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.
