Getting Rid of Cat Urine

Cat urine is extremely odorous and can ruin carpets, wood flooring, rugs and furniture. The smell is difficult to remove because once the urine dries, insoluble salt crystals form. When you use a liquid cleaner, the crystals are activated by the moisture and the spot can end up smelling worse. That is why specific products need to be used to get rid of cat urine odor.

  1. Urine Gone

    • Urine Gone is one of the best solutions for cat urine smell removal. It is slightly more expensive than most cleaning solvents, but the results are much better. Urine Gone typically comes in a spray bottle, ranging in price from $8 to $10 for 24 ounces. The area needs to be completely saturated with the solvent. For larger areas, pour the solution directly from the bottle, since complete saturation using the spray nozzle can become tedious. Allow the area to completely dry. For heavily soiled areas, first clean the spot with dish soap to remove any encrusted urine.

    Other Solutions

    • Just for Cats by Nature's Miracle is recommended by Cat-Urine.net. It costs about the same as Urine Gone, but it is more difficult to find in department stores. Stores like Petsmart and Petco carry it. It doesn't simply mask the smell like conventional cleaners, and it will keep your cat from urinating in the same areas again. The Nature's Miracle website guarantees permanent removal of all stains and odors caused by your cat. Cat-Urine.net also recommends Urine Off and Wee Cleaner. Urine Off is safe for use on carpets, wood floors, furniture, walls and litter pans. It uses enzymes to break down the crystals that are formed when cat urine dries. You must soak the area with Urine Off and let it dry. If the area is more absorbent, you might have to use more solvent. Wee Cleaner is different from most urine removers because it doesn't contain enzymes. It is a non-toxic product that is fragrance-, dye- and phosphate-free. To neutralize the odor using Wee Cleaner, fully saturate the area and let it air dry. Both of these are priced between $8 and $13 for a 24 ounce bottle.

    Natural Solutions

    • If you don't want to use chemicals, try mixing a half cup of white vinegar with a quart of warm water. Soak the affected area in the water and vinegar mixture, then place towels over it. It's best to place something heavy on top of the towels for better absorption. Let this sit for a few hours, then remove the towels and let it air dry. For surface odors, wet the area with water and dust baking soda over the spot. Let this dry, then vacuum any leftover powder. Before using these natural methods, make sure you blot up any excess urine and rinse the area with water.

    Safety

    • All of these products are considered safe to use around pets, but it is recommended that you first test whatever you plan to use on a small, out-of-the-way area. If your pet becomes aggravated or has a reaction to any of these solvents, discontinue use. Some humans are sensitive to chemicals as well, so make sure you don't have a negative reaction to the product before using it on a large area.