Let’s be honest: Nothing makes your nose crinkle and your eyes water quite like the smell of lingering cat pee. Plus, it can be pretty tough to eliminate, especially if you had no idea it happened or didn’t clean it up immediately.

Because we’re the insurer who cares the most, we’ve put together some helpful tips on removing that cat pee smell from different surfaces and fabrics. We don’t just protect pets; we also protect pet parents and their nostrils! 😉

What you’ll need:

  • A paper towel or a clean cloth
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Enzyme-based cleaners (NB for breaking down the uric acid in cat urine, which makes the smell linger)
  • A vacuum cleaner

1. How to Get the Cat Pee Smell Out of Carpets

The sooner you tackle the mess, the better.

  • If the spot is fresh, use a paper towel and blot (don’t rub) to soak up as much urine as possible.
  • Saturate the area with an enzyme-based cleaner and let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes before blotting it up.
  • Then, sprinkle baking soda over the area and vacuum it up after a few hours to neutralise any lingering odour.

2. How to Get the Cat Pee Smell Out of Mattresses

If your cat has an accident on your bed, don’t sleep on it!

  • Again, blot up as much urine as possible, as soon as possible, with a paper towel or cloth.
  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the stain, and let it air dry.
  • Once dry, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area, let it sit for several hours, and then vacuum it up.
  • For persistent smells, use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for mattresses.

3. How to Get the Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothing

If your cat has found its way into your laundry basket, simply throwing your clothes in the wash won’t be enough.

  • Rinse your clothing with cold water as soon as possible.
  • Soak in a mixture of white vinegar and water for about 30 minutes before washing.
  • Add an enzymatic cleaner or baking soda to the wash cycle for extra odour-fighting power.
  • Avoid using the tumble dryer until you’re sure the smell is gone, as heat can set the odour (“cat pee perfume” just isn’t it).

How to Prevent Future Cat Pee Accidents?

  • Keep their litter box clean and change the litter regularly.
  • Provide enough litter boxes in quiet, accessible areas.
  • If accidents persist, visit the vet to rule out medical issues such as urinary tract infections or poor kidney function.

RELATED: “URINE TROUBLE!”: IS THE COLOUR OF YOUR CAT’S PEE TELLING YOU SOMETHING?

 

While we can’t stop your cat from urinating wherever they please, we can protect your felines with cat insurance! Cover them with SA’s best pet insurer, dotsure.co.za and get a quote today.

 

*Voted South Africa's Best Pet Insurance 2023/2024 by The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press.