Getting Cat Urine Out of Your Carpet

There's no doubt about it, cat urine is an odor that gets your attention. If your cat adopts a fickle mood or has decided he's not happy about something, he might ignore his litter box in favor of your carpet. Getting cat urine out of your carpet isn't an easy task, but the information below could help you understand exactly what you're up against.

What makes cat urine hard to remove?

When cat urine dries, crystals are formed. They are the source of the intense urine odor that is ammonia-based. It's a mistake to use ammonia-based cleaning products on urine in carpets because they actually make the urine smell worse. They mask the odor instead of removing it. Cats come back to the same spot they have marked because they recognize the smell of ammonia.

Another problem with cat urine crystals is that they reactivate when exposed to moisture. Unless you use a cleaner that actually breaks down the crystals and eliminates them, the urine odor will return.

Carpeting is also part of the problem. Having a layer of carpet, and any pad underneath allows the urine to saturate deep into two surfaces. Many people have been forced to rip out carpeting and throw it away because they were unable to completely remove the cat urine odor.

Do natural cleaning recipes really work?

Natural cleaning recipes for getting cat urine out of your carpet have been around for a long time and get mixed reviews. Their effectiveness depends upon the surface soaked with urine and how deeply it has penetrated. Before applying any type of cat urine cleaner, use a rag or paper towels to blot the area. Try not to rub because this only spreads the urine. Using a blotting motion, soak up as much of the urine as possible.

If you prefer a green approach, following is a natural recipe that combines a number of products generally kept around the home. Always test a small area of your carpet first to be sure that the treatment does not damage the color.

After blotting, mix three parts water with one part white vinegar and saturate the area. Dry completely using the same blotting technique.

Next, mix three-quarters of a cup of three-percent hydrogen peroxide solution with one teaspoon of liquid dish detergent.

Sprinkle the spot with baking soda and then apply this solution on top using an old toothbrush or glove-covered fingers to work the mixture into the carpet or fabric. Let it dry and then vacuum. Repeat the process if necessary.

What are the best cleaning products?

Manufacturers have developed some very effective carpet cleaning products to tackle cat urine. Some contain bacteria and enzymes that react chemically with urine to remove the odor. Most can be bought in pet stores or online.

Urine Off Odor and Stain Remover for Cats by Urine Off. It contains formulated enzymes that break down urine crystals on a chemical level.

Just for Cats by Nature's Miracle. Lower priced than some of its competitors, it comes with a guarantee of satisfaction.

Cat-Off by Thornell. This product contains no bacteria or enzymes and uses a combination of absorption, counteraction and bonding. It is available through veterinarians.

If your cat develops a reason to avoid his litter box, you can be confident that there are effective options available for getting cat urine out of your carpet.