Carpet Cleaning for Cat Urine

Cats make great companions, but they can also make terrible messes. If you have a cat and carpet, at some point you will likely have to deal with cat urine on your carpet. House soiling is one of the top 10 reasons for cats to be turned over to a shelter. Don't let the problem get to that point.

  1. Prevention

    • Neuter your male cat as soon as possible to avoid territorial spraying.

      Make sure the litter box is clean, has enough litter and is big enough for your cat to be comfortable. Multi-cat homes should have a litter box per cat, and multi-story houses should have a litter box on every floor. Litter boxes should be in area that is quiet yet easy for the cat to get to.

      Adopting a new pet or even moving into a home with previous pets can prompt your cat to start urinating on the carpet. Adequate cleaning is important to keep the cat from urinating in the same place.

    Cleaning the Mess

    • There are many commercial cleaning products for carpets, some especially for cat urine. It is best to avoid highly chemical products for your health as well as your pets. Widely available enzymatic cleaners made from natural ingredients, like Nature's Miracle or Simple Solution, are your best bet for stain and odor removal. You may also want to use a general carpet cleaning product, such as Seventh Generation, which also is good for many other organic stains. Avoid any cleaning products with ammonia as this will attract the cat to the same place.

      Clean the urine spot immediately before it soaks in. Blot it carefully with a dry cloth. Do not rub it into the carpet. Saturate the area with cleaner, but don't leave it soaking wet.

    Odor Control

    • A good home remedy for odor is three parts water to one part vinegar. Once dry, you can sprinkle baking soda over the area. For further cleaning, you may mix hydrogen peroxide (like you use to clean cuts) with a small amount of dish soap, but this may discolor your carpet so test in an inconspicuous area first. You may need to repeat this treatment.

    Talk to a Specialist

    • If a cat starts suddenly wetting your carpet, the cat may have a urinary tract infection or other health problem. See your veterinarian.

      If cleaning your carpet thoroughly isn't solving the urination problem, talk to your veterinarian. An animal behavior specialist can help you retrain your cat to use the litter box. You might also be able to train your cat to use the toilet. Some cats prefer it.