That sharp smell won't go away with a quick mop. Knowing how to get rid of cat pee smell means understanding what's in that urine and using the right product for each surface. And if it keeps happening because your cat is peeing outside the litter box, you also need to look for the cause.
- Why cat pee smell is so hard to remove
- How to get rid of cat pee smell step by step
- What to use on each surface
- Cat pee smell on the sofa and the mattress
- Mistakes that make the smell come back
- My cat pees outside the litter box: possible causes
- Frequently asked questions
Why cat pee smell is so hard to remove
Cat urine is very concentrated. As it dries, bacteria break it down and release ammonia, which is what stings your nose. It also leaves residues, such as uric acid crystals, that water alone doesn't dissolve well: the area looks clean, but with humidity in the air or when you mop, it can start to smell again. That's why a stain you thought was long forgotten sometimes reappears on a rainy day.
How to get rid of cat pee smell step by step
- Act as soon as possible. Fresh urine comes out much more easily than dried urine.
- Blot without rubbing. Press down with kitchen paper or a dry cloth until no more liquid comes out. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper.
- Find old stains. An ultraviolet torch reveals dried residues that you can't see with the naked eye.
- Apply an enzymatic cleaner. Its enzymes break down the organic residues instead of masking them. Soak the area well, follow the instructions on the packaging and leave it to work.
- Let it air-dry. Ventilate the room and don't speed up the drying with heat.
- Repeat if needed. With old stains, it's normal to need two or three applications.
If you don't have an enzymatic cleaner to hand, mix white vinegar and water in equal parts, apply it, blot it up and sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the area when it's almost dry. Leave it for several hours and then vacuum. It'll do at a push, but it falls short on old stains.
What to use on each surface
| Surface | What to use | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric sofa | Enzymatic cleaner, or vinegar and bicarbonate of soda | Soaking the padding |
| Mattress | Enzymatic cleaner and air-drying | Over-wetting memory foam |
| Rug | Enzymatic cleaner and bicarbonate of soda | Leaving it damp |
| Parquet | Blot quickly and use an enzymatic cleaner without flooding the floor | Water in the joints |
| Clothes | Rinse in cold water and wash with a glass of vinegar | Tumble-drying before checking the smell |
| Tiles | Water with neutral soap, then an enzymatic cleaner | Mopping with ammonia |
Cat pee smell on the sofa and the mattress
Getting rid of cat pee smell on the sofa is harder than on the floor because the urine soaks through the cover and reaches the foam. If the cover is removable, wash it separately and treat the cushion on its own. Before applying anything, remove the hair from the area with a reusable pet hair roller, so the product reaches the fabric. Then blot, apply the enzymatic cleaner until it covers the whole area the urine reached, without soaking beyond it, and leave it to dry with the window open.
The same goes for cat pee smell on a mattress, but you need more patience: blot well, apply the product, cover the stain with bicarbonate of soda when it's almost dry and vacuum the next day. For the rest of the mattress, see how to clean a mattress step by step.
Mistakes that make the smell come back
- Using ammonia. It smells similar to urine and can encourage the cat to mark the same spot again.
- Reaching for bleach. It doesn't solve the underlying problem, it can discolour fabrics and, when it reacts with the ammonia in the urine itself, it can give off irritating fumes. Never mix it with ammonia, vinegar or other products.
- Applying heat. Steam, very hot water or a hairdryer can set the smell in the fibres.
My cat pees outside the litter box: possible causes
Cleaning isn't enough if you don't know why it's happening. The first thing is to rule out a health problem: urinary problems are a common cause, so check with your vet, and do it as soon as possible if you see blood; if your cat strains and no urine comes out, it's a veterinary emergency. If your cat is healthy, check the usual suspects: a dirty or badly placed litter box, a litter it doesn't like, too few litter boxes for the number of cats at home, or recent changes that are stressing it. If the litter box itself already smells, this guide on a smelly cat litter box will help.
Frequently asked questions
Why does cat pee smell of ammonia?
Because, as the urine dries, bacteria break down its urea and release ammonia. The longer it's left, the stronger the smell.
Does vinegar get rid of cat pee smell?
It helps to neutralise it on recent stains, especially combined with bicarbonate of soda. On old or deep stains you'll usually need an enzymatic cleaner.
Why does it smell of cat pee if I don't have a cat?
It could be a stray cat marking your terrace, your door or a grille. There are also plants, such as box (boxwood), with a similar smell, and damp or mould are sometimes mistaken for it.
How long does it take for the smell to go?
A recent stain usually disappears once the cleaner has dried; an old one may need several applications over a few days.
With the right product, no heat and a little patience, cat pee smell can be eliminated. And to make life with your cat easier, take a look at our selection for pets.