If you have cats, you’ve had to deal with eliminating the smells that they leave behind. One of the worst smells (and one of the hardest to get rid of) is the smell of cat pee. Whether you are litter training a young kitten that hasn’t quite caught on yet, you have a cat with health issues, or your cat is peeing outside the box when you’re away from home, you need a way to get rid of the smell.

Let’s look at six different ways to get rid of cat pee smell for good and a few reasons that your cat might be peeing outside their litter box in the first place.

The 8 Ways to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell

If the mess that you are trying to clean is fresh, blot or wipe away as much of the cat urine as possible with a paper towel or old cloth. Then, consider using one of the following six options.

Removing Cat Pee Smells From Floors

1. Baking Soda/Pet Odor Remover and Vacuuming for Odors in Carpet

Materials Needed:

A vacuum (preferably one that is designed for picking up pet hair and dander)

Baking soda or pet odor remover

Club soda

Old toothbrush

Cat urine odors in carpet can be the most challenging to get rid of because the urine soaks right through the carpet fibers to the padding underneath. Since cats have a superior sense of smell, it’s important to get every last bit out of your carpet. Otherwise, your cat will return to the same spot again and again because to them, it smells like a bathroom.

A vacuum (preferably one that is designed for picking up pet hair and dander)

Baking soda or pet odor remover

Club soda

Old toothbrush

  • A vacuum (preferably one that is designed for picking up pet hair and dander)
  • Baking soda or pet odor remover
  • Club soda
  • Old toothbrush

This method works well at removing relatively recent smells from carpeted surfaces. But for stains that have been lingering for a long time, such as old cat pee smells from a prior resident, you may need a more drastic solution.

Using Baking Soda:

Scrub the urine stain thoroughly with club soda. Use a toothbrush to rub the soda into the stain. Let it air dry. Sprinkle the area with baking soda, and let the baking soda sit for 10–15 minutes to soak up any lingering smells. Then vacuum. Depending on how long the smell has been sitting, you may have to repeat the process several times.

Using Pet Odor Remover:

Using a commercial pet odor remover product that is designed to break down the particles in cat urine that cause odor can go a long way toward getting rid of the smell. For powder cleaners, you will sprinkle these on your carpet, let them sit for the period of time designated by the manufacturer, and then vacuum. Some cleaners also come as sprays and can be used in a similar fashion.

Pros

Pulls odors out of carpet fibers

Also removes stains

Doesn’t damage your carpet

Cons

It only works for carpeted surfaces

You may have to repeat several times to fully remove the smell

It doesn’t always work on older smells

2. Vinegar

Pulls odors out of carpet fibers

Also removes stains

Doesn’t damage your carpet

  • Pulls odors out of carpet fibers
  • Also removes stains
  • Doesn’t damage your carpet

It only works for carpeted surfaces

You may have to repeat several times to fully remove the smell

It doesn’t always work on older smells

  • It only works for carpeted surfaces
  • You may have to repeat several times to fully remove the smell
  • It doesn’t always work on older smells

White or apple cider vinegar

Water

Spray bottle

Paper towel or old cloth

The acidic nature of vinegar means that it can neutralize the bacteria in fresh cat pee and kill the smell.

White or apple cider vinegar

Water

Spray bottle

Paper towel or old cloth

  • White or apple cider vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Paper towel or old cloth

How to use it:

Mix equal parts white or apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar solution onto the affected area. This solution can be used on floors or furniture. Blot away the vinegar solution with a paper towel or old cloth. Repeat spraying and blotting until the smell is gone.

Vinegar does a fantastic job at neutralizing odors in fresh cat urine spots. However, this solution only works on fresh stains, where the vinegar can be sprayed directly onto the offending urine. For bacteria that has soaked down into carpet or upholstery fibers, some smell may linger.

Pros

Simple to do

Uses non-toxic, biodegradable household ingredients

Cons

It only works on fresh stains

Enzymatic cleaner

Paper towel or old cloth

Commercially made enzymatic stain and odor removers are ideal for removing cat urine odors. Some, like this one from Nature’s Miracle, are formulated specifically to target the smell of cat urine. These cleaners work because they break down the sulfur, ammonia, and other compounds in cat urine, feces, and vomit. This is also why they do a much better job at getting rid of old cat pee smells than baking soda or vinegar.

Simple to do

Uses non-toxic, biodegradable household ingredients

  • Simple to do
  • Uses non-toxic, biodegradable household ingredients

It only works on fresh stains

  • It only works on fresh stains

Check Price on Chewy

Enzymatic cleaner

Paper towel or old cloth

  • Enzymatic cleaner
  • Paper towel or old cloth

Follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label for use. These products come in several different forms, including powder, liquid, or spray. Each will have different instructions for how much to apply.

In general, you will thoroughly spray or spread the enzymatic cleaner on the affected area and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, blot or scrub off the solution and let it air dry.

If you’re trying to find an enzyme cleaner that does it all, we highly recommend our favorite cleaner, the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray.

It permanently removes the very worst stains and smells you can imagine and makes clean up a breeze. There’s even a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Click here to order a bottle today.

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool cat company!

Pros

Easy to use

Gets rid of old urine smells

Works on multiple types of pet stains

Cons

More expensive than using household products

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Easy to use

Gets rid of old urine smells

Works on multiple types of pet stains

  • Easy to use
  • Gets rid of old urine smells
  • Works on multiple types of pet stains

More expensive than using household products

  • More expensive than using household products

Hydrogen peroxide

Liquid dishwasher detergent (optional)

Spray bottle

Paper towel or old cloth

Hydrogen peroxide is a household product capable of oxidizing or breaking down the ammonia in cat pee. Mixing it with dishwasher detergent will help your floor smell clean and fresh.

Hydrogen peroxide

Liquid dishwasher detergent (optional)

Spray bottle

Paper towel or old cloth

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Liquid dishwasher detergent (optional)
  • Spray bottle
  • Paper towel or old cloth

It’s important not to use hydrogen peroxide on furniture, upholstery, or carpet, as it can discolor fabric. However, it is a great solution for hard floors.

Mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water into a spray bottle. If you choose, add 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwasher detergent to the solution. Spray on the solution, and thoroughly blot the solution off the affected area. Test this method in a spot that you can easily cover to make sure it won’t stain.

Pros

Easy to use

Breaks down odor-causing ingredients in cat pee

Cons

Can cause staining and discoloration of surfaces

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover

Bucket

Long-handled spoon

Water

Mop or sponge

If your cat is peeing on non-carpeted floors like ceramic tile, grout, vinyl plank, laminate, hardwood, or linoleum, you need to get a deep clean that removes the odor. OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover has over 101 labeled uses, and cleaning up pet urine happens to be one of them.

Easy to use

Breaks down odor-causing ingredients in cat pee

  • Easy to use
  • Breaks down odor-causing ingredients in cat pee

Can cause staining and discoloration of surfaces

  • Can cause staining and discoloration of surfaces

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover

Bucket

Long-handled spoon

Water

Mop or sponge

  • OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover
  • Bucket
  • Long-handled spoon
  • Water
  • Mop or sponge

When cleaning hard surfaces, you need a non-ammonia and non-vinegar-based solution. It’s also important not to use any products that contain chlorine bleach. Cat urine contains ammonia, and dangerous gases are created when it mixes with bleach.

Fill a bucket with hot water. Using the provided OxiClean scoop, pour one scoop of OxiClean into the bucket. Stir the solution with a long-handled spoon to mix until the powder is dissolved. Apply the solution to your floor, and allow it to sit for 1–5 minutes. Use a sponge or mop to clean the affected area. Dump the OxiClean solution, and refill the bucket with cold water. Re-mop the floor with water to rinse off any residue.

Pros

Breaks down odor-causing ingredients in cat urine

Doesn’t require specialized pet odor product

Cons

More expensive than some other methods

More labor-intensive than some other methods

Cleaning service

Carpet cleaner vacuum

Sometimes, you just can’t pinpoint where the cat pee smell is coming from, particularly if it’s an old smell. Cleaning suspected areas using one of previous methods may help you find the source of the offending odor. If these DIY options don’t remove the cat pee smell, it might be time to call in help.

