Hadwin Blanton
Cat urine has an eye-watering, offensive ammonia odour that's hard to get rid of. The smell comes from urea, uric acid, creatinine, and ammonia, which are the natural waste products of broken-down protein in the urine. The longer the urine sits, the worse the stench becomes, as bacteria decomposes the urine and releases ammonia. To get rid of the smell, it's important to act fast and use the right products. Enzyme-based cleaners are the most effective, but vinegar, baking soda, and even detergent and club soda can also help neutralise the odour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What cat pee smells like | Offensive ammonia odor, juniper trees, white spruce trees, mangos, basil |
| Why cat pee smells | Bacteria in urine decomposes and gives off an ammonia-like odor; urine emits mercaptans over time |
| Why male cat pee is smellier | Male cats that haven't been neutered have more powerful hormones in their urine |
| Cleaners to remove cat pee smell | Enzyme-based cleaners, vinegar, baking soda, store-bought cleaners |
| Why use enzyme-based cleaners | Enzymes break down the acid in cat urine and get rid of the smell |
| Vinegar solution | One part water and one part vinegar to clean walls and floors |
| Why not to use ammonia-based products | Ammonia is a component of cat urine, so if cats smell it, they may pee there again |
| How to get cat pee smell out of the carpet | Locate the stain, blot up urine with a clean cloth, rinse with clean water, remove liquid with a wet/dry vacuum, apply cleaner, blot again, cover area until dry |
| How to get cat pee smell out of cushions/mattress | Soak the affected area with water, blot up urine with a towel, soak with an enzyme cleaner, blot with a towel, keep cat away until dry |
| How to get cat pee smell out of clothing | Rinse spot with cool water, add to washing machine with laundry detergent and baking soda or vinegar, air-dry, rewash if necessary |
| How to get cat pee smell out of wood | Spot clean with water and a damp sponge, follow with an enzymatic cleaner, clean again with a sponge and plain water, dry thoroughly |
What You'll Learn
Act fast to prevent stains from setting
To prevent set-in cat urine stains, it's important to act fast. The longer the urine sits, the stronger the smell will become and the harder it is to remove. Here are some steps you can take to prevent stains from setting:
- Locate the stain as soon as possible. Use your sense of smell or a pet urine detector if you can't see it.
- Use paper towels, a clean cloth, or an old rag to absorb and remove as much urine as possible. Blot the area gently, rather than scrubbing or rubbing, to avoid pushing the urine further into the surface.
- Rinse the area with cold water. Avoid using hot water or steam cleaners, as heat can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.
- If the urine is on a hard floor, use a floor cleaner suitable for your flooring type to wipe up the area.
- For soft surfaces, such as carpets, cushions, or mattresses, use an enzyme-based or enzymatic cleaner. Generously apply the cleaner to the affected area and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, blot the area again with a clean cloth.
- If you don't have an enzyme cleaner, you can use a solution of one part vinegar to one part water. Gently blot this solution over the area. Vinegar is acidic and will neutralize the odour-causing bacteria in cat urine.
- For dried urine stains, you can also try sprinkling baking soda over the stain, letting it sit for a few hours, and then vacuuming it up. Baking soda helps to neutralize urine odours.
- Repeat the cleaning process if necessary. Older stains or particularly smelly stains may require multiple applications of the cleaner.
- Keep the area well-ventilated and ensure it is completely dry before allowing your cat to come into contact with it again.
Properly Dispose Your Cat Litter: Can It Go in the Green Bin?
You may want to see also
Use paper towels or cloth to absorb urine
When it comes to removing set-in cat urine smells, time is of the essence. Cat urine contains urea, which, when broken down by bacteria, releases ammonia, resulting in that tell-tale pungent odour. The longer the urine sits, the worse the smell becomes, and the harder it is to remove. So, the first step is to use paper towels or cloth to absorb as much of the urine as possible.
For cat urine on furniture, cushions, or mattresses, start by blotting the area with paper towels or a cloth to soak up the urine. Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the area, removing as much of the liquid as you can. It is important to avoid rubbing or scrubbing the area, as this can cause the urine to soak in further. Repeat this process until you have absorbed as much urine as possible.
If your cat has urinated on clothing, use paper towels to soak up as much of the urine as possible. The faster you act, the better, as dried urine stains are harder to remove, and the smell will intensify over time.
In the case of cat urine on carpets, use paper towels or cleaning cloths to soak up the urine. Stand on the paper towels or cloth to apply pressure and absorb as much of the urine as you can. Repeat this process until no more urine can be absorbed.
For cat urine on hard floors, wipe up the urine with paper towels or cleaning cloths as soon as possible. It is important to act quickly, as the smell of ammonia will fill the air if the urine is left to sit.
Inflammation-Fighting Feline Diet: Natural Remedies for Cats
You may want to see also
Avoid steam cleaning
If you're looking to get rid of set-in cat urine smells, it's important to act fast. Cat urine contains uric acid, which can last in carpets, fabrics, and wood for years. The longer it sits, the harder it is to remove. Plus, your cat may continue to pee in the same spot if any trace of the odour remains.
Locate the Source
The first step is to find the source of the smell. Cat urine can dry quickly, making it harder to locate the affected area. Use your sense of smell or a black light to help pinpoint the spot.
