Cat Stain Removers
Cats usually use their litter box religiously, but every now and then you might come how to a rather peculiar odor. Don't fret too much. Cat urine stains can be removed without too much trouble. Are you having trouble finding the spot causing the odor? Try using a black light 
. Remember, cats are natural climbers, so don't neglect those hard to reach spots at higher elevations.
Is the Stain Still Wet?
If the stain is relatively new and still wet, it will be significantly easier to clean up. First, blot the spot with a clean dry cloth or a product with absorbing granules. Soak up as much of the moisture as possible. Avoid rubbing the spot; try to "dab" and "blot". Then, use a product made specifically for pet stains. Look for oxygen-activated formulas , as these are safe for pets and carpets and leave behind little to no sticky residue. Products that advertise live bacteria and enzymes are also a good bet, as they remove stains from the deepest fibers of carpets . Most products made for pet stains will deodorize as well. Some also work to prevent discoloration.
Is the Stain Dry?
Didn't find the stain in time? Don't worry; it's still possible to remove! Oxygen-activated formulas are suitable for surface cleaning, but if the stain is dry and on a thick surface like a carpet, opt for the live bacteria and enzyme formulas . Most stains that have had time to dry will require at least one other application, usually 24 hours after the initial application of the pet stain remover .
Important Information
- Cats that are not fixed spray after they are six months of age. This is normal. Fixed cats, however, should not spray. This can indicate a hormonal problem. Consult your veterinarian.
- If your cat has frequent accidents, there are more important factors at hand than removing the stains. One common reason why cats have accidents is if the litter box is dirty or too close to the food bowl .
- Sometimes, due to an environmental upset of some sort (such as a move to a new house or a new kitten entering the family) can make a cat have accidents. Introducing the troubled cat to the litter box-- again-- and re-training kitty on digging and covering usually solves the problem. Need help training Fluffy to use the box? Check out our tips in our Litter Box Guide.
- Cats may also have accidents out of spite, to punish you for taking a long trip or paying less attention to them.
- Often times accidents indicate a serious, sometimes fatal, medical condition, such as kidney trouble, infection, or worse.
- A small puddle of urine -- or no urine, the cat crouching on your bed, struggling to pee -- is a sign of possible stoppage. Stop reading this and take your cat to the vet immediately! Stoppage is often fatal.
- If you have an elderly cat, keep the closet stocked with a variety of stain and odor removers. Aging isn't always a pretty process, but at least you can be prepared and treat the stain while it is still wet.
| Odor Removers |
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Enzymatic Odor Remover - Interacts with the stain to neutralize it.
- Can work with detergent in your laundry cycle.
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Bacterial Odor Remover - The bacteria eat the odorous components of cat urine.
- It leaves behind water, so it's safe for anything that's water-safe.
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Chemical Odor Remover - Neutralizes stains with a chemical reaction.
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Baking Soda - Easy, cheap, non-toxic and you just put it on the spot, leave for 24 hours, and vacuum.
- Some say to mix with water.
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Alcohol - Dilute with two parts water. Rubbing alcohol helps fabrics dry faster.
- Test on a small hidden area first. Rubbing alcohol can harm some fabrics.
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| Cat Urine Spraying Prevention Products |
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- After you clean the area of its offending mess, put this product down to keep Fluffy from going back to the spot. Cats will often keep going in a spot after all your hard work. Even though you may smell "Rain Forest in Spring", Fluffy smells "new litter box". Prevent this by using a product made to prevent cat urine spraying .
- Keeps the territory-marking instincts off your furniture.
- Mimics Fluffy's pheromones to calm him down and discourage more spraying and scratching.
- Comes in sprays, whole room plug-ins, and liquids.
- Always test in a hidden spot before spraying on your couch (double-check that it doesn't discolour the fabric).
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