The Unpleasant Job Of Removing Cat Urine From Carpet – Smells and Stains

Cat urine stains and the associated pungent odor can be stubborn to remove. Even if we think we have done a good job, the cat pee smell can miraculously reappear.

When you think about it, mother nature has done an excellent job of ensuring that a cat marking its territory emits a powerfully strong odor to deter any intruders.

Be aware that you may need to repeat the cleaning process of removing cat urine from carpet several times.

It is not because you haven’t done a good enough job; it is because cat urine odors are notoriously difficult to banish and a stubborn smell may persist. Be patient and rinse and repeat if necessary.

Here are instructions if you want to use vinegar and baking soda as cleaning agents.

What Supplies Do I need To Clean Cat Pee Stains From Carpet?

You will need:
An enzymatic cleaner. A well-liked enzyme cleanser for cleaning cat urine is called Nature’s Miracle. There are many enzyme cleaners on the market, made expressly for cleaning pet stains and odors.

Collect the supplies before starting the cleaning. That way you will have everything at hand when you need it.

Now follow the instructions below to work on the cat urine smell.

How To Get Rid Of Dried Cat Urine Smell On Carpets

Traditional cleaning products often fail to completely eliminate the cat urine odor from carpets, leaving the room smelling unmistakably of cat pee.

Enzymatic cleaners, on the other hand, are designed specifically to break down the molecules that cause odors.

To use an enzymatic cleaner to remove dried cat pee odor from your carpet, follow these steps:

1. Begin by vacuuming the affected area to remove any solid residue.
   
2. Next, generously spray the enzymatic cleaner onto the area and allow it to soak in for a few minutes.
   
3. Finally, blot the area dry with a clean cloth, paper towel or an old towel.

You may need to repeat these steps a few times before the cat urine odor is completely gone.

Enzyme based cleaners are often more effective than traditional cleaning products at removing tough odors like cat urine.

How To Get Rid Of Fresh Urine Smells On Carpet

When dealing with fresh cat urine, it’s important to act quickly. The longer the urine sits, the harder it will be to get rid of the smell.

1. First, make sure to blot up as much of the urine as possible with a clean cloth.
   
2. Then, mix one part cold water with one part enzymatic cleaner.
   
3. Using a clean sponge, apply the solution to the affected area and let it sit for five minutes.
   
4. Next, use a wet vacuum to remove the solution from the carpet or use old towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Do not rub, but rather blot repeatedly.
   
5. Allow the area to air dry completely.

The enzymes in the cleaner will continue to work even after the solution has been removed, so there’s no need to rinse.

Following these steps should help to remove the fresh cat pee smell from your carpet.

What About The Carpet Pad Or Underlay?

Sometimes the cat pee may have gone through to the carpet pad or carpet underlay. If the carpet is a rug, the floor underneath may also need to be treated.

If the pad under the carpet needs to be replaced, it is sometimes wisest to call in professional carpet cleaners. If the underlay or pad needs to be replaced, the carpet may also need to be re-stretched.

Why is it crucial to get the odor out?

When a cat urinates, it is actually leaving behind several important signals.

First, the cat’s urine smell contains information about the cat’s health and identity.

Second, the act of urinating itself is a way of marking territory.

By urinating in a certain area, a cat is claiming that space as its own. This explains why cats will often return to the same spot to pee – they are reinforcing their claim on that piece of territory.

Cats may return to an area that smells of their own urine to make them feel more comfortable and secure.

For example, if a cat feels threatened by another animal, the familiar scent of their own urine may help to calm them down.

Stop The Cat from Peeing In The Same Places On The Carpet

We know that cats return to the same spot to pee. If they have got into the habit of peeing in a particular place, it is a habit that has to be broken. Read the information above about cleaning the carpet of cat cat pee.

One important fact, cats do not like to pee where they are eating and drinking.

Place food and water bowls in the area where the carpet has been cleaned. Gradually, the cat will stop wanting to use that area to pee, and the food bowls can be returned to the normal place.

Placing their bed or a favorite blanket in the spot.

Engaging them in play near the area — use wand toys or treat-dispensing toys to create positive associations

You can also try placing a clean litter box and litter in the affected area.

Another solution is to use a pet repellent spray. A pet repellent spray is a product that is designed to keep pets away from areas where the spray has been applied. The active ingredient varies from product to product.

Obviously, you would need to choose a product that has a smell that you are able to tolerate inside your home.

Still having problems or need some more ideas on how to stop the cat from peeing in the same spot?

Try Feliway Classic Spray which mimics the natural facial pheromones cats leave when they rub against things, signaling that the area is safe and calm.

Spraying Feliway in problem spots can reduce stress and the urge to mark.

Cover the area temporarily with textures cats hate such as aluminum foil, double-sided tape, or a plastic carpet runner with the spiky side up. Cats dislike the feel and will avoid stepping on it.

Extra Tip:
If nothing seems to work, you could try confining your cat to a single room with their litter box, food, water, and bed for a week or two. Once they consistently use the litter box, gradually reintroduce them to the rest of the house.

Using Bleach To Remove Cat Pee Stains in Carpet

Many people turn to bleach in desperation when removing cat urine, or perhaps bleach is what you already have at home. However, using bleach on cat urine is a bad idea for several reasons.

Bleach is a powerful chemical that may damage carpet fibers, making them more likely to tear and fray. Bleach may also remove the color from your carpet, and that can’t be restored.

Bleach is ineffective at actually removing the urine stain – it will only temporarily mask the odor.

Is the Cat Urine Stain Still There After Cleaning?

Cat urine stains can remain on the carpet even if you have now managed to remove the smell.

If you have this problem, try this method using hydrogen peroxide.

Here Is How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Cat Urine Stains

A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is effective for cleaning cat pee from carpet. To make the solution, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts water.

For example, if you are using a quart-sized container, mix together one cup of hydrogen peroxide and three cups of water.

Apply the solution to the affected area using a spray bottle or a sponge.

Thoroughly saturate the area, as you want the solution to reach the root of the problem.

Once you have applied the solution, let it sit for around 15 minutes before blotting it up with a clean cloth.

This method can be used to remove cat urine smell and a cat urine stain.

There are smells that cat do not like. This can help to protect carpet or other areas you want the cat to keep away from.

Last update on 2026-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API