for your cat to have adequate space to wander around, there should be enough litter boxes in the house (one for each cat plus one extra). The litter boxes should also be of sufficient size.

For both homeowners and their felines, these techniques of cleaning cat pee and getting rid of urine odor will maintain a healthy, happy, and pleasant-smelling environment in the house they share.

If the odor from prior incidents continues, contact a professional house cleaning agency that will be able to remove those difficult, set-in odors and leave your home smelling fresh and inviting.

Some tasks are best left to the professionals. Get no-obligation quotations from qualified cleaning providers in your area for free.+

How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes

Cats peeing outside of their litter box is a regular problem that has to be addressed. Cats with litter box issues account for around 10% of the population at some time in their lives. It’s critical to get rid of cat urine odor as fully as quickly as possible once it’s been introduced. The longer cat pee is allowed to sit, the stronger the odor becomes. If the odor persists, your cat will almost certainly return to the same to pee again. In cat urine, there are various different species of bacteria, as well as uric acid.

Older cats and male cats tend to have stronger odor urine than younger cats and female cats.

Steps for Removing Cat Urine Smell From Your Clothes

Following are some procedures to do in order to get rid of the smell of cat urine. Don’t wear the same outfit twice. The smell of cat urine remains. Don’t put your items that have urine on them in the washing machine with other garments since it may cause your other clothes to smell. Regular products can only go so far in terms of effectiveness. The use of regular laundry detergent as well as other common cleaning materials such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide will temporarily eliminate the odor, but this is just a temporary solution.

However, because these products do not eradicate the uric acid, the odor may reappear after a short period of time.
First, attempt to blot up all of the urine on your clothing before putting anything to them.
You may use an ultraviolet light to assist you discover any stains that you can’t see since urine will glow in the dark when exposed to an ultraviolet light.
Enzymes are proteins that assist in the acceleration of chemical processes.
Pet smells and urine should be treated using products that are designed expressly for this purpose.

Continued

Allow it to soak. The garments should be immersed in enzyme cleanser and allowed to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before being rinsed thoroughly. After that, wipe out any remaining enzyme cleaning and hang your clothing to dry naturally so that the uric acid may be thoroughly broken down. Wash in the washing machine. Preferably, use an enzyme detergent in your washing machine to remove the stains from your garments. After that, let your items to air dry. Some advocate adding one pound of baking soda to the wash cycle, while others recommend running a cycle with a cup of white vinegar and no detergent, followed by a second cycle with ordinary soap.

Please try again. Getting rid of cat urine odor can be challenging, and you may need to repeat the methods several times until the stench is completely eliminated.

Things to Watch Out for

What not to do in a situation. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solutions since they smell like cat urine and will encourage your cat to continue peeing in that area. Problems with one’s health. When a cat pees outside of the litter box, it might be a symptom of a health condition or behavioral difficulties in the cat. Urinary tract disorders, such as kidney stones and bladder irritation, can be extremely uncomfortable for your cat and cause him to pee more frequently. Cats have a strong need to drink and pee more than usual, which can lead to kidney and liver damage.

Consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.
Senior cats, particularly those over the age of ten, may be suffering from age-related cat dementia or cognitive impairment.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any age-related issues.
It’s possible that the litter box is unclean, or that your cat doesn’t like the litter in it.
You may also try different sorts of trash to see what works best for you.
Stress.
This might be due to recent changes in the household, such as the addition of a new pet or family member.
In order to make a permanent adjustment, consider rewarding your cat with attention and goodies whenever they are exposed to the item that makes them stressed out.

Don’t Give Up! The Best Ways to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell

This post includes affiliate links for your convenience. More information may be found here.

If you live with cats, you will eventually become an expert on the best ways to get rid of the smell of cat urine after a while. Bosco, a large orange tabby cat that grew up in a Seattle fish market where he was taught to urinate on newspapers rather than cat litter, is responsible for my knowledge and experience. After moving in with me, this became a source of contention between us. Based on his previous training, the unfortunate cat believed that everything rectangular and on the ground was fair game for him.