Breaks down odor-causing ingredients in cat urine

Doesn’t require specialized pet odor product

  • Breaks down odor-causing ingredients in cat urine
  • Doesn’t require specialized pet odor product

More expensive than some other methods

More labor-intensive than some other methods

  • More expensive than some other methods
  • More labor-intensive than some other methods

Cleaning service

Carpet cleaner vacuum

  • Cleaning service
  • Carpet cleaner vacuum

If the smell is in a carpeted area, you can use a carpet cleaner vacuum to deep-clean your carpet. In extreme cases, where the smell has spread through furniture, floors, and even walls, it could be necessary to get a professional to clean the whole area.

Pros

Gets the smell out for good

Cons

Expensive

Removing Cat Pee Smells for Clothes, Bedding, or Towels

Laundry disinfectant/odor eliminator

If your cat pee smell is coming from your bedding or your laundry basket, the good news is that you can wash out the smell, but the bad news is that regular laundry detergent won’t cut it. You need a special cleaner to neutralize the odor. There are a few options to choose from:

Gets the smell out for good

  • Gets the smell out for good

Expensive

  • Expensive

Laundry disinfectant/odor eliminator

  • Laundry disinfectant/odor eliminator

Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster Stain & Odor Removal Additive

Zero Odor Laundry Pet Odor Eliminator

Odorcide Laundry Odor Eliminator Concentrate

O.E. Laundry Odor Eliminator

Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster Stain & Odor Removal Additive

Zero Odor Laundry Pet Odor Eliminator

Odorcide Laundry Odor Eliminator Concentrate

O.E. Laundry Odor Eliminator

  • Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster Stain & Odor Removal Additive
  • Zero Odor Laundry Pet Odor Eliminator
  • Odorcide Laundry Odor Eliminator Concentrate
  • O.E. Laundry Odor Eliminator

Wash the linens in cold water, adding the odor eliminator product of your choice according to the label. Make sure to line-dry the item, as heat from the dryer can “set” the smell. If possible, hanging the items to air dry outdoors in the sun is the best option.

Pros

Use for laundry or upholstery

Specialized cleaner for pee smells

Cons

Expensive

8. Ozone — The last resort

Use for laundry or upholstery

Specialized cleaner for pee smells

  • Use for laundry or upholstery
  • Specialized cleaner for pee smells

Paper towel or old cloth

Water

A dry cleaner with an ozone room

There is one final option to get rid of cat pee smells for valuable items that can’t be soaked in baking soda, vinegar, or enzymatic cleaner. It can remove odors from things like shoes, suitcases, or pieces of artwork. You’ll need to find a specialty dry cleaner with an ozone room. This might not be an option for cleaning floors, furniture, or walls, but it can save expensive clothing or valuables.

Paper towel or old cloth

Water

A dry cleaner with an ozone room

  • Paper towel or old cloth
  • Water
  • A dry cleaner with an ozone room

Quickly remove as much urine as possible from the item using plain water to gently blot the stain. Continue blotting until your paper towel or old cloth comes away clear. Let the item air dry. If the cat pee smell lingers, take the item to a dry cleaner that has an ozone room to have it ozone-treated. The item is usually scent-free in about 24 hours.

Pros

For getting smells out of “non-cleanable” items

Cons

Not everyone has access to a specialized dry cleaner

Costly

For getting smells out of “non-cleanable” items

  • For getting smells out of “non-cleanable” items

Not everyone has access to a specialized dry cleaner

Costly

  • Not everyone has access to a specialized dry cleaner
  • Costly

Why Cats Pee Outside the Litter Box

Litter box issues are frustrating, especially when they result in your home smelling like cat pee. Most of the time, your cat peeing outside the litter box is a sign that something’s wrong. Common reasons that a cat ceases to use their litter box include:

Environmental factors, such as a dirty litter box, noises next to the box, or a perceived threat from another pet in the house. Sometimes this can be as simple as a cat not liking a new type of litter or their litter box being moved to a new location. Some cats hate change, and they pee to let you know that they don’t like it.

