Why does cat urine smell so bad? Let’s find out together the reasons for the appearance of bad odor in the house.
The composition of cat urine includes urea and pheromones, which have a strongly pronounced pungent odor, which is necessary for the animal to mark the territory. On contact with air, ammonia and thiol are formed. The person feels a strong, pungent and unpleasant odor of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
But it happens that the “perfume” is amplified many times – in the case that the adult pet is sick with kidney disease.
“Scent” from cats is much stronger than from cats.
In addition, after reaching sexual maturity, cats leave peculiar marks. Fluffy pets mark furniture, walls, cabinets and other objects to attract attention, to show who is in charge here, to mark their territory. If you do not plan to breed kitties, it is recommended to carry out the procedure of castration (sterilization). Otherwise, it will be impossible to cope with leaving marks everywhere. Marks must necessarily be washed off and treat the surface with a means with an even stronger odor, so that the cat does not aim there anymore.
It also happens that the cat suddenly refuses to visit his toilet. And here it is already worth to understand the reasons for the change in the habitual behavior of the pet:
- You may have changed the litter and he didn’t like it;
- the litter box has been moved and the cat is uncomfortable in the new place;
- the litter box is uncomfortable;
- something smells near the litter box and the odor makes the cat uncomfortable;
- problems with the kidneys and urinary system;
- urinary problems in older cats due to age;
- the litter box is being used by more than one cat at a time;
- the cat’s litter box is not clean enough;
- the animal is under stress (arrival of a child or another pet, arrival of guests, etc.).
Sometimes cats take revenge. For example, for the fact that they were told off, punished, mistreated. In this case, instead of a litter box, they can choose the slippers of the offender, his bed or bedside mat as a field for revenge. So the treatment of furry pets – a delicate matter.
Remember: in the event that the cat has stopped using the usual litter box for no good reason, it is worth sending him to the vet. Such behavior often signals problems with the urinary tract and kidneys!
Kitten does not go to the litter box
What if a little kitten leaves stinky puddles all over the house? Before you wonder why the fluffy lump goes past the litter box, or even does not get to it at all, you should know that kittens often simply cannot hold back urination. So while your kitty is still very young, don’t scold him for not going to the litter box. Instead, help by purchasing special disposable diapers. The diaper used for its intended purpose in such a situation should definitely be put in the cat litter box, so that the baby gets used to it and remembers by smell where it should go.
The litter box for kittens should also be selected correctly. It should not be too spacious, and also have low sides, so that a small pet can easily visit it.
How to eliminate the odor of cat urine and markings?
This is not always easy to do. The usual detergents and cleaning products that we use to clean our homes are not always able to cope. So what to do? How to remove the smell of cat urine?
To remove the unpleasant odor, you can use folk remedies (salt, vinegar, baking soda, etc.), but we will tell you about a more modern approach – the use of special products.
If you find a fresh puddle at home, fill it up with common table salt or cat litter pellets as soon as possible. This way, you can make it a little easier to eliminate moisture and unpleasant “stuffiness” on your sofa upholstery or carpeting. And after the moisture is absorbed, wash the stains with detergents.
If soiled textile surface of dark color, drop 6 drops of iodine in 200 ml of clean water and rub the stain well. Cats do not like the iodine smell and in the future will bypass this place, and meanwhile such a “mixture” neutralizes the smell of cat urine.
A paste of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and baking soda will also help in removing annoying stains and odors. Citric acid diluted in water works in a similar way.
But what to use for stale stains? Try glycerin. Rub it on the stain and then wash the surface thoroughly with soap and water.
If the cat is marking its territory, use lavender essence to treat vertical surfaces and the floor. A stronger odor will deter the cat from committing this “atrocity”.
Despite the fact that many are still adherents of “grandmotherly” methods of destroying stains and odors, we advise you to use specialized means, which are now a great variety: detergents, sprays, powders, etc. This will allow you to avoid spoiling many things and surfaces, as well as much faster cope with the absorption of ammonia odor.
Modern products contain enzymes that break down the molecules (which are the cause of the stench). Sprays and aerosols are often used both to repel the animal, correct the cat’s behavior, and block the stinky aroma. Detergents can effectively and quickly deal with the stain and remove the foul odor. Oxygen bleaches remove both fresh and stale cat urine stains on textile surfaces, as well as fight odor.
In the difficult fight against odor, stains and marks, we recommend you to pay attention to products from HG, ProbioDay, M-Pets, Nature`s Miracle, Vitomax, Ceva, TropiClean, etc.
How to remove urine stains?
Cat urine contains:
- urea (which causes the discharge to become sticky);
- urochrome (gives a yellow color that is visible on surfaces);
- uric acid (provides rapid crystallization, which causes the stain to become embedded in the surface).
Once the stain has been detected, arm yourself with paper napkins or toilet paper and blot away the moisture. Immediately place the used tissues in a garbage bag and tie it well. After that, use special cat urine stain and odor remedies. They will not only deal with the stain, but also remove the unpleasant odor.
How to remove cat urine from the carpet?