As a result, I discovered a few methods for getting rid of cat urine odor (while keeping Bosco).

Cat urine odor is widespread, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world for your household (or your favorite chair). A little history on why cats urinate outside of the litter box and why cat urine smells so horrendously horrible is provided in the next section.

Why Cats Pee Outside the Box

Litter box troubles may be aggravating, especially when they result in the stench of cat pee lingering in the air. When your cat pees outside of their litter box, it’s usually an indication that something is wrong with them. In accordance with the Humane Society of the United States, some of the most prevalent causes for a cat to cease using the litter box are as follows:

The presence of an unclean litter box, disturbing noises, or a perceived threat from another cat in the household are examples of environmental influences. If a cat is refusing to use new litter or has their litter box changed, it is possible that they are experiencing separation anxiety. Some cats are averse to change, and peeing is one way they communicate this to you. Behaviour that is being marked. In order to leave their fragrance on vertical surfaces, cats spray on them, especially if they haven’t been spayed or neutered yet. Some fixed cats will also mark their territory. Marking is more prevalent if your cat is experiencing territorial difficulties with another cat or human in the house
If your cat is suffering from a medical condition. The inability to eliminate properly might indicate that your cat is suffering from a urinary tract infection, a blockage, renal disease, or diabetes. It might also indicate that the cat has arthritis and that a litter box that was before simple to use has become difficult to use
Stress/anxiety. It is possible that your cat will urinate outside the box (frequently on your belongings) to let you know that they are feeling worried

If you unexpectedly discover cat pee outside of the litter box, the first step is to contact your veterinarian. Problems with the urinary tract will not go away on their own. You should always rule out medical explanations for your cat’s behavior problems, even when you feel it is agitated or marking because of a behavioral issue with your cat.

Why Cat Pee Stinks

What causes cat urine to be so stinky and persistent? According to the guys at PetMD, cat pee isn’t all that unlike from the urine of other animals in terms of smell. However, it has a tendency to remain undetected for a long period of time, and when the bacteria in the urine degrade, it emits a strong ammonia-like stench. As urine decomposes, it begins to release mercaptans, which are the same components found in skunk spray, at a certain point. Yuck. Older cats, whose kidneys are less efficient at processing urine, as well as unneutered male cats, whose urine contains hormones, are more likely to have a stronger odor than younger cats.

The Best Ways to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell

When I was cleaning up after Bosco some years ago, there weren’t a lot of decent cleaning products available, with the exception of some very fragrant items. However, enzyme-based cleansers, which break down the compounds in cat urine and neutralize the stench, have become available on the market in more recent years. Using two or three different types of cleansers is recommended if you have a serious cat pee problem in your home, according to my experience. Some are more effective on fabric than others, while others are more successful on carpets than others, and some are more effective on hard surfaces such as walls and floors.

Use UV Light to Find the Cat Pee

First and foremost, determine the precise location of the cat’s urine and how long the pee has been there before calling for help. Follow your nose and check for discolored or damp-appearing patches to begin your investigation (on hardwoods, the wood grain may be raised). If the room smells bad but you can’t figure out what’s causing it, try using a UV lamp. UV light (also known as a black light) illuminates any substance containing phosphors and is used to detect them (including cat pee). This makes it simple for you to find and cure urine stains that have developed in over time.

Once you’re in the dark, put on your UV flashlight and start looking for your missing friend.

Take into consideration when you discover an area where the cat has peed that the urine may have migrated beneath a rug or subflooring, or it may have accumulated under the foot of a couch, table, or cupboard.

In order for the liquid cleanser to be effective, you need pour just enough so that it can follow the line of the cat urine and completely eliminate its aroma.