Absorb and Blot
Once you've found the stain, use an old towel, paper towels, or a clean cloth to absorb and blot up as much of the urine as possible. Be sure to blot gently, without rubbing or scrubbing, to avoid pushing the urine deeper into the fibres of the affected material. Repeat this process as many times as necessary.
Rinse and Blot Again
After blotting up the urine, rinse the area with clean, cold water and then blot it again with a wet/dry vacuum or a sponge to remove the liquid. Avoid using hot water or a steam cleaner, as heat can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.
Apply an Enzyme Cleaner
The most effective way to neutralise cat urine odour is with an enzyme or enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners break down the uric acid and other chemicals in cat urine, destroying the odour-causing compounds. Apply the cleaner generously to the affected area and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. Then, blot the spot again with a clean cloth. You may need to reapply the cleaner for older or particularly smelly stains.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you don't have an enzyme cleaner, you can use a solution of one part vinegar to one part water. Gently dab this solution onto the stained area, then blot it up. Although vinegar has a strong smell, it should disappear within a few days, taking the cat urine odour with it. You can also sprinkle baking soda over dried stains, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up to help neutralise the odour.
Keep the Area Well-Ventilated
While the cleaning process is ongoing, be sure to keep the area well-ventilated. Open windows and use fans to promote airflow and help remove odours from your home.
Address the Underlying Cause
Finally, remember to address the underlying cause of your cat's accidents. There could be medical issues, stress, or behavioural problems at play. A visit to the veterinarian can help rule out possible health concerns, and you can also work on providing a clean litter box, reducing stressors, and making your cat's environment more comfortable.
Can I safely give my cat baby Benadryl for allergies?
You may want to see also
Avoid ammonia-based products
Cat urine contains ammonia, which is a nitrogen and hydrogen compound with a sharp odour. Ammonia is also used in many household cleaning products. However, ammonia-based products should not be used to clean up cat urine.
Ammonia-based products may encourage cats to urinate in the same spot again. Cats associate the smell of ammonia with stale urine, so using ammonia-based products may confuse your cat. Ammonia-based products can also set the stain, making it harder to remove.
Instead, use enzyme-based or vinegar-based cleaners to get rid of cat urine smells. Enzyme-based cleaners break down the acid in cat urine and get rid of the smell. Vinegar, on the other hand, is an acid that neutralises the alkaline salts that form in dried cat pee stains.
The Ultimate Guide to Training Cats to Use a Cat Flap
You may want to see also
Use enzymatic cleaners
Enzymatic cleaners are a highly effective way to get rid of set-in cat urine smells. These cleaners contain enzymes that break down the acid in cat urine, getting rid of the odour. They are usually the most effective way to remove all traces of cat urine.
When choosing an enzymatic cleaner, opt for one that is specifically formulated for cat urine. For example, Nature's Miracle Cat Urine Destroyer is a popular option that effectively removes urine odours and stains in just 15 minutes. It has a light, pleasant fragrance and can be used on multiple surfaces, although it should not be used on untreated wood, leather, suede, silk or wool.
Another option is Bubba's Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator, which is an enzymatic cleaner that uses proteins to accelerate chemical reactions and break down the components of stains, such as the ammonia crystals in cat urine. It is safe to use on carpets, upholstery, wood floors, concrete, plastic surfaces, laundry and even artificial grass. It has a subtle scent of eucalyptus and mint and is available in a 32-ounce spray bottle, with gallon jug refills also available.
When using enzymatic cleaners, it's important to follow the instructions carefully. These products typically need to be left on the stain for a certain amount of time before being blotted up or vacuumed. Some products may require multiple applications to completely remove the odour.
Additionally, enzymatic cleaners should not be used with detergent or other cleaning products, as these may deactivate the enzymes and render them ineffective. It's also important to keep the area well-ventilated, as some people may find the fragrance of these products overwhelming.
Can cat litter be safely flushed down the toilet?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
First, rinse the spot in a sink with cool water. Then, add the clothing items to the washing machine. Along with your normal laundry detergent, use 1 cup of baking soda or ¼ cup of vinegar. If the urine smell persists, add an enzyme cleaner to the load and run the clothing through the wash one more time. Allow your clothing to air-dry, as the heat of the dryer may lock in the smell.
First, locate the stain as soon as possible and blot up as much of the urine as you can with a clean cloth. Rinse the area with clean water and remove the liquid with a wet/dry vacuum. Don’t use a steam cleaner, as the heat can set the stain. Generously wet the area with your cleaner and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then, blot the spot again with a clean cloth. Cover the area until completely dry.
Blot up as much of the cat urine as possible with a towel. Soak the mattress by pouring or generously spraying the enzyme cleaner on and around the affected area. Let the enzymatic cleaner sit for 15 minutes and then blot it up. Let the mattress dry. If it’s not dry by the time you go to bed, place several layers of clean towels over the spot and make the bed over it. Swap out the towels each day until the mattress completely dries.
Locate the cat pee spot. Use your nose or a pet urine detector if you can’t see it. Using paper towels or an old rag that is somewhat damp, blot as much of the urine as possible. If you have a wet vac, you can use it in the cold setting to remove the urine. Don’t scrub; doing so will only intensify the smell. Use an enzymatic cleaner or create a cleaning solution by mixing one part white or cider vinegar and one part water. Because the vinegar is acidic, it will destroy the cat pee’s bacteria, diminishing its odour. Let the solution sit for three to five minutes, or follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label carefully.
