Steps for Removing Cat Urine from Carpet

By Annie Clark

You walk into your living room, and inhale a terrible stench. Your cat has urinated on the carpet. Fast action is necessary to permanently remove that awful odor and stain.

Soaking up the urine is the first step. Dry stains will require wetting first. Steam cleaners should not be used for removing the liquid as the heat may permanently set the odor and stain. Using white bath towels or white paper towels to ensure that color doesn't transfer from the towels to your carpet, place the towels on top of the stained area, and put books or another heavy object on top. Let the towels and object set overnight so that you can soak up as much liquid as possible. Be sure not to use your foot to apply pressure, as you may end up tracking urine through your house.

When the carpet is completely dry, apply a cat urine removal cleaner. Common household cleaners should not be used as they will not be able to completely remove the odor. Enzymes, chemicals or bacteria are needed to break down the urine and stop the odor. Cleaners containing ammonia should not be used, as the smell of ammonia may make your cat choose to urinate in the same spot again.

Before applying the cleaner, test the product on a hidden area of carpet to make sure there is no discoloration. Soak the stained area thoroughly along with the area surrounding the stain since the liquid may have spread in the pad underneath the carpet. Put some foil or plastic wrap over the treated area so that the carpet will stay wet longer and allow the cleaner more time to work.

When the area is dry, baking soda can be sprinkled over the carpet and vacuumed up for a fresher scent. Check to see if the urine odor has been completely removed. If not, then follow the steps outlined above and treat an even larger area of carpet in case more has been spread underneath the pad.

If the odor remains after two treatments, the pad may have to be replaced. Before you lay the new pad, treat the subfloor with sealant so that urine can't get trapped in the concrete or wood below the carpet.

Odor from cat urination in inappropriate places can be difficult to eradicate. If you follow the above steps, you have the best possible chance of removing cat urine from carpet.

For more tips on Removing Cat Urine from Carpet and Cat Urine Removers visit the Feline Info website.