3 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Cat Urine Odour

You love your cat. Of course! But that love could be tested just a bit when you walk into a room and are greeted by the unmistakable smell of cat urine. Why did he do it? How do you get rid of it? And — how do you prevent him from doing it again? Here’s how to clean up cat urine in 3 places: carpet, non-carpet surfaces and bedding.

First, there are 3 things you should know about “why”:


  1. Cats often “go” outside the box to let you know what’s going on with health issues, their feelings about changes in the house, and their displeasure with their cat litter box. Another reason? Unneutered males spray to mark their territory, and unneutered females spray to let male cats know that they’re in heat.

  2. The sooner you clean up cat urine — all up! —the sooner you can prevent your cat from returning to that spot to go again.

  3. Clean the cat litter box more than once a day; some cats prefer an inappropriate place over a dirty litter box. For 7-day odour control, try using ARM & HAMMER™ Clump & Seal™ cat litter.

Here’s how to get the job done, safely and effectively.

1.Cleaning Cat Urine Odour from Carpet

Getting rid of the smell of cat urine from carpeting can be challenging, because it can soak right through the carpet fibers to the carpet padding. And since cats have a strong sense of smell, it’s important to clean and deodorize the area completely to prevent a return visit!


For a DIY solution: Scrub the area throroughly with club soda, and let dry. Then sprinkle with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda. Let it sit so the baking soda can soak up any lingering odours, and then vacuum.


For an easy solution from ARM & HAMMER™:
Try ARM & HAMMER™ Pet Stain & Odour Remover Plus OxiClean™ to remove even the toughest pet stains* and destroy odours on the spot with a combination of ARM & HAMMER™ deodorizers and OXICLEAN™ stain fighters.

2.Cleaning Cat Urine Odour from Non-Carpet Surfaces

Ceramic tile. Hardwood. Linoleum. If your cat is urinating on these non-carpet surfaces, here’s how to get a deep clean that gets rid of odour.


For a DIY solution:


  1. Unlike cleaning carpet, cleaning non-carpet surfaces requires a non-ammonia and non-vinegar based detergent/cleaning product. It can be homemade, commercial or all-natural. Note: Make sure the product does not contain bleach, because mixing bleach with the ammonia in cat urine can create dangerous gases.

  2. Use a mop or sponge with the product to clean the affected spot.

  3. Rinse thoroughly, and repeat.

  4. Make sure the room is well ventilated, then give the area a final wash with a bleach and water solution (about one part bleach to seven or eight parts water). Safe for ceramic tile, vinyl and linoleum floors.

Note: This step is not recommended for wood, marble or other porous floor surfaces.

3.Cleaning Cat Urine Odour from Bedding and Clothes

While it may feel like a spiteful insult, cat spraying or urinating on your bedding or clothing is your cat’s way of letting you know he needs your attention. Don’t get mad — get clean!


  • Add a quarter cup of a cider vinegar to the wash cycle, along with the detergent. Items come out clean and fresh.
    Note: Use caution when cleaning delicate fabrics. Also, remember never to use bleach. When mixed with the ammonia in cat urine, it can cause dangerous gases.

  • Use the natural power of baking soda to clean and deodorize soiled bedding and clothes. Add it directly to your wash, or use a detergent that has baking soda in it.

No matter why your cat is going outside of the box, getting the spot clean and fresh as soon as possible is key to getting her to stop this behavior — and reclaiming your home. 

 

 

To keep your cat from going outside of the box, learn the 5 litter box tips that can make a difference.

 

*When applied promptly as directed after an ordinary pet stain has occurred.

Tips to freshen things up

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