It can be cleaned with a special detergent in liquid or dry form (for carpet and textile surfaces, clothes), or by spraying a special spray. Or just pour the stain with baking soda, wait from 10 to 20 min, vacuum the carpeting.
How to remove the stain from upholstered furniture?
Dry the moisture from a fresh urine stain with napkins, and after – wash with household chemicals designed for fabric treatment, or use the above recommendations for vinegar.
Mattress and cat urine
You can try washing the mattress, but if this method is not suitable, use special means or folk methods.
- 1 tsp. of citric acid dissolved in water, rub into the surface of the mattress and leave it for two hours, and then wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Sprinkle a solution of vinegar and water on the stain, leave it for an hour, and then cover it with baking soda and keep it for 30-40 minutes. After that, vacuum the mattress, treat it with peroxide. Be sure to use these remedies separately from each other, withstanding the specified time.
Cat urine on clothes: what to do?
How to wash cat urine? If the stain is fresh – wash the clothes as soon as possible, using ordinary washing powder. Do not add other things to the wash. Soak the soiled clothes in a basin or sink for 2-3 hours, adding half a cup of oxygen bleach. And after that, place it in a solution of white vinegar (vinegar and water in proportions of 1:3). Cover the stain with baking soda and leave it for 10-15 minutes. For machine washing, use the mode of washing in cold water, without subsequent drying.
Stain on the floor
How to remove the smell of cat urine from the floor at home?
- For both fresh and stale stains, you can use vodka. Except for the odor of alcohol, there will definitely be no harm from it, and the stain will be eliminated.
- Manganese solution should be used only on dark floor coverings, so that the surface is not colored. It is important that all crystals of manganese dissolve completely in water and only then you can wash out cat urine.
- Vinegar solution (vinegar 1: water 3). Effective on cat urine and fresh tags. Do not rinse off the applied solution.
- Lemon juice diluted in water. The proportions should be determined independently – depending on the sensitivity of the floor surface to acids.
Tip: If the floor is covered with natural wood – choose dry methods of removing stains and odors. For carpet – dry soda, special means. Tile is suitable and vinegar, and baking soda, and detergents designed for cleaning floors. And for linoleum – spray and special detergents.
If you are afraid to experiment with folk remedies, use chemistry to remove stinky stains, and if the odor is not eliminated by anything, it is worth using the services of a cleaning service or dry cleaning.
What should not be done when removing stains and stinky odor?
- Use hot water in an attempt to mop up a urine stain.
- Use chlorine and ammonia-containing chemicals – they can damage the surface and aggravate the odor.
- Use industrial special agents without first reading the instructions – for which surfaces they are intended.
- Do not use a washing machine, iron or hair dryer to dry surfaces with cat urine stains or marks.
- Do not rub the surface too hard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Why Cat Urine Smells So Bad
Cat urine contains urea and pheromones, which break down into ammonia and thiol when exposed to air. These chemicals produce a strong, pungent odor, similar to ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which is often intensified if the cat has kidney issues.
Adult cats, especially unneutered males, produce urine with a more concentrated odor due to hormones. They also tend to mark their territory with pheromone-laden urine, which adds to the smell.
Cats mark furniture, walls, and other objects to communicate dominance, attract mates, or claim territory. This behavior is especially common in unneutered male cats, but it can be controlled through sterilization.
Cats may avoid the litter box due to reasons like a change in litter, an uncomfortable location, kidney or urinary issues, stress, or simply if the box isn’t clean enough. It’s also possible the cat feels territorial or is reacting to changes in the environment.
First, ensure the litter box is clean, comfortable, and located in a quiet area. If behavioral reasons are ruled out, it’s important to visit a vet, as this behavior could indicate urinary tract or kidney issues.
You can neutralize the odor using household items like baking soda, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide, but specialized enzymatic cleaners are more effective in breaking down the urine molecules and eliminating the stench.
Yes, stress due to environmental changes (like new pets, visitors, or moving) can cause cats to urinate outside their litter box. Cats are sensitive to their surroundings and may express anxiety through such behavior.
To clean urine from fabrics, blot with paper towels, then treat the area with an enzymatic cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. For persistent odors, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide can be effective.
Neutering or spaying your cat is the most effective way to reduce territorial marking. Additionally, using lavender or strong-smelling essential oils in problem areas can deter marking.
Kittens may struggle to hold their bladder and can accidentally urinate outside the box. Provide a low-sided, easily accessible litter box, and use disposable diapers temporarily until the kitten is fully trained.
We suggest that you read all the opinions on our portal and take note of them at your own discretion. Do not self-medicate! In our articles we collect the latest scientific data and opinions of authoritative experts in the field of health care. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and treat.
The portal is intended for users over 13 years old. Some materials may not be suitable for children under the age of 16. We do not collect personal data from children under 13 without parental consent.We have a small request. We strive to create quality content about pet care, and we make it available for free to everyone because we believe everyone deserves accurate and useful information.
Advertising revenue only covers a small portion of our costs, and we want to continue to provide content without having to increase advertising. If you have found our content useful, please support us. It only takes a minute, but your support will help us reduce our reliance on advertising and create even more useful articles. Thank you!
