How To Remove Cat Urine Odor From Your Home

Do you consider your pets to be part of the family? For many of us, our pets can be considered not only as lovable little furry babies but also as our children. Well, just like children, pets can have house soiling accidents, especially when you welcome to the family a new little addition who may not be potty trained.

This article was written by our sponsor OdorKlenz. Check out OdorKlenz for all your cat urine cleaning needs. From urine removal to pet deodorizing products, OdorKlenz can help you keep your home free of cat urine stench.

It's true that most cats instinctively use the litter box starting from the time they are kittens. Cats have a natural tendency to do their "business" in sand or soil, which is why they immediately gravitate towards the litter to relieve themselves. Nonetheless, accidents can occur regardless of this instinct.

Cats are sensitive creatures and they may have litterbox accidents for a number of reasons. A common reason is an underlying health issue so if your cat avoids the litterbox make sure you consult with your veterinarian first. Other possible reasons include trying to mark their territory in the home or simply stress. The cat may be upset about a change in his or her environment- whether you moved homes, brought a new animal into the home, or got rid of a favorite chair. Finally, a change in the way the litterbox has been set up can also cause Kitty to look for other places in your home for his or her bathroom needs. Dealing with a litterbox avoidance issues? Make sure to read this guide which will walk you through finding out the cause of the problem.

Whatever the reason for litterbox avoidance, one of the most important things to do when your pet has an accident is to remove the urine thoroughly and completely. Learning the best methods for removing cat urine will not only help your home smell better but it will also minimize health issues for those who live in that environment.

Dangers of Cat Urine

Did you know that cat urine can be harmful to your health? Cat urine is highly concentrated, so a very small amount can leave quite the stench. When cat urine becomes dry it begins to crystallize and emit a pungent stench of ammonia. Cleaning right at the source of the odor and removing the urine completely is critical.

Cat urine contains a large amount of urea. Once outside the body, the urea breaks down into ammonia, a natural compound that’s made of nitrogen and hydrogen. Just because it is a natural compound doesn't mean it is safe to inhale. Those that are exposed to the ammonia in highly concentrated cat urine, especially for a long period of time, are susceptible to developing serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

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How Prolonged exposure to dry cat urine can affect your Health

Ammonia is a toxic gas. In excessive amounts, inhaling the fumes emitted by old cat urine can lead to a number of respiratory issues. The fumes irritate the lining of the respiratory system which for some people can lead to coughing, increases sputum, and difficulty breathing. Even with no proven health damage - the smell of old urine is obnoxious and stressful to the point of triggering headaches.

One solution to minimizing ammonia odors is having an HEPA air purifier in your home. This would help combat harsh chemicals and odors in the air you breathe. When looking to purchase an air purifier, be sure to examine all your options. Look at the material used inside the air purifier to ensure that it actually captures and destroys chemicals and odors rather than remit them back into the air.

Why Does My Home Smell Like a Litterbox?

Let's be real, cats are cute but their litter boxes can be a different story! When it comes to your cat's litter box make sure to thoroughly clean it at least once a day. This helps minimize litterbox odors from lingering in your home. Also, make sure to change your litter out as may be needed.

One of the biggest complaints many cat owners have is the smell of the litter taking over the air in their home. Some types of litters try to mask the odors using fragrances. An alternative to heavy perfumes is using an odor eliminating litter additive in your pet's litter. This additive can really help reduce litter box odors in your home without replacing them with off-putting artificial fragrances.

Remember, there’s no reason for the litterbox to smell! If you can smell the litterbox, imagine what your poor cat has to go through every time he or she needs to use it! Scoop daily and keep the litterbox clean and odor-free.

What Gets Rid of Cat Pee Smell?

Monitoring your home for cat accidents can in itself help fight cat urine smells in your home. That’s because the longer the urine stays in the environment, the harder it is to remove the odor. Treating the accident right away is critical so following up on suspicious smells is crucial.

Finding the perfect product to remove the odors can be hard. Many pet owners like to treat urine accidents with ammonia-based cleaning solutions such as bleach. In reality, that is the worst mistake you can make. Since ammonia is naturally found in cat urine, the smell of these cleaning products attracts the cat back to that area. Kitty thinks this is the correct place for urinating some more.

