How to Remove Odor for Cats

Cat odor is usually the result of cat urine that has gone unnoticed. If not cleaned, the odor can become quite strong. Cat odor is not just a problem for with people who have cats for pets. It can also be a problem for those who move into a location once inhabited by domestic cats or wild cats. Fortunately, with the proper cleaning supplies and techniques, you can remove troubling cat odor from your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Black light
  • Chalk
  • Newspaper
  • Paper towel
  • Clean rag
  • Extractor/wet vacuum
  • Pet deodorizer
  • Baking soda
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find the source of the odor. If you see a cat eliminate in a certain location, you should immediately clean it. You may not always see the location, however, especially if you don't own cats or have moved into a location that once had cats. Your nose will help you find soiled areas. You may also use a black light. Turn off all of the lights in the room and shine the black light around the room. Urine stains will glow lightly. Circle the area with chalk and turn you lights back on so that you can clean the soiled areas.

    • 2

      Place a piece of newspaper or paper towel on top of fresh stains. Stand on top of the paper for a minute so that the stain soaks into the paper before removing and throwing the paper away. If you have a cat that you are trying to train to urinate in a litter box rather than on the floor, carefully roll up the paper with the urine and place it inside of the litter box. This will help train your cat to eliminate in the correct location.

    • 3

      Flush the area with cool water and blot up the water with a clean rag or a wet vacuum.

    • 4

      Run an extractor vacuum through any room where old stains have set into the floor surface, such as carpet. You can rent an extracting vacuum at most tool rental stores. Do not use a steam cleaner on cat stains; the steam will just set the stain permanently into flooring or upholstery.

    • 5

      Deodorize flooring or upholstered furniture with an enzyme-based pet deodorizer. Many types of pet deodorizers are on the market, but select one that is appropriate for the type of flooring or upholstery you own.

    • 6

      Launder any stained items that are washable. Add 1 lb. of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent and launder it as you normally would.