Marking behavior from unfixed cats. Cats that haven’t been spayed or neutered often engage in marking behaviors, although this does sometimes happen even with fixed cats. It’s most common if your cat is trying to “stake out” their territory with a new cat or person who has moved into the house.

Stress or anxiety. Cats that feel anxious or experience separation anxiety might pee outside the litter box to let you know how they’re feeling. If your cat is peeing on your personal items or clothing while you’re away from home, this is the most likely cause.

Medical issues. Peeing outside the litter box can be a sign that your cat has a medical issue that needs to be addressed. Problems like kidney failure, diabetes, bladder stones, or urinary tract infections can cause your cat to produce more urine than normal or to feel an urgency to go more frequently. It could even be a sign of arthritis for older cats — a litter box that was formerly easy to use is now too hard to climb into.

If you find that your litter-trained cat has started peeing outside of their litter box, your first call should be to the vet. If there is a medical issue, it can be properly addressed. Otherwise, you can determine if it’s a behavior issue.

Environmental factors, such as a dirty litter box, noises next to the box, or a perceived threat from another pet in the house. Sometimes this can be as simple as a cat not liking a new type of litter or their litter box being moved to a new location. Some cats hate change, and they pee to let you know that they don’t like it.

Marking behavior from unfixed cats. Cats that haven’t been spayed or neutered often engage in marking behaviors, although this does sometimes happen even with fixed cats. It’s most common if your cat is trying to “stake out” their territory with a new cat or person who has moved into the house.

Stress or anxiety. Cats that feel anxious or experience separation anxiety might pee outside the litter box to let you know how they’re feeling. If your cat is peeing on your personal items or clothing while you’re away from home, this is the most likely cause.

Medical issues. Peeing outside the litter box can be a sign that your cat has a medical issue that needs to be addressed. Problems like kidney failure, diabetes, bladder stones, or urinary tract infections can cause your cat to produce more urine than normal or to feel an urgency to go more frequently. It could even be a sign of arthritis for older cats — a litter box that was formerly easy to use is now too hard to climb into.

  • Environmental factors, such as a dirty litter box, noises next to the box, or a perceived threat from another pet in the house. Sometimes this can be as simple as a cat not liking a new type of litter or their litter box being moved to a new location. Some cats hate change, and they pee to let you know that they don’t like it.
  • Marking behavior from unfixed cats. Cats that haven’t been spayed or neutered often engage in marking behaviors, although this does sometimes happen even with fixed cats. It’s most common if your cat is trying to “stake out” their territory with a new cat or person who has moved into the house.
  • Stress or anxiety. Cats that feel anxious or experience separation anxiety might pee outside the litter box to let you know how they’re feeling. If your cat is peeing on your personal items or clothing while you’re away from home, this is the most likely cause.
  • Medical issues. Peeing outside the litter box can be a sign that your cat has a medical issue that needs to be addressed. Problems like kidney failure, diabetes, bladder stones, or urinary tract infections can cause your cat to produce more urine than normal or to feel an urgency to go more frequently. It could even be a sign of arthritis for older cats — a litter box that was formerly easy to use is now too hard to climb into.

Why Does Cat Pee Smell So Bad?

Cat pee is one of the most stubborn smells around. It’s not that it’s much different from any other kind of animal urine; it’s that cats are sneakier about where they pee. The mess tends to sit around for a while, enabling the bacteria in the urine to decompose and give off a pungent, strong ammonia odor. After a while, cat pee starts to emit mercaptans, which are the same compounds that make skunk spray so stinky (also a notoriously hard smell to remove).

Older cats are likely to have stronger smelling urine than younger cats, as their kidneys don’t process urine as well. Unneutered male cats also have strong-smelling pee, as their urine contains hormones.

Conclusion

No matter the reason that your cat is peeing outside the litter box, getting the area clean is key to preventing repeat behavior — and removing the smell from your home. This guide contains tried-and-true methods for removing cat pee smell, with options for every type of surface. Whether it’s your floor, carpet, furniture, or bedding, there are ways to get rid of the smell.\

See also: 10 Best Cat Urine, Odor & Stain Removers in the UK in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Creative Cat Studio, Shutterstock