It’s an odour that seems to cling to everything; floors, fabrics, even the air itself. No amount of quick cleaning ever seems to make it truly disappear. But why does cat urine smell so bad? And more importantly, how can you get rid of it for good? In this post, we’ll break down the science behind the smell and share proven strategies to eliminate it once and for all, so you and your beloved pets can enjoy a fresher, more comfortable home.
The science behind the smell
Cat urine smells so strongly because of what’s in it and what happens to it over time. When a cat urinates, the liquid is highly concentrated. As it sits, bacteria begin to break down the urea in it. Urea is a waste product that the body creates when it breaks down proteins. It’s the main substance in urine (for both humans and animals) that the body uses to remove excess nitrogen.
This first stage releases ammonia; the sharp, harsh odour you often notice right away. But the smell doesn’t stop there.
Cat urine also contains a unique sulphur-based compound called felinine. As the urine continues to break down, felinine turns into even smellier sulphur compounds called mercaptans. That’s why old cat urine that hasn’t been cleaned properly has such a stubborn and strong smell. On top of that, the uric acid in cat urine crystallises and can stick around in carpets and fabrics long after the stain dries. When the air gets humid, those crystals can release the odour all over again, making it seem like the smell never really left. So, the longer cat urine sits, the more it decomposes, and the stronger the smell becomes.
Fun fact: Mercaptans found in cat urine, are also found in skunk spray. No wonder it’s particularly smelly!
Different ways to clean up cat urine
Vinegar
Blot up as much of the urine as possible with paper towels. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply to the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Blot the area dry with a clean cloth.
Baking Soda
Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the spot to absorb any remaining moisture and odour. Let the baking soda dry completely, then vacuum it up. For items that can go in the wash, add a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle along with your regular detergent.
Enzymatic cleaner
Purchase an enzymatic cleaner specifically made for pet odours, such as Envii Pet Fresh. These contain enzymes that break down the uric acid in cat urine. Apply the cleaner according to the product instructions, ensuring it saturates the affected area. Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended time before blotting or rinsing, as it needs time to work. You may need to repeat this process a few times for stubborn odours.
Pet Fresh is a natural pet urine deodoriser designed to tackle all types of pet messes while leaving behind a refreshing mint fragrance. Using natural, beneficial bacteria, Pet Fresh breaks down the components of the cat urine to eliminate odours and urine stains caused by our furry friends, providing an effective solution to banish the smell for good, without the use of harsh chemicals.
If using Pet Fresh, clean up the excess urine and then:
- Apply liberally to the affected area and surrounding areas
- Leave to allow the product to soak in for 10 minutes and break down the urine
- For tougher stains, apply a more generous amount and allow to soak for 1 hour
- Vacuum and reapply when necessary
- For carpet machines, use 100ml per 5 litres of clean water
- For our refill product, use 80ml per 750ml spray bottle
Pet Fresh is completely safe for use around your home, pets and children, as it contains only natural ingredients.
Other deodorisers simply mask the bad odour by using a strong fragrance, which over time wears off and the unpleasant smells return. However, our cat and dog urine smell remover is specially formulated with beneficial bacteria and enzymes to lift urine stains and break down the source of the odour - eliminating it for good rather than just masking it with perfume! Pet Fresh works on all pet accidents, including urine, faeces and vomit to remove stains and odours.
Important tips to remember when cleaning cat urine
Never use heat: Do not use steam cleaners or other heat sources on the spot, as heat can permanently set the stain and odour.
Avoid bleach: Do not use bleach or strongly scented cleaners, as they may not fully remove the odour and could even encourage your cat to urinate in the same spot again.
Test first: Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface.
Ventilate: Open windows to provide fresh air, which helps dissipate odours.
Dealing with cat urine might feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and the right products, you can tackle even the toughest smells and stains. Understanding why the odour is so strong is half the battle; the other half is using proven methods that actually break down the source instead of simply covering it up. Whether you choose natural, at-home solutions or a powerful bacteria-based cleaner, you can restore freshness, protect your home, and keep both you and your feline friends happy. With a little patience and the proper tools, that stubborn smell doesn’t stand a chance.
