Mary Allen
Cat pee odor is arguably one of the most penetrating and unpleasant odors there is – even the biggest cat lover can’t deny it. Whether chemical cleaners or tried-and-tested home remedies, we will tell you here how you can successfully remove the smell of cat urine.
If your velvet paw has used a place far away from her litter box for her little business, this not only leaves unsightly stains: once a cat has marked a spot with its cat urine smell, there is, unfortunately, a risk that it will use the same spot for this purpose again.
Ammonia, mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, and amines, among other things, are found in a cat’s urine – and these substances need to be removed because they are responsible for the pungent smell of cat urine.
Remove Cat Urine Smell in the Apartment: What To Do?
Getting rid of the cat pee odor in your home can be tricky. This applies in particular if textiles such as the couch or carpet have been damaged in any way.
Fast action is required. Because if the cat urine is still fresh, it can be removed more easily than when it is dry. You don’t give the smell a chance to spread.
When it comes to removing cat pee odor, good ventilation is also on the agenda. You should also clean the marked area as often as necessary until it is really clean.
Important tip: Before cleaning, get your cat out of the room. Because there is a high risk that your animal will mark the contaminated spot again. Only with what means can you actually take action against cat urine and the smell?
Commercial Cat Urine Remover
There are various cleaners available to buy to get rid of the stain and cat pee odor. It is crucial, however, that the agent should contain as little ammonia as possible. Because this is also contained in the cat’s urine and encourages your animal to “pee the wrong way”.
Also consider: Aggressive cleaners can usually remove the smell of cat urine, but they could damage textiles or other sensitive materials. You could also harm your pet with the use of the chemical club – in the worst case, it can even lead to poisoning.
On the other hand, enzyme cleaners are particularly suitable. They are environmentally friendly and contain enzymes and bacteria that digest biological material. This makes such cleaning agents ideal for removing stains and odors caused by urine, for example. The advantage of enzyme cleaners: They get to the root of the dirt and dissolve even the very last molecules of cat urine.
Soda, Baking Soda & Cornstarch Against Cat Pee Odor
Harmless powdered home remedies such as soda, baking powder, or cornstarch are also recommended to neutralize the smell of cat urine. And this is the best way to proceed: First dab the stain with paper towels. Then apply the powder to the affected area and rub it in well with a brush. It is best to leave everything on overnight and vacuum it off in the morning.
Alternatively, you can also wipe off the absorbed powder with a damp cloth after a short exposure time. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you can first mix the baking soda or cornstarch with water to form a paste and then rub it into the stain.
Mouthwash is an Odor Killer for Cat Urine
Another way to get rid of cat urine and the odor associated with it is with diluted mouthwash. Simply apply to the stain and let dry. But be careful: Colored mouthwash can stain, so you should use clear mouthwash on light-colored textiles.
Coffee Powder – Clever Home Remedy for Cat Urine Odor
Another effective home remedy for cat pee odor is treating it with coffee or espresso powder. However, this method does not remove the stain, only the unpleasant smell.
The same applies to this home remedy: the powder can stain. Therefore, only use it on dark fabrics or inconspicuous areas. Important: Before you treat a cat urine stain with coffee powder, you should brush the mess off with a neutral detergent. Then apply the actual powder, let it soak in, and finally vacuum it off again.
Neutralize the Stench With Oranges
Orange oil cleaner from the health food store can also help against the pungent smell of cat urine. Alternatively, you can put the zest of oranges or lemons, or even an artificial citrus scent, on the spot where your cat has molested.
Not only can this help get rid of the smell – the velvet paws don’t like the aroma of citrus fruits, so chances are they won’t use this place as an alternative litter box in the future.