Cats are wonderful pets to have. They are full of personality, playful, adventurous and fun, and also a lovely warm companion when they curl up and fall asleep on your lap. But, unfortunately, like all pets, they also sometimes leave a mess. The smell of cat urine can be extremely pungent and, for new cat owners, challenging to remove effectively. The smell can linger for days or even weeks if not cleaned properly.
Fortunately, there are some simple methods you can try to solve this smelly problem. Read on to find out more about how to get rid of the smell of cat pee.
Avoid the Problem in the First Place
Fortunately, cats don’t need as much training to get them housebroken as dogs. Young kittens will instinctively use the litter box pretty quickly. However, if there are issues with the cat ignoring the litter box, there are some steps you can take to encourage her.
Firstly, the litter box might be too small or too large for the cat. They may even dislike the particular litter you use, so it’s a good idea to try switching. Finally, if your cat has a bowel or urinary tract issue, they can start to associate the litter tray with pain and avoid it. Once the problem has been solved, you can monitor your pet and slowly encourage her back to using the litter box.
If you have multiple cats, this can be a problem too. Cats can be territorial and might not want to pee in the same place as others. Vets recommend that you have one litter tray for each cat with one spare.
Of course, no matter how much you prepare, accidents still happen from time to time, so you will still need to learn how to get rid of the smell of cat pee.
How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell in Four Simple Steps
A few words of warning before we continue: you might be tempted to use a steam cleaner for a quick fix, but this is a bad idea as intense heat will make the smell worse and cause it to linger. If the smell is deeply embedded, has been there a while or is in the carpet, it might be worth hiring a professional to do the cleaning for you. They know how to rid of cat pee smell in carpet and have equipment and chemicals you might not be able to access or use safely.
Before you start the process of cleaning, you need to prepare. Cat urine is mostly ammonia, which can be quite pungent and irritating to the nose and lungs, especially if you suffer from asthma or bronchitis. Therefore, it’s best to wear gloves and a mask and wash your hands thoroughly when you are done.
You will also need to keep the cat away from the area while you clean. They are naturally curious and will want to see what you are doing, so shut them in a different room or ask someone else to distract them. Then, when you’re ready, you can start with Step One.
1. Use a Towel to Blot the Affected Area
The first step of how to get rid of cat pee smell is to get rid of the bulk of liquid in the area, preferably very soon after the cat has urinated. Use an old cloth or paper towels for this; they will absorb the liquid, making it easier to get rid of the lingering smell. If the urine has got into any clothing or drapes, remove them immediately to be washed or dry cleaned as soon as possible.
2. Use a Vinegar Solution
Much of the smell of cat pee is caused by bacteria, and as vinegar is acidic, it can neutralize these bacteria. Mix vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white vinegar preferably) with an equal amount of water in a spray bottle, then spray the affected area. After spraying, wipe down with an old cloth or paper towels and repeat as many times as necessary until the odor is gone.
3. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the Impacted Area
Keeping some baking soda in your cupboard (even if you don’t bake!) is an excellent idea as it is useful for removing all sorts of odors. Once the area is dry after using your vinegar solution, sprinkle some over the area for long-term odor elimination. Then, after it has been there for at least 30 minutes, simply vacuum it up.
4. Spray a Natural Odor Neutralizer
Once you have completed the first three steps, you should find that the odor has largely been eliminated. However, if the cat pee smell is still lingering, you might want to try an odor neutralizer. If you’re an animal lover, you’re probably someone who likes to take care of the environment, too, so you’re wary of using potentially harmful chemicals.
Luckily, there are some natural alternatives on the market, such as Fresh Wave’s odor-removing orange pet spray. This plant-powered odor-eliminator uses natural active ingredients, including orange oil, making it safer for you, your pets and the planet. It’s also very effective and long-lasting, giving you peace of mind and a room that smells fresh and clean.
Try Our Pet Odor Eliminators
Now that you know how to get rid of the smell of cat pee, you won’t have to put up with that particular noxious odor anymore. Unfortunately, however, there are all sorts of other ways your pets can stink up your home. But whether they’ve rolled in something outside, got their fur wet in the rain or been sick on the kitchen floor, Fresh Wave has a solution.
