Assessing Cat Potty Problems, DIY Remedy to Eradicate Cat Urine Smell
Published January 4, 2012
Flickr User alan_i_think
Cat potty problems can be a nuisance. Read on for tips on how to deal with cat elimination issues and a DIY remedy on how to get rid of cat urine smell should issues arise.
Those who are owned by a cat already know; there is nothing as delightful as watching cats playing, more rewarding than a gentle loving touch of a paw on one’s cheek or the soothing sound of a deep resonating purr made by a contented kitty.
However, at times significant challenges can present themselves which test the patience of those who live with these amazing animals. One such challenge (as seen through my own personal experience) is the unpleasant dilemma of cats that stop using litter boxes, preferring to go "potty" by anointing our carpets, unmade beds, and clean clothing stored in baskets in the laundry room.
Naturally, when a cat’s elimination behavior changes radically, the first thing to check out is whether the litter boxes are pristine, or the placement of their “toilet” is acceptable to them. Since cats are picky creatures by nature, if their litter box is filthy, can you blame them for protesting and going on strike?
But if the box is clean and all the other requirements are met, the next thing to consider is whether there is the possibility of a urinary tract infection or bladder stones. In this case, a quick visit to the vet is in order.
Once the problem is resolved, dealing with the unpleasant lingering odor of cat urine is next. Since the pungent scent often becomes the source of repetitive unwanted behavior, taking immediate action to remove it is essential.
DIY: Getting Rid of Cat Urine Smell
A popular home remedy to eradicate cat urine smell:
- Start by using old rags or paper towels to blot up as much of the urine as possible. Mix 3 parts water with one part vinegar, saturating the spot with the mixture. Dry thoroughly as possible.When the area is dry, sprinkle it with baking soda.
- Next, mix ¾ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one tsp. dish detergent. Sprinkle this mixture over the baking soda. Important: First test this on an obscure area of the carpet to ascertain hydrogen peroxide won't bleach out the carpet. Then use an old brush or your fingers to work in the baking soda. Once the area is fully dry, then vacuum the entire area.
- Once completed, if a slight odor remains, repeat the process. Additionally use the same method on “soiled” clothing, linen and blankets in your washing machine simply by adding ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar to your laundry detergent.
Products containing enzymes which break down odors and stains are, from the writer's experience, far more effective and easier to use. I recommend Nature's Miracle and Simple Solution, which are available at pet stores and on the Internet. While you are at it, also purchase a good black light to help locate affected spots.
What other methods work for you? Share with a comment.
Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…
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Comments (13)
I use Febreze for fabrics and carpets, it does get rid of the urine smell,better than any thing I've tried.
Janie
The reasons why a cat might start urinating on things are varied. My daughter had a cat that habitually "annointed" furniture, bedding, everything. They had to isolate him in a room by himself when they were gone at work and anytime they couldn't watch him like a hawk. After one particular time related to bringing another cat in the house...she took him to the vet due to a urinary tract infection...and along with the meds for the infection, she prescribed some kitty antidepressants. Worked like a charm! He was apparently somewhat stressed and now has stopped urinating anywhere but the cat box! My daughter is so relieved. She loves her cat and he is great...except for that problem. He and she are much happier now.
Donna, the steam vacs work GREAT in cleaning cat urine. When Harley was urinating on the carpet due to a stray cat outside, I used the steam cleaner DAILY (sometimes several times a day) with both Nature's Miracle and the soap for the steam cleaner. Something I found completely by accident though that works GREAT is STAZKO's Waterless Shampoo. It is available trough stazko.com or other distributers foun on the Stazko website. It is a waterless shampoo designed for dogs and cats and works excellently well for that purpose. However, I discovered quite by accident that it also removes cat urine odors....COMPLETELY. Harley "christened" a stuffed animal I had on my bed ( a white stuffed cat). The stuffie was now yellow and stinky and I thought unsalvageable. I sprayed it down with the STAZKO Waterless Shampoo, rubbed it vigorously with a towel, just like I would a live animal and allowed it to dry. The fur was white again and the smell was mostly gone. I repeated the procedure and the smell was gone completely. So, I thought, maybe it would work on the carpet??? NOTE:(From purrsonal experience) DO NOT!! REPEAT! DO NOT put the waterless shampoo IN the steam cleaner!!!! Talk about SUDS!!! Rather simply put plain water in the steam cleaner, spray the urinated on area lightly with the STAZKO waterless shampoo, brush it in well to create a sudsing action. Let it stand for awhile, then rinse well with the steam cleaner. After 1 - 3 times depending on the severity of the urine staining/smell, the smell is completely gone. Please note, this use is totally OFF LABEL and this product is not advertised this way. It is exactly what it says it is....a waterless shampoo. But it also works very well at eliminating cat urine odor. Just please be careful as it is a sudsing product. And, as with any cleaner, test it in an inconspicuous area first to be sure it won't take the color out. It didn't for me, but every rug is different.