HOW TO GET RID OF THE CAT PEE SMELL FROM YOUR HOME?

Although this behaviour is not uncommon, it’s important that cat parents address, clean and prevent the problem from recurring. This can be difficult when you need to leave your cat alone for parts of the day.

The thing is, it can be difficult to get rid of the smell of cat pee as its high ammonia content means it’s extremely pungent and can linger even after cleaning. It’s an unpleasant scent to have in your home, which is one of the reasons why it’s important for cat parents to be well-prepared before getting a cat, in particular with soft furnishings that can absorb more odour.

In this article, we help cat parents understand how to get rid of cat pee smell on carpet, wood floors, soft furnishings, mattresses and clothing, with advice on cleaning products. We also discuss how to manage this behaviour if your cat is doing it intentionally or accidentally, and ultimately how to remove cat urine smell from your home.

The smell of cat urine can be stubborn and even cause staining, hence why cat parents should tackle the mess swiftly to prevent permanent damage or lingering smells. Here are some steps of action:

• Identify the source of the smell. Find exactly where your cat has urinated so you can target your cleaning efforts more effectively.
• Blot or mop. Depending on the surface, you’ll need to remove as much excess urine as possible. If it’s carpet, blot with paper towels, and if it’s flooring, mop it up.
• Scrub or soak. With a mixture of water and detergent or white vinegar, scrub the surface or soak the fabric.
• Neutralise the odour. In order to remove the cat urine smell, apply an enzymatic cleaner to break down the urine molecules. You can also apply a surgical spirit to the area to help remove the odour.
• Additional steps for fabrics. If you can, remove and clean the affected fabric in the washing machine. If it’s on your carpet or upholstery, consider a professional cleaner.
• Repeat steps if necessary. It may be that certain surfaces need to be cleaned multiple times to get rid of the cat pee smell.

We’ll discuss specific cleaning methods for different surfaces below, as well as the potential causes of your cat’s behaviour. Check out our cat health advice page for any general concerns.

Cleaning different surfaces

In order to effectively get rid of the smell of cat pee in your home, you’ll need to know how to clean different surfaces. Otherwise, the stench can linger on certain surfaces, especially areas that your cat visits more frequently or which you clean less often.

Remove cat urine smell from carpet

If you need to get rid of the cat pee smell on the carpet, find the stain and blot excess urine with an absorbent cloth. Then, spray a cleaning solution of water and detergent or vinegar on the area and allow it to sit. Blot again, rinse out the solution with water and dry thoroughly.

Remove cat urine smell from wood floor

For wood floors, mop up the urine and then spray an enzymatic cleaner that is suitable for wood. You can also use a solution of water and vinegar and let it sit. Clean again with a sponge and water, and then dry.

Remove cat urine smell from soft furnishings

It can be a little trickier to get rid of cat pee smell on soft furnishings. First, blot the area with paper towels and then apply an enzymatic cleaner suitable for fabrics. Then, blot again with a cloth to remove as much moisture as possible. If you can remove the cover and clean in the washing machine.

Remove cat urine smell from mattresses

To get rid of cat pee smell from mattresses, you’ll need to blot plenty. Then, soak the mattress with an enzymatic cleaner and let it sit. You can also use a mixture of water and baking soda to neutralise the odour. Blot up the remaining liquid and place towels on top to dry the area. Repeat if necessary.

Remove cat urine smell from clothing

You can remove the smell of cat urine from clothing by placing it in your washing machine with a ratio of ¼ cup vinegar to 1 cup baking soda to neutralise the smell. If the smell persists, re-wash with an enzymatic cleaner and air-dry thoroughly.

Household products you need for cleaning

In order to get rid of cat pee smell, you’ll need some help. We recommend the following tools for cleaning cat urine effectively:

• Mop and bucket for cleaning hard floors
• Paper towels for blotting up excess liquid
• Cloth or kitchen towel for drying the area
• Sponge for stubborn stains
• Spray bottle for cleaning solutions
• White vinegar for neutralising odours
• Baking soda for absorbing smells
• Enzymatic cleaner for breaking down urine proteins
• Surgical spirit for removing the odour
• Pet-safe detergent for washing soft fabrics

Remember that cat urine contains ammonia, hence its strong smell, so avoid cleaning products with this chemical as it will only contribute to the problem.

Cats are clean creatures and don’t like to use a dirty litter tray. You can encourage your cat to use the litter tray by cleaning it at least once a day and removing any waste as quickly as possible.

Cats may urinate outside of their litter tray for health, behaviour or other reasons. For instance, cats not allowed outside may urinate indoors by mistake, especially if they are not properly house-trained. On the other hand, it could be that your cat is experiencing health problems, such as a urinary tract infection or diarrhoea, which is causing them to urinate accidentally. If you suspect a health issue, notice any spots of blood, or if your cat is urinating more frequently or meowing as they urinate which could indicate discomfort, visit the veterinarian for a checkup.

If your cat is urinating indoors intentionally, they may be spraying to mark their territory, especially if they feel threatened. Cats can also urinate in inappropriate places if they’re anxious, which may be the case if there have been recent changes in their environment. Learn more about stimulating your cat indoors, as well as how to leave your cat alone safely, to avoid boredom or stress.

If the smell persists despite regular cleaning, it could be that there’s an underlying cause that is making your cat’s waste more pungent than normal. Lack of water can affect your cat’s health, so make sure they always have access to fresh water, particularly in hot weather.

It’s also possible that your cat’s diet is the culprit of the pungent smell. It’s important that their food is nutrient-rich for healthy digestive behaviours. Choose high-quality cat food like Perfect Fit™ Wet Food to ensure your cat is receiving the nutrients they need.

If you’re still concerned, you can check for more serious health conditions by consulting a licensed veterinarian.

Conclusion

As we have seen, the best way to prevent a cat urine smell from entering your home is to limit the opportunities for urination inside. Your cat’s behaviours and their overall health are closely intertwined, which is why cat parents should look out for any concerns and get veterinary advice if necessary, especially if you find that you’re constantly trying to get rid of cat pee smell. It may be helpful to litter train your cat again, as well as keeping their tray clean and fresh by using high-quality litter like Catsan(open in new tab). You can check out our Cat Health Advice page for more information.