How To Eliminate Cat Pee Odor Completely

Cats have a strong sense of smell, with approximately 200 million scent receptors compared to only 5 million in humans. This means that effectively neutralizing the odour of cat pee is important to prevent cats from urinating in the same spot again. Enzyme-based cleaners are the most effective way to get rid of cat pee odour as they break down the acid in cat urine. Other home remedies include using a solution of vinegar and water or a mixture of detergent and club soda.

Enzyme-based cleaners

One such product is Nature's Miracle, which is available as a spray. This enzymatic cleaner removes stains and odours from carpets, floors, upholstery, and more. It is safe to use around pets and children and can be used on water-safe surfaces.

Another enzymatic cleaner is Biokleen Bac-Out Carpet Stain + Odor Remover, which is a good budget option. This plant-based cleaner is free of phosphates, chlorine, and ammonia and can be used on most water-safe surfaces, including carpets, clothing, and upholstery.

Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. also offers an enzyme-based cleaner that can be used on carpets, floors, furniture, clothing, litter boxes, and more. This product is chlorine-free, colour-safe, and gentle enough to be used around pets and children.

For a more industrial-strength option, there is the Rug Doctor Professional Urine Eliminator, which uses enzyme cleaning action to remove tough pet stains like urine, blood, feces, and vomit. This product is designed for homes with kids and pets and can be used as a pre-treat for carpet cleaning.

Baking soda and vinegar

If you're dealing with cat pee, you're dealing with a noxious smell and a stubborn stain. Cat pee contains ammonia, which gives off a pungent odour as the bacteria in the urine decompose. The longer it sits, the worse the stench becomes. Cat pee also contains uric acid, which, along with ammonia, can leave behind a pungent odour that lingers even after the initial spot has been cleaned.

How to Get Rid of the Cat Pee Smell

If you're lucky enough to catch your cat in the act, the first step is to blot the stain with a paper towel or cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Then, you can try the following:

• Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can also add a small amount of dish soap to this mixture.
• Apply the Solution: Saturate the affected area with the vinegar solution, allowing it to penetrate the fibres. This solution can be used on floors, furniture, and even walls.
• Blot and Extract: Use clean, absorbent towels or rags to blot the area, lifting as much of the solution as possible. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum or steam cleaner for deeper cleaning.
• Neutralise the Odour: After blotting, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the urine stain. Baking soda is a natural odour neutraliser and will help eliminate any lingering smells. Let the baking soda sit for several hours or overnight.
• Vacuum: Once the baking soda has had time to work its magic, use a vacuum to remove it from the affected area.
• Repeat as Needed: If the odour persists, don't hesitate to repeat the process. It may take several treatments to fully remove stubborn odours.

Additional Tips:

• Act quickly! The longer cat pee sits, the harder it is to remove the smell.
• For laundry, wash affected items in cold water with a cup of vinegar or baking soda. Avoid using the dryer, as heat can set the smell. Instead, air dry the clothes.
• For mattresses, pour vinegar on the affected area and let it soak for 20 minutes before applying an enzyme cleaner.
• For carpets, use a carpet cleaner attachment on your vacuum to apply a cleaning solution, then vacuum the carpet and the cleaner.
• To prevent future incidents, provide enough litter boxes, address behavioural issues, use deterrents, and clean regularly.

Detergent and club soda

Cat urine can be challenging to remove, and the lingering odour may prompt repeat offences from your cat. A mixture of dish detergent and club soda can effectively address this issue. Here is a detailed guide on using this method to eliminate cat pee smell.

Step 1: Initial Absorption

Before applying any cleaning products, it is crucial to absorb as much of the urine as possible. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot the affected area. This step is essential to prevent the urine from spreading and to reduce the overall smell.

Step 2: Detergent and Water Solution

Create a solution by mixing a few drops of dish detergent with water. Soak the area with this solution, ensuring it penetrates the carpet fibres. Allow the solution to sit for about an hour or two. This step will help break down the urine and start lifting the odour.

Step 3: Blot and Rinse

After letting the detergent solution sit, gently blot the area with a clean cloth or sponge to remove the solution and any remaining urine. Then, rinse the area with clean tap water to eliminate any detergent residue.

Step 4: Apply Club Soda

Once the detergent and urine have been absorbed and rinsed, it's time to neutralise any lingering odours. Soak the area with club soda for about 10 minutes. Club soda is an effective odour neutraliser and will help eliminate any remaining smells.

Step 5: Dry and Follow-up

After applying the club soda, allow the area to dry completely. It is recommended to let it dry overnight. Once dry, if possible, follow up with an enzyme cleaner to ensure that any remaining odour particles are eliminated. Enzyme cleaners break down the chemicals in cat urine that cause the odour, making it undetectable to both humans and cats.

Additional Tips:

• Always do a spot test before applying any cleaning solution to a large area to ensure it doesn't stain or discolour the surface.
• Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as the ammonia smell may be mistaken for urine by your cat, encouraging them to pee in the same spot.
• If the cat urine is on clothing, add 1 cup of baking soda or 1/4 cup of vinegar to your regular laundry detergent during the wash cycle.

Don't use ammonia-based cleaners

When cleaning up cat urine, it is important to avoid using ammonia or ammonia-based products. Ammonia is a component of cat urine, and if cats smell it, they are more likely to urinate in the same area again.

Ammonia-based cleaners can also set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. The smell of ammonia can attract cats to the area and encourage them to mark their territory by urinating there. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and even if humans can no longer detect the odour of urine, cats may still be able to. This can lead to repeated incidents of cats urinating in the same area.

Ammonia-based cleaners can also be harmful to cats. Cats are often sensitive to strong chemical odours, and ammonia can irritate their respiratory system. It is important to choose cleaning products that are safe for use around pets and to ensure the area is well-ventilated during and after cleaning.

When cleaning up cat urine, it is recommended to use enzyme-based cleaners, which break down the uric acid in cat urine and effectively remove the odour. Enzyme cleaners such as Nature's Miracle are designed to remove all traces of cat urine and are usually the most effective option.

In addition to enzyme cleaners, there are other methods to remove cat urine odours. Using a solution of vinegar and water can neutralise the alkaline salts in dried cat urine stains. Baking soda can also be used to absorb odours and neutralise the pH of cat urine.

Clean as soon as possible

The key to success when cleaning cat urine is to act as soon as possible. The longer the urine sits, the worse the stench becomes. Cat pee has an offensive ammonia odour that gets worse over time as the urine emits mercaptans, the same compounds that give skunk spray its characteristic bad smell.

If your cat has peed on the carpet, locate the stain as soon as possible and blot up as much urine as you can with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rinse the area with clean water and remove the liquid with a wet/dry vacuum. Do not use a steam cleaner, as the heat can set the stain. Generously wet the area with an enzyme-based cleaner. These products, like Nature's Miracle, are usually the most effective in removing all traces of cat urine. Let the cleaner sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot the spot again with a clean cloth. Cover the area until it is completely dry.

For cat urine on cushions or mattresses, soak the affected area with water and blot up as much urine as possible with a towel. Soak the cushion or mattress by pouring an enzyme cleaner on and around the affected area. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes, then blot with a towel, removing as much liquid as possible. Keep your cat away from the area until it is completely dry.

If your cat has peed on an area of sealed wood, such as wooden floors, baseboards, or wooden furniture, spot clean the area with water and a damp sponge. For dried patches or stubborn areas, follow up with an enzymatic cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit on the area for the time recommended on the product's packaging, then wipe clean and dry the area thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions