How to Neutralize Cat Spray

Ten percent of all adult cats spray despite castration, hormone therapy or spaying. Cat owners have long been battling the aftereffects of their animal's spray. The persistent and pungent odor is notoriously difficult to remove but can be combatted with a little determination. It is especially important to remove traces of spray because the scent can cause cats to use the same area over and over again.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzymatic cleaner
  • Water
  • Absorbent cloth
  • Vinegar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide whether the cat is inappropriately urinating or spraying. The distinction will help solve the problem. Surprisingly, up to a third of the vets interviewed by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association couldn't correctly distinguish between inappropriate urination and urine spraying. Some tell-tale signs of spraying include the cat backing into an area, the tail tremoring and, with little or no crouching, the horizontal spraying of urine.

    • 2

      Douse the area with a few cups of water. If the cat has sprayed on a hardwood floor, wipe as much of the urine off as possible using a dry and absorbent cloth. Gently wipe away the residue using a warm, damp cloth.

    • 3

      Dilute some white vinegar with about 25 percent warm water. Spray this mixture onto the affected area and leave it for a couple of minutes. Absorb any remaining liquid with a dry cloth.

    • 4

      Clean the area with a product that contains natural enzymes that will react with the odor-causing bacteria. Use a laundry detergent containing enzymes for a cheaper option. Be wary of some store-bought products, as many are chlorine-based or contain ammonia. These can actually make the problem worse.

    • 5

      Absorb any remaining cleaning product with a dry cloth.