Escolite Flashlight Ultraviolet Blacklight Detector

The Escolite is a high-powered UV light that is simple to operate and comes in a convenient flashlight size. It is powered by three standard AAA alkaline batteries (not included). The backs of my chairs and sofa have been the subject of countless late-night examinations on my hands and knees with this light (favorite spraying spots for a formerly feral cat in our household). You may find it on Amazon.

Wash Clothes, Bedding, or Towels with a Laundry Additive

If the scent of cat urine is emanating from your hamper or laundry basket—or even from your quilt—there is good news: it will wash out with time. However, regular laundry detergent will not suffice. Cat pee smell may be removed from linens by using specific cleaners, which work by neutralizing the odor and removing it completely. Try one of these, but be careful to wash it in cold water and dry it on a line (heat can cause odors to “set”). If at all feasible, let the things to air dry outside in the sunlight.

Laundry Odor Eliminator (L.O.E.) for Bedding and Clothes

To counteract the stench of cat urine, we recommend Thornell Laundry Odor Eliminatori, which is our favorite laundry addition. Pre-treatment involves saturating the cat pee stain with water and allowing it to rest for five minutes before washing. Then, along with your usual detergent, add the suggested amount of this concentrate to the washing machine and run it through it. Liquid oxygen is effective in eliminating a variety of offensive scents, even those that have resisted conventional cleaning treatments.

OdoBan Disinfectant Laundry and Air Freshener

Eucalyptus-scented OdoBan has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for its ability to effectively eliminate a wide range of pet and home scents. However, because it contains certain strong chemicals, you must exercise extreme caution and use it only as directed, keeping it away from children and pets. Chewy is a great place to shop.

Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster for Stains and Odors

In order to prevent stains and odors from spreading, Skout’s Honor is intended to be used on soiled and odorous materials before laundry. It may also be added to the laundry by using the bleach dispenser on the washing machine. Some users don’t care for the smell of Skout’s Honor, however others claim that it goes gone after a second rinse cycle or wash using the product. Chewy is a great place to shop.

Getting Rid of Cat Pee Smell on Carpets, Floors, and Upholstery

Fortunately, enzymes come to the rescue. If you come across a wet area on the floor or carpet, start by blotting up as much urine as you can using paper towels or a clean cloth to prevent further damage. After that, rinse the area well with clean, cold water. Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro, for example, is a wet/dry vacuum that can assist with this rinsing stage. Cat urine stains should never be cleaned with a steam cleaner. It is possible for scents to be trapped by the heat and steam, making them much more difficult to remove afterwards.

Most of them employ enzymes to break down the stench of cat urine; one of them, Stink-Free, uses an oxidation method that does not require enzymes.
After that, allow the area to air dry for up to two days if necessary.
We’ve included numerous cleansers because it appears that one cleaner performs better than another on occasion.
It’s a really subjective question.
However, I have never used them on engineered wood floors that are made up of many layers, such as carpet, vinyl flooring, or older hardwood floors, and I do not recommend them for these surfaces.

Please consult with your flooring manufacturer before allowing a liquid cleaning to seep into your engineered wood flooring surface.

Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer Formula to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell

Nature’s Miracle is one of my go-to solutions for getting rid of the stench of cat urine on floors, carpets, and other hard surfaces, and it works wonderfully (such as walls). Always remember that the priority here is to remove smells first, followed by stains second and so on. If stains are a serious problem, Nature’s Miracle Just For Cats Stain and Odor Remover Spray is a great option to consider. Chewy is a great place to shop.

Simple Solution Cat Pee Stain and Odor Remover

Cat pee smell may be removed from carpeting and furniture with the help of Simple Solution, which is another another enzymatic treatment that I recommend. It has a distinct, slightly sweet scent that you may or may not find appealing, depending on your preferences. However, one thing is certain: it completely eliminates the odor of cat urine after use. Chewy is a great place to shop.

Stink Free Deep Clean Cat Urine and Odor Remover

Cat pee smell may be removed from floors and furniture with the help of Simple Solution, another enzymatic treatment that I recommend. It has a distinct, slightly sweet scent that you may or may not find appealing, depending on your preference. It does, however, eliminate the odor of cat pee, which is unquestionably beneficial. Chewy is a website where you can buy things.

