Your home has an unwelcome visitor. It welcomes you and your guests every time you enter a room. It’s not your cat, but the stench of her pee. However, you are not required to accept this uninvited visitor. There are numerous methods for getting rid of it.
1. Extract as much urine as possible.
The less urine there is, the less extensive cleaning is required. So, if you notice your cat has urinated somewhere other than her litter box, wipe it up as soon as possible. If the puddle forms on carpet or furniture, the Humane Society of the United States recommends wiping the area with an absorbent paper towel. This will not eliminate all of the urine, but it will remove less of it, leaving you with less to treat later.
Moisten a towel and wipe clean any urine-stained walls or other hard surfaces.
If your cat has urinated on your linens, clothing, or drapes, immediately wash or dry-clean them. The longer pee remains on cloth, the stronger the odor becomes.
Cleaning items with urine odors should be cleansed with detergents containing baking soda or enzymatic components.
2. Use an enzymatic cleanser to remove the odor and break down the discoloration.
“Enzymatic cleaners release cultures that literally devour the pee, leaving things sanitary and smell free once dry,” according to ApartmentTherapy.com. Many non-protein-based carpet and fabric deodorizers will be ineffective against the strong, persistent odor of cat pee. Cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, so even if you don’t notice any remaining urine, your cat will, increasing the likelihood that she may pollute the area again.
A spray containing enzymes that target pet pee can assist in breaking down the urine and decreasing the risk of your cat returning. These things are available at pet stores and home improvement stores. Simply make sure to follow the instructions. (Many enzymatic cleaners lose effectiveness when in contact with other cleaning chemicals.)
3. Clean the area with an extraction wet vac, but avoid using steam cleaners.
Extracting carpet cleaners, which discharge clean water onto the carpet or fabric, suction clean water back into the tank. This is a great technique to rinse the area, especially if it has carpet. It is crucial to follow the directions exactly. According to the HSUS, fill the wet vac with cool, clean water.
You should also avoid utilizing steam cleaners. In fact, high temperatures can cause odors to become more embedded in carpet and upholstery fibers.
4. Finish with a baking soda-based air freshener.
Baking soda includes sodium bicarbonate, which absorbs odors quite well. Sprinkle it on the carpet or furniture after washing your cat’s urine and completely drying the area to combat pee odor. After sprinkling, let it sit for an hour or so before vacuuming. You might also try this carpet-freshener recipe from HowStuffWorks.com:
- 1 cup crushed dry herbs (rosemary, southernwood, lavender, etc.)
- 1 tsp. clove powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
After 10-20 minutes, sprinkle the mixture over your carpet and vacuum. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight jar.
5. Look for solutions to future problems.
The more pee your cat brings into your house, the harder it will be to keep the stink at bay. So the easiest way to deal with this stench is to avoid it in the first place. Any of the following methods could be used:
- Getting your cat to use the litter box
- Using disposable, absorbent pads (similar to puppy training pads) to place in locations where she continues to mark
- Having her spayed (or neutered, if a male cat)
- We’re taking her to the vet to see if she has any kidney or bladder problems.
- If it is discovered that her urinating outside of her litter box is caused by anxiety, she will be treated for it.
- Cleaning her litter box on a regular basis
- If the family has more than one cat, consider purchasing additional litter boxes.
Companionship with a cthet, as well as housekeeping, can be rewarding. Don’t let the smell of urine mar any of your experiences.
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