10 Tips for Cleaning Cat Urine

There are a variety of reasons why felines bypass their litter box and urinate everywhere else in your home. If your cat is sick, has behavioral issues, is getting used to a new pet or child, or is protesting a dirty litter box, then she might opt to use your plush carpet or your new chaise lounge as a place to do her business.

It's important to consult with your veterinarian to find out why your cat isn't using her box. But in the meantime, if you do find urine on the new chaise lounge, don't fret. We're sharing 10 tips for cleaning cat urine and preventing your furniture from being given away to your sister who's been eyeing it anyways.

10. Grab a paper towel, and try to blot up as much of the urine as possible. If it's a large spot and you don't want to waste paper towels, use a cloth towel or old clothes that can be thrown away. If the spot is on the carpet, stand on the wet spot (remember to wear shoes).

9. Don't rub the stain. If it's dry, pour cold water on the stain, and blot.

8. Avoid using detergents with ammonia in them. The "pee smell" in them might encourage your cat to mark the spot again.

7. Use a commercial product found at your pet store or a homemade mixture from ingredients found right in your own home. Make sure to test either of the two on a small area first.

6. Here's a good homemade solution: mix a water and vinegar solution. Vinegar is great for killing bacteria. This mixture is perfect for both old and new stains. Try 1 1/2 cups of warm water and a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Pour this concoction over the stain and soak for about 3 to 5 minutes. Note: vinegar is not good for marble or stone.

5. There's nothing like good all-purpose baking soda. After the water and vinegar solution is dry, sprinkle the area with baking soda. How much is enough? A lot.

4. You're not done just yet with the homemade remedies. Mix 3/4 cup of three percent hydrogen peroxide (you know you have some under your bathroom sink) with 1 teaspoon of dish detergent. Sprinkle this solution over the baking soda and test a small spot. You need to do this because sometimes peroxide can discolor or bleach fabrics (source). Work the baking soda into the fabric or carpet.

3. It's time to let the mixtures dry for a few hours. Once the spot's good and dry, vacuum the excess baking soda. If the stain is extremely tough, repeat the entire process again.

2. If homemade mixing is not your thing, there are commercial products on the market that work well too. Make sure to look for cleaners that contain enzymes because they work to break down the urine and neutralize the odor (source). Make sure you follow the instructions carefully on these products.

1. Just because you can't see the stain, doesn't mean you can't smell the stain. Deodorizing must be part of the equation. Once again, baking soda and a mixture of detergent and water will help minimize odors.

Source: http://www.animalplanet.com - by Alison Kim Perry