How to Remove Cat Urine Odor

The question of how to remove cat urine odor comes up several times a month, so I thought I'd address it here. If you've tried and failed to remove cat urine odor from your home or car, you're not alone.

If you're unsure on the subject of how to remove cat urine odor; if you're confused as to which products work best; if you've tried to remove that nasty cat urine smell and failed, then I know you're frustrated. You're also not alone.

Cat urine odor is not only strong, it's persistent. If not removed properly and completely, sometimes all it takes is for the area to become damp, and there it is again. That darn cat smell!

This page on how to remove cat urine odor was mostly created out of my own frustration. It's also not just about how to remove cat urine odor. Some of the products on the market that attack cat urine will also work on other odors and even stains.

At some point in time, every cat owner is going to encounter some type of smell or stain that they can't get rid of, maybe even the dreaded cat urine odor. When you do, finding the right solution may not be easy. If you're reading this, then I suspect that you know what I mean.

It could be that your cat has a litter box problem, or a spraying problem, or you have one of each! Or it could be, like one of my cats, that she just won't squat down enough to keep it all inside the box! That's a common problem with many female cats - get used to it, or get a litter box with higher walls - she won't change.

Or it may just be that you want to freshen your house so that the box odor doesn't linger. Or maybe you've got an old problem that has come to visit again. Perhaps a gift from a previous resident animal?

In any case, you need to know how to remove cat urine odor from your home, your clothes, your upholstery, your car... your whatever.

Odor and stain removal products are many and varied, and there are many of this type of product that are absolute "duds."

If you study what most of the major magazines, television shows, and web sites repeatedly review, there are a number of top products that keep coming up in the recommendations. These are some of the most popular products in a crowded market.

Each of these products attacks the challenge of how to remove cat urine odor in their own way. Each one has its own unique aspects and quirks, but you can typically rely on each one of these to be more or less effective.

Now, I say that with words of caution. Effectiveness can vary, depending upon what your definition is. The circumstances surrounding how, when, and where you use the product can make a difference. With some products, effectiveness can depend upon the type of affected material, surface, or item.

Some products can be used right along with, or after, other cleaning or deodorizing products, and some can't. Some work in the laundry; some don't. Some won't work if the urine is fresh. Some produce ammonia and require an "after-treatment" as the ammonia smell may attract your cat and encourage further elimination on the area.

Here are the products most often reviewed and recommended on web sites that focus attention on how to remove cat urine odor:

  1. Anti-Icky-Poo
    Anti-Icky Poo bills itself as a "serious product with a funny name." The concept is simple... if you remove the source of the odor, then the odor is gone, and can't come back.

    Anti-Icky-Poo uses a combination of enzymes and a specially grown, high tech bacteria to eat organic waste and convert it to harmless carbon dioxide. This "friendly" bacteria can survive in conditions that others cannot, thus making the product more effective, with more complete removal of the source of the odor. For many reviewers, this product is the number one choice in this category.
  2. Simple Solution Extreme Cat Stain & Odor Remover

    Simple Solution Stain and Odor Remover combines a bacterial and enzyme formula with advanced cleansers. It completely eliminates all organic stains and odors.

    The manufacturer tells us that it works on "urine, vomit, feces, blood, dirt, grass, red wine, juice, coffee, tea, baby formula and more."

    It's guaranteed to work the first time, every time. It's safe to use on any water-safe surface. All of the ingredients in Simple Solution are non-toxic, so it won't hurt your pets or their people.
  3. Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor

    Nature's Miracle is a popular enzyme based product, and a top pick on many lists. One caution with this product is that it works best when not combined with detergents. This includes using it after a detergent has been used on the material in question.
  4. Cat Odor-Off

    This one is a little different. Instead of bacteria or enzymes, it uses a combination of techniques; counteraction, adsorption, and chemical bonding (chemisorption) to do the job.
  5. Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator

    Rocco & Roxie, with over 5,000 reviews on Amazon, has been put to the test by pet loving consumers. The enzymatic bacteria are activated on contact and go to work destroying ammonia crystals and organic matter, eliminating the source of the odors.
  6. GET SERiOUS! Pet Stain, Odor and Pheromone Extractor

    Get Serious is an enzyme-free stain, odor, and pheromone "extractor." The manufacturer makes the following claims about this award winning product...

    Works in 3 minutes.

    Never yellows.

    Removes yellowing left by other cleaners.

    Removes odors and pheromones that attract pets back.

    Cruelty free.
  7. OdorXit

    OdorXit has two products. One that works by "gas absorption" to trap the gas coming from the urine, and one that chemically alters the source of the odor. It can be used with other cleaners and detergents following the manufacturer's directions.
  8. AtmosKlear

    AtmosKlear has been the top choice of cruise lines, hotel chains, hospitals, and a major US car manufacturer for some time. It is currently my top choice as well. Their guarantee is clear. The manufacturer of AtmosKlear will teach you how to remove cat urine odor (or any other odor) using their product, or your money back.

    9. I have yet to see a truly complete resource on how to remove cat urine odor that covers all circumstances. I recommend you have a look at my page on how to remove cat urine odor with Atmosklear.

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