How to get rid of cat urine odor. Even though we adore cats, they can occasionally surprise us. Cat urine odor is difficult to remove from carpets and furniture, as many cat owners know. There are, however, steps you can take to assist.
It’s natural to be upset with your cat for urinating outside of his litter box, but this is the very last thing you should do. Discipline after the fact does not work with cats, and their conduct may be suggestive of more serious issues. After you’ve cleaned up, you’ll want to figure out why your cat peed outside the litter box in the first place so you can avoid this happening again.
But first, let’s deal with the lingering stink of cat urine.
Why does cat urine have such a strong odor?
If you have other pets, you might be curious why your cat’s “accidents” smell stronger. However, cat urine is chemically similar to that of other mammals as a metabolic waste concentration. The main reason cat pee has such a poor name is that the urine is frequently kept unchecked until it becomes a problem.
Basically, bacteria break down the urea (a waste product in urine largely composed of nitrogen), resulting in the strong odor of ammonia. Decomposition can intensify the ammonia smell and give it a stale quality. So, whether your cat chooses to mark his territory in a hidden spot or a prior mess wasn’t adequately cleaned up, time will only exacerbate the odor.
Male cats’ urine smells harsher than female cats’ urine due to hormones like testosterone. Similarly, older cats with less efficient kidneys may have more foul-smelling urine.
How to get rid of the stink of cat urine
How to get rid of cat urine odor. The stench of ammonia might linger long after you’ve cleaned up the mess your cat made, which is part of what makes your cat’s behavior so aggravating. Even worse, lingering odors may lead your cat to believe that urinating in a particular location is “normal.” Traditional household cleaners (especially those containing ammonia) could be contributing to the problem. Baking soda and vinegar can assist, but with cat urine, an enzyme cleaning is usually the best option.
Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and get cleaning:
1. Immediately soak up any wet places.
Instead of wiping it away, blot it with a clean cloth, or rub it in deeper.
2. Rinse the area lightly with warm (not hot) water.
Excess heat may help lock in the odor, so use lukewarm to warm water. Use a spray bottle if the surface is a carpet or cloth. Using a clean cloth, blot the area again to absorb as much water as possible. *Use a wet/dry vacuum to fully dry and clean the area if desired.
3. Cleanse with an enzyme cleaner
Apply an enzyme cleaning liberally to the area, making sure it is completely saturated. Allow for some time for the enzymes to break down any leftover cat urine components.
4. Allow to dry
After 10 to 15 minutes, blot off any extra cleaning solutions and let the rest dry for a day. Cover the area with an upside-down box, baking sheet, or laundry basket to prevent your cat from getting into it.
5. If necessary, reapply cleaner.
When the area is completely dry, smell it for any lingering signs of cat urine. As needed, reapply the enzyme cleaner.
Why do cats go outside the litter box to urinate?
While you’re waiting for the enzyme cleanser to dry, you should look into why your cat is urinating outside of her litter box in the first place.
Urinating outside of the litter box is a typical problem among cats of all ages, from newborn kittens still learning what’s “proper” to older cats with health difficulties. While it’s understandable that pet owners are frustrated, it’s critical to establish the actual cause in case medical care is required.
How to get rid of cat urine odor. Before leaping to any conclusions, consult your cat’s veterinarian, however, the following are some possible causes of urine beyond the litter box:
An untrained feline (most common with young kittens)
Anxiety and stress
A litter box that is full and neglected.
The litter box is inaccessible
Using the litter box by another cat (many cats prefer not to share)
Urinary Tract Infection
Kidney failure
Diabetes
Obesity is a condition in which a person is overweight (the cat may not feel comfortable inside the litter box, or they may be suffering from obesity-related illnesses)
Arthritis
Injury or pain
Age-related illnesses (like loss of bladder control)
addressing the core issue
When utilizing a litter box, keep in mind that cats need to feel safe and secure. Check for easy causes initially, such as a litter box that hasn’t been cleaned in a while or has been plugged accidentally. In many circumstances, you’ll be able to make an immediate adjustment, and your cat will resume urinating where he should.
A recent change in your cat’s environment (such as moving to a new home or obtaining a new roommate) may also take some time for her to adjust. New pets in the house might generate tension and territorial concerns, leading to your cat “marking” her territory. Always exercise caution when introducing new cats to one another, and make sure your cat has a secure area away from other pets.
Your cat may have a medical problem if the cause isn’t obvious after observation. Make an appointment with your veterinarian right away, and don’t be shy about sharing all of the specifics about your cat’s behavior.
Cat litter box recommendations
Just because your house has a litter box doesn’t mean your cat will use it. Follow these techniques to ensure your cat has a spot to do her business that she truly wants to use to avoid undesired messes throughout the house:
Try using one litter box for each cat in the house. Place these boxes in various rooms.
Give your cat(s) many places to go if you have a large house.
Clean the litter box at least once a day, if numerous cats share the same space.
To check if your cat has a preference, experiment with different cat litters.
If you need to transition from a long-term brand, gradually introduce your cat to fresh litter (try mixing it with the old one first).
Experiment with different designs—Covered litter boxes keep odor and litter inside, but some cats dislike them.
Replace your litter box once a year (plastic boxes in particular can absorb odors).
Patience will aid in the elimination of cat urine odor.
Cats are excellent companions, but even the most well-behaved cats can be misbehaving at times. The greatest thing you can do is train your cat to use his litter box from the start and maintain it clean, neat, and easily accessible throughout his life. When medical problems are detected, seek the advice of your cat’s veterinarian rather than waiting it out.
However, training your cat to use the litter box consistently and eliminating pee stench from your home can take time. Both you and your best buddy will gain from practicing patience. Charlotte Kennels would be happy to assist you with any advice.