There are plenty of reasons a cat might start urinating outside of its litterbox. For example; it could be a behavioural problem, a way for them to protest something, or they can be suffering from an illness. Whatever the reason, the strong smell it leaves behind is notoriously difficult to get rid of. The approach required depends on the surface affected. Here’s our guide on how to get the smell of cat urine out of carpet.
Act fast
This applies to whatever kind of surface your cat has done its business on; the longer the urine is there, the worse it will stink. This means that swiftly locating the stain and dealing with it is important to make the task at hand as easy for yourself as possible. Acting fast will get you better results with less effort required, so don’t delay.
Blot up the urine and rinse. Use paper towels to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Once that’s done, rinse the area with water and vacuum up the liquid with an appropriate vacuum. Whatever you do, don’t use a steam cleaner, as this is likely to set the stain.
Use an enzyme cleaner
After those first few steps have been completed, you’re still going to be left with the smell. This is when most people feel at a loss and start to use whatever cleaners they have available in the cupboard. It is crucial that you do not do this. Your best option is to use an enzyme cleaner like PetLab Urine Stain and Odour Remover. Do not use other chemicals prior to this, as it will reduce the effectiveness of the urine remover. Before you use a large amount, as with any cleaning product, test the urine remover on an inconspicuous surface first to make sure your carpet agrees with it.
How to use enzyme cleaner on a fresh stain
If the stain is recent, proceed with the PetLab solution after following the first steps of this guide. Leave the affected area moist, and then spray a generous amount of the enzymatic cleaner on a surface reaching about 30 cm or 12 inches surrounding the stain. Use about the same amount of cleaner as there was urine when you discovered the stain. Leave the cleaner to work until it is fully dry; if it’s exposed to the sun it might dry too fast, so prevent this by covering it. Spray the area with water to get rid of the residue left behind, and you’re good to go.
How to use enzyme cleaner on an old stain
Sometimes you don’t act fast enough, and the urine will set. PetLab can still remove the odour, and in most cases also fade the stain. Start by washing down the stain with water, then blot it up until the carpet is moist. Spray liberally with the cleaner and cover the area with tarp or other non-porous products. When dry, wipe it down with more water. If the stain is very old, you might need to repeat this process to get rid of the smell entirely.
