Things You'll Need
- Blacklight (optional)
- Detergent, such as Nature's Miracle, that contains enzymes
- Spray bottle
- Paper towels
- White vinegar
- Pet odor neutralizer
- Hair dryer
- Leather conditioner
Instructions
Get to work immediately to disperse the smell by opening windows and turning on fans. You want to get the odor out as quickly as possible, not just for obvious reasons but to prevent the habit of spraying from being reinforced. The more times your cat sprays in an area, the harder the habit is to break.
Identify the area that has been sprayed. If your sofa is dark in color, and if the spray is dried, you may need to use a blacklight, sold at petstores for the purpose of making urine stains visible.
Test for colorfastness by spraying the enzyme-containing detergent in an inconspicuous spot on the couch, then wiping with a paper towel. Some leather dyes are water-soluble; if color comes off on the paper towel, do not use.
Spray stained area lightly, then blot gently and thoroughly with paper towels. If you can see a yellowish substance on the towels, the cleaner is working,
Dilute white vinegar with an equal amount of warm water, add a splash of pet odor neutralizer, apply with the spray bottle, then blot.
Repeat until the paper towels are free of discoloration and odor.
Use a hairdryer on the cool setting to dry couch completely
Pamper your couch by using a good leather conditioner to restore sheen and flexibility.
Discourage your cat from returning to the scene of the crime by covering the couch and surrounding carpet with aluminum foil for a week or two. Most cats don't like the way foil feels and sounds when walked on, and will avoid it. You can also try a potpourri bowl nearby filled with fresh orange peels; cats dislike the scent.
If your cat isn't neutered, make an appointment with the vet to have this done. A spraying problem can often be corrected by spaying or neutering.