Bubba’s Cleaner to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell and Stains

This is another another excellent enzymatic cleaning alternative, which is particularly suitable for upholstered furniture. Make careful to allow the enzyme solution to sink into the cat pee location and rest for a few minutes before blotting up the excess. After that, let it to dry fully. If you’re washing a sofa or chair that has detachable cushions, you should take the cushion(s) outside to dry in the sun after cleaning. Because cushions can take a long time to dry (often many days), it’s critical to keep them protected from more pee attacks while they are drying.

The feel and sound of foil are unpleasant to most cats, and they will avoid stepping on it.

A Few More Tips for Getting Rid of Cat Pee Smells and Stains

If you come across a puddle or a wet place, act quickly—even if you don’t have an enzymatic cleaner on hand—to prevent further damage. Fill a paper towel with urine and wipe it up as much as you can. Then soak the area with water and blot it up again (getting more of the urine). This PetMD tutorial includes some instructions for cleaning with baking soda and vinegar for some sorts of situations. My own experience with these products has been that they temporarily eliminate odor, but that it soon returns.

Last Resort: Use Ozone to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell

What happens if your cat pees on a costly object (such as your vintage sweater, your shoes, the interior of a luggage, or a piece of artwork)? What should you do in this situation? Most of these can’t be cleaned with baking soda, vinegar, or enzyme cleansers since they’re too delicate. But don’t get too worked up over it! Remove as much pee as you can as quickly as possible by squeezing the bladder and gently wiping it with paper towels or rags until the towel comes away clear. Allow time for the item to dry.

As soon as Bosco peed on my brand new Coach briefcase, I sobbed and phoned the Coach corporation.

The dry briefcase looked fantastic, but it still smelled strongly of cat pee.

It is possible that ozone will not rescue your expensive garments and other belongings if they are soiled from head to toe in carpets, couches, or hardwood floors.

How To Get Cat Urine and Its Smell Out of Clothes

Every editorial product is chosen on its own merits, while we may be compensated or earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something after clicking on one of our affiliate links. As of the time of writing, the ratings and pricing are correct, and all goods are in stock. Photograph by Sabina Torres/Getty Images

You love your cat, but don’t love cat pee or its smell. Find out how to get cat pee out of clothes, once and for all.

Even though we may be rewarded or earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something after clicking on one of our links, every editorial product is chosen independently. When this article was published, the ratings and pricing were accurate, and all goods were in stock. Image from Getty Images. Sabina Torres

How To Get Cat Pee Out of Clothes

Never put filthy garments in the washing machine with other items of clothing. It has the potential to transmit the odor to everything else in the cargo. Alternately, you can use this approach.

Step One: Blot the cat pee

If the stain is still wet, begin blotting it as soon as possible to avoid it from setting. Do not scrape, since this will cause the stench to seep into the cloth. To remove the pee, press down on the place with a paper towel or clean white cloth, soaking it up until it is no longer wet. Try to remove as much urine from the area as possible before proceeding with the cleaning process. If the stain has dried, go to Step Two or skip directly to the steps for countering the smell of cat urine, which are listed below.

Step Two: Pretreat the cat pee

You have two choices here: pantry items or store-bought items.

Baking soda and water are combined to form a watery paste, which is applied to the stain. Allow 15 to 20 minutes of application time. According to Bruce Vance, owner of Town and Country Cleaning Services, this will neutralize the uric acid present in new cat urine stains. (Always test in a non-obtrusive place before proceeding.) The following is another paste recommendation from Melissa Maker, a cleaning expert and star of the Clean My Space program on YouTube: Table salt, white vinegar, and borax powder are all equal parts of a quarter cup. Apply the cream and allow it to settle for five to ten minutes.

