How to Get Rid of Cat Spray Smell

Cats spray to mark their territory with pheromones as a way of communicating with other cats. The smell is so unmistakable, pet owners are rarely unaware of this particularly malodorous form of feline expression. Often, neutering or spaying the cat will stop unwanted spraying, but the problem of removing the smell remains. Homemade options range from the use of vinegar and baking soda to commercial products containing enzymes. Removing all traces of the cat spray smell is crucial in discouraging your cat from marking again.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar
  • 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • Liquid soap
  • Baking soda
  • Spray bottle
  • Scrub brush
  • Vacuum
  • Commercial odor neutralizer
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Instructions

  1. A Natural Recipe

    • 1

      Soak up as much urine as possible with paper towels or an old towel. If the urine is on carpet or rugs, try not to rub it into the fibers.

    • 2

      Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a container. Pour this mixture onto the soiled area until saturated. Allow to dry.

    • 3

      Combine one cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of a mild liquid soap in a small spray bottle.

    • 4

      Sprinkle baking soda over the spot then spray with the hydrogen peroxide mixture. Test this mix on a small area of the carpet or fabric to be sure it will not stain the fibers.

    • 5

      Use a small scrub brush to gently work the mixture into the fibers of the carpet or rug then let dry. Vacuum the mixture and repeat if necessary.

    Other Methods

    • 6

      Saturate the area with a commercial product such as Nature's Miracle or Odor Neutralizer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application on various surfaces. Rather than mask the smell as deodorizers do, these products contain enzymes that will break down the molecules that cause cat spray smell. These products are available at many pet stores and department stores.

    • 7

      For soiled clothes, towels or other washables, pour 1/2 cup of vinegar, either white or apple cider, into the wash along with the detergent and launder as usual. Vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer.

    • 8

      Spray outside bushes or sidewalks with a half and half mixture of vinegar and water until the area is free of cat spray urine.

    • 9

      Hire a professional. Most professional cleaners use the hot-water extraction method. This is a very effective form of steam cleaning used for deep cleaning of carpets and rugs.