On the list of unpleasant odors, cat pee lingering in your home ranks pretty high. If you happen to have a feline housemate, you know all too well the challenge of getting that cat urine smell out of a couch or carpet.
So, what works best? Are there any proven home remedies? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get rid of the cat pee smell.
How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell
First off, the rule of thumb is the sooner the better. If your cat pees outside of the litter box, you will need to ‘neutralize’ that spot immediately after, not just cover it up with a better smell. It’s important that you don’t just spray perfume and call it a day.
Blot up the mess first and foremost, then spray the spot with a bacteria or enzyme-based cleaner. These will break down the bacteria that is causing the odor. You can also use a vinegar solution – a mix of vinegar and water. Arm & Hammer also advises using club soda to scrub the area, and sprinkling baking soda can be used as a home remedy.
The best route depends a bit on whether you’re dealing with clothing, carpets, or furniture.
How to Get Cat Pee Out of Carpet
Act fast. Blot out the stain. If you can, put some pressure on the spot so the towel fully soaks up all of the urine. The last thing you want is remaining urine that builds that pervasive ammonia smell the longer it sits there.
Then, either spray on an enzyme or bacteria-based cleaner or a vinegar solution with water, vinegar, and optionally a bit of dish soap. This will break down the odor which attracts cats to come and pee in the same location over and over.
How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes
Once again, act fast. You can try to rinse it in cold water and then throw it in the washing machine. If this doesn’t work, soak the clothing with water and a cup of baking soda or a bit of apple cider vinegar.
It’s best to keep the clothing out of the dryer as heat can exacerbate the smell – opt for an air dry instead. Repeat these steps until the odor is gone.
P.S. An enzyme cleaner can be used in this process as well.
How to Get Cat Pee Out of the Couch
For a home remedy, you can use a vinegar solution. According to Yahoo news, the vinegar smell deters cats from peeing in that same spot again, and as it evaporates, it takes the cat urine odor with it.
Does Cat Urine Ever Go Away?
Yes, you should be able to neutralize old cat urine smell with the methods above. If it isn’t working, make sure you are using a detergent with enough enzymes to break down the smell and make sure you are covering the entire area of the stain.
What Stops Cats from Peeing in the House?
If your cat is continuing to ‘miss the litterbox’ you might want to consider taking them to the veterinarian as this could signal an underlying health condition.
WedMD offers a guide to some easy at-home solutions you can use to stop cats from peeing in the house, including:
- Spending extra time with your feline to reduce their anxiety
- Making sure your cat has plenty of room to explore and a healthy supply of toys
- Cleaning all spots your cat has peed inappropriately before so they can’t return to those marks
- Placing treats near common areas your cat pees. Your cat will not want to pee near where they are eating
- Increasing the number of litter boxes and making sure they are clean
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Dealing with cat pee smell can be frustrating, but with the right techniques and products, you can effectively eliminate the odor. Act quickly, use enzyme cleaners or vinegar solutions, and make sure to thoroughly clean the affected areas. Remember, if the problem persists, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
For more pet care tips and advice, visit Pawsoha.