Store-bought remedies are also effective. Look for a product that is designed particularly for pet smells and has enzymes that break down the odor-causing uric acid found in cat pee. Here are two that we (as well as Maker) would recommend:

Biokleen Bac-Out Stain Removeris a plant-based, environmentally friendly solution that combines live enzyme cultures without the use of artificial fragrances or dyes
Rocco and Roxie Professional Strength StainOdor Eliminatorisanother enzyme-based cleaner that is certified gentle and safe, chlorine-free, and color safe
And Biokleen Bac-Out Stain Removeris a plant-based, environmentally friendly solution that combines live enzyme cultures without the use of artificial fragrances Over 48,000 five-star reviews have been written about it on Amazon (overall rating: 4.5 stars), and it comes with an unconditional money-back guarantee. It’s also effective on dog stains

Step Three: Launder

Using cold water instead of hot, wash as you normally would
Hot water might set the fragrance. Alternatively, use an enzymatic washing soap such as Active Wear Laundry Detergent, which is produced in the United States and has an excellent 4.5 star rating on Amazon. You may also use your usual detergent in conjunction with one of the highly recommended enzyme boosters listed below:

Biz Laundry Detergent Powder Booster
Nature’s Miracle Laundry Booster
Biz Laundry Detergent Powder Booster

Allow for complete drying by air. Any heat, whether from the dryer or elsewhere, has the potential to permanently create lingering odor.

Nils Jacobi is a Getty Images contributor.

How To Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes

Please don’t be disheartened if you discovered the stain too late, if the scent persists after one or two washes, or if the smell reappears. Uric acid has a strong stench that is difficult to mask! Follow these procedures to get rid of even the most stubborn cat urine odor.

Step One: Soak

Vance provides two excellent pantry presoaking solutions, as well as one store-bought one, for getting rid of cat urine odor from garments. Preparation: (Always test the cloth for colorfastness before use.)

Vinegar: Even though cat pee is acidic when it is excreted, it oxidizes and becomes an alkaline salt. To dissolve the alkaline ions in the cloth, Vance advises immersing it in an acid bath — also known as white vinegar or cleaning vinegar (as long as it does not have a color). Straight vinegar should be safe for most fabrics, although it can be diluted one-to-one if that is what you want. Pre-testing on rayon and acetate, which are both susceptible to acid damage
Hydrogen peroxide: Although the concentration at drug store strength is just three percent, it is safe and affordable. Place the cloth in direct sunshine to help it work more quickly. If it’s a really hot day, wrap it in transparent plastic wrap as well to keep it from drying out. Urine Rescue is an acronym that stands for Urine Rescue and Recovery. Use as a presoak on water-cleanable, colorfast fabrics to permanently neutralize odors and keep them away. Follow the instructions on the carton

Step Two: Wash

Launder in cold water with an enzymatic laundry detergent or booster, just as you did in Step Three above
Allow for complete drying by air. If you put it through the dryer, it will become contaminated with urine. Repeat as often as necessary until the odor is gone

Pro tip: Use an ultraviolet light to aid in the detection of any stains that may still be present. Urine will emit a bright light when exposed to darkness! The original publication date was August 24, 2021.

5 Cat Urine Odor Removal Tips

Jennifer Sellers, a Petfinder writer, writes about There’s an unwelcome intruder in your household. It greets you every time you go into a room, and it even greets your guests. That strange stench isn’t the smell of your pet cat; it’s the smell of her pee. You are not, however, obligated to accept this unwelcome guest’s presence. There are a variety of approaches you may take to get rid of it. Thinkstock 1. Remove as much pee as possible from the system. In general, the less urine there is, the less deep cleaning you will have to do.