Instead, try to find a natural urine odor eliminating product like this one from OdorKlenz that works on breaking down the compounds that generate the smell. This way the cat isn't tempted to go back to the scene of the accident.

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12 comments on “How To Remove Cat Urine Odor From Your Home

therese October 13, 2019
tarasgirl06 said:
You're not alone in that! Nature's Miracle is the proven freshener we rely upon as well. And because it's enzymatic, we have confidence that the molecules are gone, not just covered up.
Update: I found that the 'specialized cat version" of Natures Miracle actually didn't work as well as the old time, original Nature's Miracles...I found the original one, on Amazon, and I think it actually says its for DOGS, but this is my tried and true, all smells vanished much quicker and more completely than the ' for cats only,' one.
    Furballsmom January 8, 2020
    "...didn't work as well as the old time, original Nature's Miracles" I thought it was just me having trouble with it, but in reading this, obviously not.
samantha b November 5, 2017
louche said:
There's a corner upstairs (all carpeted) that I cannot get the smell out of. I'm guessing nothing gets out of floorboard but carpet machine and Fizzion had worked enough but there needs to be something covering part of the spot.
You might try Nature's Miracle. Walmart and Pet stores carry it. It breaks down the enzymes in the cat urine. My Samantha had Kidney Disease till she passed and urinated on the couch and wood floors in my apt. Even on a mattress. The smell was terrible. Now I think its all gone.
radish October 31, 2017
I use bicarbonate of soda (US: baking soda) to deodorize the litter box. It also disinfects and refreshens carpets effectively - just sprinkle on, leave for an hour or so, then vacuum. Other uses (some involve combining with white vinegar) : Cat safe cleaning tips ..... and it's safe!
Charlene Giles October 6, 2017
Super helpful!!!! I used natural remedies, but I still smell it in areas in my living room. Things like the smell of cat pee really trigger my anxiety and make me stessed. This is no fault of my cat, this is my own issues. But I am glad I found this thread. I am going to try a couple of mentioned enzyme cleaners. I really hope they work!! God I love this site so much!
irenechennia October 2, 2017
My cat seems quite disciplined since coming of age and quite easily uses the litter. My problem however used to be how to deal with the furs she and the dog left on my rug until I read a review by GearTronics recommending some domestic robots that does the business of cleaning the house for me even when I am not around. Although I had previously got some, it was only now that I got the ones that could recharge themselves and also remove little hair from the rugs.
louche September 22, 2017
There's a corner upstairs (all carpeted) that I cannot get the smell out of. I'm guessing nothing gets out of floorboard but carpet machine and Fizzion had worked enough but there needs to be something covering part of the spot.
tarasgirl06 September 6, 2017
therese said:
I swear by Nature's Miracle Enzyme cleaners. Now they have one especially for cats ! You spray heavily on area ( or dump it on the area, depending how bad it is ) and within a day or two, its all gone, not covered up with perfume, but GONE. FOREVER. Just like a miracle.
You're not alone in that! Nature's Miracle is the proven freshener we rely upon as well. And because it's enzymatic, we have confidence that the molecules are gone, not just covered up.
therese September 6, 2017
I swear by Nature's Miracle Enzyme cleaners. Now they have one especially for cats ! You spray heavily on area ( or dump it on the area, depending how bad it is ) and within a day or two, its all gone, not covered up with perfume, but GONE. FOREVER. Just like a miracle.
tarasgirl06 August 12, 2017
The enzymatic cleaners are the best, tried-and-true products we use with confidence. While we haven't tried this onproduct, the one we use is a life-saver! This one probably is, as well; and the coupon is a good incentive to try some!
eukomos August 11, 2017
Bleach is not an ammonia-based cleaning solution. Bleach is a chlorine-based cleaning solution, and if you mix it with ammonia you get chlorine gas, which is banned under the Geneva Convention as a chemical weapon.
amel rose August 10, 2017
waiting for post like this for a long time hope it will help me in removing cat odour from my home

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