Homemade Solution for Cleaning Cat Messes

Cats are domesticated animals that provide companionship. As with any household pet, cats can sometimes leave a mess behind. The longer the mess is left, the longer it has to absorb into flooring or furniture. This creates bacteria and odor that will make a room smell and feel uninviting. By cleaning up the mess quickly, you can prevent the mess from absorbing into the surface, which makes for a much easier cleanup procedure.

  1. Pre-Treatment

    • It is important to collect as much of the mess as possible with a handful of paper towels. For urine stains, blot the area with paper towels until the area comes up dry. For vomit or feces, scoop up the substance with paper towels, making sure not to mash it into the surface. Dampen a fresh handful of paper towels with water, and continue blotting the area.

    The Cleaning Procedure

    • White vinegar is a natural remedy that works best for cat messes. The odor of cat urine is strong, making it important to break apart the actual enzymes found in the urine and feces. Soak the area with white vinegar, then scrub with a cloth or soft-bristled brush. This will be safe for any type of flooring or furniture. Wipe the area with a handful of damp paper towels to collect the residue you have pulled up from the surface. Pour a coating of baking soda over the mess, then pour more white vinegar over the baking soda. A slight foaming action will occur that is working to break apart all remaining residue. Let work for two minutes, then scrub once more with the cloth or brush. Wipe the area with a handful of clean paper towels and allow the surface to air-dry.

    Preventing Future Messes

    • There are some messes that are completely accidental and unavoidable. However, some cats need to be trained properly so messes do not become a normal routine. Training the animal yourself, or getting professional advice from an animal trainer, will assist in preventing future accidents based on your particular situation.