How to Remove Cat Urine
by:
Brenda H. Murphy
There are a number of reasons that cats,
who are fastidious creatures, may choose to
urinate outside their litterbox. The primary
causes are a box that is dirty, and hasn't
been kept scooped or cleaned, and urinary
tract infection. If your cat's litterbox is
pristine, then you may want to take them to
the vet for a urinalysis, and then a
discussion of possible behavioral causes.
But when a cat urinates indoors,
particularly if they have done it more than
once in the same spot, the smell can be pretty
pervasive. The worst is from unaltered tom
cats, whose hormones are announcing that he's
ready for romance. Neutering will not only
cure the odor, but the behavior as well.
However, you'll still need to find a cure for
the smells and/ or stains.
If you can smell it, but not locate the
stains, get a blacklight at the hardware
store. These are the "special effect" lights
used for Halloween and stage productions. When
turned on in total darkness, they have a
purple glow, and make certain things like
white articles, fluoresce and glow in the
dark. It will also make urine glow. Put the
bulb in an automobile "trouble lamp"
receptacle and make a hood to go over the
usual metal cage. This will help direct the
light, making it more intensive and the stains
easier to find.
Urine stains that have dried, can be
treated the same way as fresh spots, with the
exception that they should be sprayed with
warm water first, to soften the fibers and
allow for easier removal of the odor and
urine.
Take several folded paper towels and place
them over the urine spot. Step on it with your
shoe and press down. Do not "work" it in, just
lend your weight to blotting. Take away the
wet towel and put down dry ones. Repeat until
no more liquid comes up.
Apply a stain and odor remover that has an
enzyme base. Remember that cat urine is a
biological product, and chemical based
solutions are not usually the answer, because
odor can remain afterwards, which will attract
the cat back to the same spot. Use the remover
as directed on the container. When done,
shampoo that section of carpet, and dry.
Ideally, a steam clean is best, in order to
bring out any remover and urine that is deep
into the nap or pile.
