Cat urine has a distinctive and unpleasant odour that can permeate furniture and carpeting. Check our tips & free recipes on how to remove cat urine odor from carpets & furniture.

How to clean & remove cat urine/cat spray:

Before you start, if you are having problems locating where your cat has urinated or sprayed use a black light. The offending area will show up using this method. Many products are on the market to remove cat urine odors but all are not equal.  Cat owners who want to use a professional product should ask a veterinarian for a recommendation.  Cat urine odours can also be removed with common household items and some old-fashioned cleansing.

Locating pet urine:

The simplest method is to locate cat urine stains, which can be done with the use of a black fluorescent light.  Stains appear on furniture, walls, or carpet as a yellow splatter or spot. 

Pet Urine Removers:

• White vinegar is a time tried and proven ingredient that aids in removing both urine stains and the odour. Combine one part distilled white vinegar to two parts warm water to create a spray.  Remove as much urine/spray as you can using a paper towels. Mist vinegar spray over areas of cat urine and rub with a paper towel.  An alternative method is to mix the solution in a bucket and dip a clean cloth into the liquid.  Rub the stain with the vinegar solution.  After the vinegar dries, wipe away both solution and stain with warm water.
  

• Another simple to make spray uses 15 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, two tablespoons of baking soda, and two squirts of liquid hand soap.  Mix in a plastic container with a plastic spoon.  Discard after use.  Apply this solution to cat urine stains or odour areas, and then rinse away with warm water.

Removing urine from carpets:

To clean carpets affected with cat urine odour, blot the stain or wet area with paper towels.  Lay additional paper towels over the stain and press.  Repeat several times then apply any stain and odour removal product.  For best results, choose a bacterial/enzyme cleaner that will remove all parts of the urine stain as well as the odor.  Then cleanse with carpet cleaner, rinse with warm water, and dry.  If the stain has dried, dilute it with warm water before beginning the stain removal process.

Removing urine from upholstery:

Upholstery affected by cat urine odor and stains can also be cleansed.  Blot stain with a paper towel and sponge with cold water.  Blot away any excess moisture and clean the area with a solution made with two cups warm water and one tablespoon vinegar.  Apply a stain and odor remover that is a bacterial/enzyme cleaner.

Preventing cat urine/spraying reoccurring:

If cat odour urine is a frequent problem, cat owners should take steps to prevent future recurrences.  First, have the cat checked by a veterinarian who can identify any medical reason for excess urine spraying.  If medical causes are ruled out, there are several things that can minimize and prevent urine incidents.  Place litter boxes where the cat has been urinating.  Put out lemon scent, food, sandpaper, or plastic where the cat has sprayed.  Cats normally avoid urinating where any of these items is placed.

Cats are sometimes stressed by outside events.  If it seems that the cat is spraying in response to outside stimulus such as other cats or animals, block the view.  Another option is to confine the cat to a clean area with a fresh litter box, water, and food.  This should teach the cat that he or she is not to urinate on carpets or furniture.  Praise the cat when urination takes place in the litter box.

If cats use potted plants as a litter box, place a few pine cones or orange peel on top of the soil.  Cats should avoid the plant if these scents are in place. You can also purchase cat deterrent sprays from your local pet shop which may be of use preventing your cat re-offending.

Never use products with ammonia to remove cat urine odours.  Urine consists of a large amount of ammonia and the lingering smell will encourage rather than discourage urination.  Also maintain fresh litter in all boxes – cats are clean by nature and will refuse to use a dirty litter box.

Cat urine odours can be removed and often prevented with basic products used with common sense.