Using an absorbent paper towel, blot up any puddles that have formed on carpet or furniture, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
You should wash or get them dry cleaned as soon as possible if your cat has urinated on your linens, clothing, or curtains.
Cleaning things that have a urine odor are best cleaned using detergents that contain baking soda or enzyme additions.
2.Use an enzymatic cleanser to break down the stain and eliminate the scent.
Due to the fact that cats have a higher sense of smell than humans, even if you don’t notice any remaining pee, your cat will – increasing the likelihood that she may foul the area again.
There are a variety of these goods available in pet supply and home improvement stores, respectively.
(The effectiveness of many enzymatic cleansers can be reduced when they come into touch with other cleaning agents.) 3.Extracting wet vacs should be used instead of steam cleaners to clean the region.
Particularly when dealing with carpets, this may be a very effective method of rinsing the surface.
The Humane Society of the United States suggests that you use cold, clean water in your wet vac.
In fact, intense heat can actually cause scents to become more persistently embedded in the fibers of carpet and upholstery.
Sodium bicarbonate, the chemical compound that makes up baking soda, is extremely effective in absorbing smells.

Allow it to sit for an hour or more after you have sprinkled it, then vacuum it up. Also, HowStuffWorks.com has a recipe for carpet freshener that you may try:

Written by Petfinder contributor Jennifer Sellers Someone has broken into your home and is causing trouble. Whenever you go into a room, it greets you, and it even welcomes your guests. Not your loving cat
Rather, it is the stench of her pee that you are encountering. This unwelcome presence, on the other hand, is not permanent. If you want to get rid of anything, there are several options. Thinkstock 1. Remove as much urine as possible from the area of contact with the patient. In general, the less pee there is, the less you’ll have to clean thoroughly. In other words, if you realize that your cat has urinated someplace other than her litter box, wipe up as much of the feces as you can as quickly as you can. A absorbent paper towel should be used to blot up any puddles that have formed on carpet or furniture, according to the Humane Society of the United States. It is unlikely that this will remove all of the pee, but it will remove enough to reduce the amount of urine that has to be treated later on. Wash or get them dry cleaned as soon as possible if your cat has urinated on your bedding, clothing, or curtains. The longer pee is allowed to remain on fabric, the more persistent the stench is. Baking soda or enzyme additions are the most effective cleaning agents for cleaning goods that smell like urine. It is best to clean down any pee that has been spilled on a wall or other hard surface. 2.Use an enzymatic cleanser to break down the stain and odour. In the words of ApartmentTherapy.com, “enzymatic cleansers release microorganisms that physically devour the pee, leaving everything hygienic and odor free once dry.” When it comes to cat urine odor, many non-protein-based carpet and fabric deodorizers will not be able to cope with the strong, widespread stink that it produces. Due to the fact that cats have a greater sense of smell than humans, even if you don’t notice any residual pee, your cat will – increasing the likelihood that she will urinate in the same location again. It is possible to use a spray that contains enzymes that target pet pee to assist break down urine and reduce the likelihood that your cat will return to the area. A variety of these things may be found at pet stores and home improvement stores. Only that you follow the directions exactly. (Contamination with other cleaning agents can reduce the effectiveness of many enzymatic cleansers.) 3.Extracting wet vacs should be used rather than steam cleaners to clean the region. Clean water is expelled onto the carpet or fabric, while filthy water is sucked back into the tank using extraction carpet cleaners. Particularly when dealing with carpets, this may be a very effective technique to cleanse the area. It is critical to properly follow the instructions. Use of cold, clean water in the wet vac is recommended by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) In addition, steam cleaners should be avoided. In fact, high temperatures can cause scents to get more deeply embedded in the fibers of carpet and upholstery. 4.Finish by using an air freshener that contains baking soda. baking soda is made out of sodium bicarbonate, which is an odor-absorbing chemical that works well. One method of using it to combat pee odor is to sprinkle it on the carpet or furniture after you’ve cleaned your cat’s urine and allowed the area to dry completely. Wait an hour or more after sprinkling before vacuuming up the mess you’ve made! Also, HowStuffWorks.com has a carpet-freshening recipe that you may try:

Sprinkle the mixture over your carpet and allow it to settle for 10-20 minutes before vacuuming it up again. It is possible to preserve any leftovers in an airtight container. 5. Investigate strategies to avoid such incidents in the future. The more pee your cat brings into your home, the more difficult it will be to keep the stench under control. As a result, the most effective method of combating this stink is to avoid it from happening in the first place. This may encompass a variety of approaches, such as:

Getting your cat to utilize her litter box is important. Setting disposable, absorbent pads (such as puppy training pads) in an area where she is continuing to mark her territory. Making arrangements to have her spayed (or neutered, if she is a male cat)
Taking her to the veterinarian for a checkup to discover if she has any kidney or bladder issues
If it is discovered that she is urinating outside of her litter box as a result of fear, we will treat her for anxiety. Increase the frequency with which she cleans her litter box If there are more than one cat in the house, more litter boxes should be purchased.

Having a cat as a companion may be extremely satisfying, as can owning a home. Don’t allow the smell of pee mar any of your experiences. Additional Resources for Further Study

How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell That Just Won’t Go Away

Photograph courtesy of New Africa/Shutterstock The fact that your cat has left you a small mess to clean up is already a major inconvenience. But what’s even worse? There’s a distinct scent of cat urine that lingers long after the accident has been cleaned up. The stink might linger if the urine was allowed to hang for a long period of time before you were able to wipe it up and sanitize the area—and the accidents can be frustratingly difficult to notice, according to Jennifer Gregory, brand manager for Molly Maid.

It’s time to schedule a consultation with your veterinarian to rule out any health issues that are stopping your kitten from using the litter box.

In the meanwhile, try these tried-and-true methods for getting rid of cat urine odor from your home, as recommended by professionals.

How to get rid of cat pee smell from carpet

The secret to removing almost any stain, no matter what the substance, is to act quickly after discovering it. As Gregory explains, “if you can get as much urine out of a soiled area as possible, you’ve accomplished half of your goal.” According to Merry Maids cleaning expert Debra Johnson, the next step is to clean the area using a bacteria- or enzyme-based cleanser such as this one. The beneficial bacteria and enzymes aid in the breakdown of the stinky bacterium that is causing the odor. As a precaution, Johnson suggests pushing the cleaner into the stain with plastic wrap so that it may penetrate more deeply, then removing the plastic wrap and allowing the product to do its job.

How to get rid of cat pee smell from furniture

Cat urine can have an ammonia-like scent, thus ammonia-based cleaners should not be used on cat pee stains, according to Gregory. “If they detect the smell of urine in a certain area, they will continue to pee there,” she explains. “They will interpret this as a signal that this is the location to return to.” Vinegar, on the other hand, has the opposite effect, urging your cat to stay away.

Using a vinegar solution, wet the urine stain until it is completely gone. As the vinegar evaporates, the cat pee scent will be gone as well. If you have additional problems around the house, try these 17 tips for cleaning difficult-to-clean household items.

How to get rid of cat pee smell from hard surfaces

Johnson recommends mixing a spoonful of dish soap into two cups of lukewarm water after blotting up any pee that may have accumulated. Wipe out the contaminated surface with the solution using a microfiber cloth, and then dry the area with a clean cloth to remove any remaining solution. Pour some baking soda on the foul location and let it for at least half an hour to eliminate the odor. “Baking soda really neutralizes scents rather than simply hiding them,” explains Johnson. Once the baking soda has had enough time to completely eliminate the scent of cat urine from the space, vacuum it up.

How to get rid of cat pee smell from clothes

Before putting a cat pee-stained item of clothing in the washing machine, make sure the stain is completely removed with cold water. According to PetMD, rewashing with a cup of baking soda or a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar—or better yet, an enzyme-based cleaner—can help eliminate the urine odor. Allow it to air dry since the heat from the dryer may exacerbate the odor if the wash cycle did not totally eliminate it during the wash cycle. Meanwhile, you should be on the lookout for these other 14 cat health indicators that you should never ignore when dealing with your cat’s peeing problem.