How to Remove Cat Urine From Clothes

Cat urine deposited outside of the litter box is a problem for both you and your cat. It is your problem because cats usually spray on clothing or bedding, and it can signal a physical or emotional problem in your cat. Here is how to get rid of that cat urine smell from everything washable, and there are also some tips to preventing future occurrences.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Washing machine
  • Washing detergent (for clothes washer)
  • Pencil and paper
  • New litter box (optional)
  • Different brand of cat litter (optional)
  • Veterinarian
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place all of your clothing sprayed with cat urine into the washing machine.

    • 2

      Add the clothes detergent for your washing machine according to the package directions.

    • 3

      Turn on the washing machine, and wait for it to fill with water. Allow the washing machine go through the wash cycle. Do not stray too far from the washing machine; you will need to stop it during the rinse cycle in the next step.

    • 4

      Open the lid of the washing machine when the dial or display indicates that it is in the rinse cycle. Opening the lid will stop the washing machine temporarily.

    • 5

      Pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar into the rinse water of the washing machine. The vinegar is acidic enough to get rid of the ammonia smell from the cat urine, but your clothes will not smell like vinegar since the vinegar will be washed out of the clothing when it is rinsed and spun in the machine.

    • 6

      Repeat the steps above before drying if you still smell cat urine on your clothes.

    • 7

      Change your cat's litter if it needs it. If the litter box is completely unused, change the brand of cat litter. Some cats refuse to use scooping cat litter, cat litter with odor-locking crystals or brands with added odors.

    • 8

      Add a second or third litter box if you have more than one cat or more than one floor in your home. In multiple cat homes, the cats occasionally will not share litter boxes. Have at least one per cat. On multi-story homes, have at least one litter box per floor. Older cats, especially, have difficulty in climbing stairs to reach their litter box and might just use the nearest spot if they cannot reach it.

    • 9

      Write down every time your cat urinates outside of the litter box, and take this list with you to your cat's veterinarian. Note the cat's diet and drinking habits, as well. Excessive thirst and frequent urination could be signs of kidney disease or diabetes in cats. Catching these problems early will allow you to get the right treatment to enjoy the companionship of your cat for many years to come.

    • 10

      Talk to your veterinarian about why your cat is not using the litter box. He might be able to make helpful suggestions you have not tried, or there might be a physical problem causing your cat to spray urine where he should not.