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.
Ads By CbproAds
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.
