What Removes the Smell of Cat Urine?

Cat urine has an unpleasant, unwanted stench to it. For some pet owners, it can be difficult to get rid of. Furthermore, cats may be attracted to urinating more in the area where the smell is emulating from. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove the smell of cat urine.

  1. Fresh Urine

    • Fresh urine should be cleaned up immediately, as the sooner it is cleaned up, the less likely it is to seep deep into the carpet and floor boards. When cleaning up fresh urine, especially on carpet, furniture or fabric, it is important to blot up the mess rather than rub. Rubbing spreads the problem, while blotting will absorb more of the urine.

    Old Urine

    • For old urine, use a black light to locate where stains are. Older urine can be difficult to locate, especially when the owner is unaware of when the stain occurred, or the stain was cleaned previously but the scent may still linger. When using a black light, the urine stain will appear as a yellow spot.

    White Vinegar

    • Once the stain has been located and, if necessary, blotted up, white vinegar can be used. White vinegar helps to remove both the stain itself and the odor of the urine. The vinegar should be diluted one part distilled white vinegar with two parts warm water and then sprayed onto the urine spot.

    Baking Soda

    • After using the vinegar remedy, baking soda can be sprinkled over the affected area. This is done because it can help remove any remaining scent that may have been missed, as the baking soda will absorb the scent much as it does when used in a refrigerator.

    Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda, Liquid Soap

    • Another popular recipe that is used for removing cat urine odor is a solution made from hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap. Mix 15 oz. of hydrogen peroxide mixed with 2 tbsp. of baking soda and two squirts of liquid soap. Then, apply to the urine stain using a white cloth to remove the scent of the urine. Afterward, rinse the area using warm water.

    Store-Bought Products

    • When choosing a store-bought product for cat urine removal, always look for products that use enzymes. These enzymes work to break down and remove the bacteria and the ammonia in the cat's urine, which eliminates the smell. Other products may mask the odor, but do not remove the odor or eliminate the cause of the odor. Just because the owner no longer smells the urine does not mean that the cat cannot, and therefore the cat may continue to urinate in the area.

    Warning

    • When cleaning cat urine, never use an ammonia-based cleaner. Cat urine is ammonia-based, so using an ammonia-based cleaner will only encourage the cat to continue urinating in the area.