The Ultimate Guide to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell

As a cat owner, dealing with cat urine smell can be a frustrating and overwhelming task. Cat urine is one of the most pungent and persistent odors and can linger in your home even after cleaning up the stain. In this ultimate guide, we will discuss the best homemade remedies to get rid of cat urine smell and prevent it from happening in the future.

Why Cat Urine Smells?

Cat urine contains a high concentration of ammonia that causes the distinct and strong odor. The smell can be even stronger if your cat hasn’t been neutered or spayed, as the hormonal changes can affect their urine’s scent. Another reason for the smell’s persistence is the bacteria found in cat urine that consumes and decomposes the urea, creating smelly compounds like ammonia, mercaptans, and indoles.

How to Identify Urine Stains?

Before we dive into the remedies, it’s crucial to identify the urine stains to treat them effectively. The most common signs of cat urine stains include:

• Yellowish or brownish stains on carpet or fabrics
• A strong, pungent smell
• Cats repetitively going to the same spot
• Puddles of urine

If you suspect that your cat has been urinating outside their litter box, check the corners of the room, curtains, and upholstered furniture. Use a UV light to locate the stains, as it makes them fluoresce and stand out.

Remedies to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell

Now that you’ve identified the urine stains let’s explore the best homemade remedies to get rid of cat urine smell. It’s essential to act quickly as the longer the stains are left untreated, the harder they become to eliminate.

1. Vinegar and Baking Soda

A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is an effective remedy to eliminate cat urine smell. Vinegar’s acidity neutralizes the odor, while baking soda’s alkaline nature absorbs the moisture.

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Generously spray the affected area with the solution.
3. Let it absorb into the stain for 5-10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

Repeat the process till the smell dissipates entirely.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent that breaks down the enzymes in cat urine and eliminates the smell.

1. Mix 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1/4 cup of baking soda in a bowl.
2. Apply the solution on the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse the area thoroughly with water.

Hydrogen peroxide can bleach colored fabrics, so make sure to test the solution on an inconspicuous area before applying.

3. Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners break down the proteins in cat urine and remove the smell. They are effective in treating old, stubborn stains that other remedies might not work on.

1. Choose an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for cat urine stains.
2. Generously apply the cleaner on the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
3. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the excess cleaner.

Repeat the process if the smell persists.

4. Citrus Solution

The acidic nature of citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, neutralizes the cat urine smell and leaves behind a refreshing scent.

1. Cut a few lemons or oranges into thin slices.
2. Boil them in a pot with 3-4 cups of water for 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool down.
4. Pour the solution over the affected area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
5. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the excess solution.

Repeat the process till the smell dissipates.

Prevent Cat Urine Smell

Now that you’ve eliminated the cat urine smell let’s discuss some preventive measures to avoid it from happening in the future.

1. Regular Litter Box Maintenance

Ensure to clean the litter box regularly to prevent cats from urinating outside it. Consider having one litter box per cat and place them in a comfortable and secluded area where the cats can use them with privacy.

2. Enrichment Activities

Cats might urinate outside their litter box due to boredom or stress. Provide adequate toys and interactive activities, and consider using pheromone sprays to create a calming environment.

3. Regular Vet Checkups

Medical conditions like urinary tract infections, diabetes, and kidney disorders can cause cats to urinate outside their litter box. Regular vet checkups can detect and treat these conditions before they become severe.

4. Cat-proof Your House

Keep away attractive items like plants, curtains, and upholstery that cats might mistake for their litter box. Ensure that your cat has easy access to their litter box and provide them with adequate scratching posts and toys.

What if Cat Urine Smell is on Furniture?

Cat urine stains on furniture can be a cumbersome task, but not impossible to tackle. Let’s explore some remedies to eliminate cat urine smell on furniture.

1. Vinegar and Water

A mixture of vinegar and water is effective in treating cat urine stains on furniture.

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the affected area with the solution and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Wipe away the solution with a clean cloth or sponge.

2. Borax and Water

Borax is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can effectively eliminate cat urine smell on furniture.

1. Mix 1/2 cup of borax with 2 cups of warm water.
2. Dip a cloth or sponge in the solution and wring it out.
3. Wipe the affected area with the cloth or sponge, ensuring that the solution reaches deep into the fibers.
4. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and wipe away the solution with a clean cloth.

3. Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners are effective in treating old and stubborn cat urine stains on furniture.

1. Choose an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for furniture and cat urine stains.
2. Apply the cleaner to the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Pat the area with a damp cloth to absorb the excess cleaner.

Repeat the process till the urine smell dissipates.

How to Remove Cat Urine Smell from Carpet?

Removing cat urine smell from carpet can seem like an impossible task, but with the right remedy and technique, it’s achievable. Here are some remedies to eliminate cat urine smell from carpets.

1. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are effective in treating cat urine stains and eliminating the smell from carpets.

1. Blot any excess urine with a paper towel.
2. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
3. Generously spray the affected area with the solution and let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle baking soda over the area, use a brush to work it deep into the fibers.
5. Let it sit for 30 minutes or till it dries completely.
6. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

You can also add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or peppermint to the solution to leave behind a refreshing scent.

2. Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners are effective in treating old, stubborn cat urine stains on carpets and removing the smell.

1. Choose an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for carpets and cat urine stains.
2. Apply the cleaner generously on the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
3. Blot the area with a paper towel or cloth to absorb the excess cleaner.

Repeat the process if the smell persists.

3. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is an effective way of deep cleaning carpets and removing cat urine smell from it.

1. Fill the steam cleaner with hot water and a carpet cleaning solution.
2. Steam the affected area thoroughly, ensuring that the solution reaches deep into the fibers.
3. Let the carpet dry completely before using it.

What Not to Do?

While trying to eliminate cat urine smell, it’s crucial to avoid some actions as they could worsen the situation.

1. Using Ammonia

Ammonia’s smell is similar to that of cat urine, and using it to clean the stain could attract your cat to urinate in that area again.

2. Using Steam and Heat

Using steam or heat to clean the cat urine stain could cause it to set in permanently, making it harder to eliminate the odor.

3. Using Bleach or Detergents

Bleach and detergents contain harsh chemicals that can bleach or damage the fabric and worsen the cat urine smell.

How to Remove Cat Urine Smell from Mattress?

If your cat has urinated on your mattress, don’t panic. Here are some remedies to get rid of the cat urine smell.

1. Baking Soda and Peroxide

A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is effective in removing cat urine smell from a mattress.

1. Blot any excess urine from the mattress.
2. Mix 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a bowl.
3. Dip a cloth in the solution and apply it to the affected area.
4. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
5. Blot the area with warm water and a clean cloth to remove the solution.
6. Cover the mattress with baking soda and let it dry for a few hours.
7. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

Repeat the process till the smell disappears entirely.

2. Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners are effective in removing cat urine smell from mattresses.

1. Choose an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for mattresses and cat urine stains.
2. Apply the cleaner on the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
3. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the excess cleaner.

Repeat the process till the smell dissipates completely.

3. Lemon Juice and Salt

The acidic nature of lemon juice and the absorbent properties of salt are effective in removing cat urine smell from the mattress.

1. Mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of salt in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture on the stained area and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
3. Blot the solution with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove the excess moisture.
4. Cover the area with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours.
5. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

Repeat the process till the smell disappears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Vinegar Stop Cats from Peeing Outside Litter Box?

Vinegar’s acidic nature might deter your cat from urinating outside their litter box. You can spray a solution of equal parts of vinegar and water around the litter box and the place your cat urinates outside to prevent them from using those areas for urination.

Can Cat Urine Stains Be Removed from Hardwood Floors?

Cat urine stains on hardwood floors can be removed by sanding the affected area and refinishing it. You can also use enzyme cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors and cat urine stains.

Can Cat Urine Stains Be Removed from Clothing?

Cat urine stains on clothing can be removed by washing them with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. You can also use a laundry stain remover specifically designed for cat urine stains.

Does Activated Charcoal Help in Removing Cat Urine Smell?

Activated charcoal is an effective odor absorber and can absorb the cat urine smell. You can place activated charcoal in a porous bag and leave it near the affected area to remove the smell.

Conclusion

Dealing with cat urine smell can be a daunting task, but with the right remedy and preventive measures, it’s achievable. Identify the urine stains correctly, choose the appropriate remedy, and follow the instructions carefully to get rid