Number one

The art and science of cleaning up cat pee

Hi, Clowder fam,

This issue is a stinker. By special request…cat pee!

Oh, yes. We can write a whole book on the various reasons cats pee on things. Could be a health issue. Could be stress. Could be a lot of things. It goes without saying (though I'm totally saying it), if your kitty starts peeing on things outside their litter box, you need to take them to the vet asap to determine why. However…cat pee happens, and this issue is about how to clean it up. Really clean it up.

Cuz, if you don't clean it up using the right tools and methods, you'll get to enjoy the fragrance for many months to come.

And no one wants that.  So, let’s clear the air (har) and let the info flow (har har).

Why does cat pee smell so freaking strong?

Believe it or not, fresh urine isn't the issue. The stank of cat pee is thanks to the breakdown of urea (filtered matter from the kidneys), pheromones, and hormones by bacteria. All animal pee, including ours', contains the same basic stuff. But the included pheromones and hormones are particularly copious in cat whizz --as well as a high level of protein, from their carnivorous diets -- and all this decomposes down into mercaptans. Mercaptans, or methyl mercaptan, is an organic, stinky AF compound that's also found in farts (yes, ours' too!), skunk spray, processing paper pulp, and very cultured cheeses. 

There's a lot going on in cat pee, actually. It's a wildly effective communication device, thanks to these various nasty smells. Cats mark their territory, unfixed males announce they're looking for a mate, among other things, and, in this case, stinky pee helps these messages and territory borders last outdoors.

But indoors? Yee-ikes. We don’t need these billboards of stench.

Do I need a fancy product?

Well, yes and no. The "fancy" products on the market for urine cleanup contain enzymes which control the bacterial breakdown, and instead, turn the pre-stink mess into carbon dioxide and ammonia…which then just dissipate. If you get good stuff and use it promptly, there's nothing better. 

That's also the big problem. Firstly, you have to get "good" stuff, and by good, I mean 'fresh." These enzymes have a pretty short shelf life, sometimes shorter than its expiration date -- so it's a challenge to keep some on hand for when you need it.

Enzymatic cleaners are fussy, too. The already short shelf life can be shortened by exposure to air or extreme temperatures. Secondly, you have to get the pee before it starts the natural bacterial breakdown, and this can happen fairly quickly -- so it can be even more difficult to get the timing right, if you need to run out to the store and get some after you've discovered the cat pee. 

Lastly, enzymatic cleaners can discolor some dark colored fabrics and leather. 

So, I'm screwed?

No. Thankfully. It takes more work, but distilled white vinegar and baking soda can do the same basic thing as the enzymatic cleansers do while being much cheaper and easier to keep around.

Use a rag or paper towels to soak up as much liquid pee as possible. Then dump a goodly amount of baking soda on the area, and leave for 10 minutes or so. Then, pour vinegar onto the baking soda (it'll fizz and foam), and use another rag or more paper towels to blot up the liquid. 

Things will smell like a salad. Better than pee, but still not great. Sprinkle some additional baking soda onto the area, and leave for a bit to help with that smell, then vacuum or brush away the remnants when dry.

It still stinks!

Don't give up, yet. If the pee is on carpet, you'll have to get to the carpet padding below and clean that as well. On a cushion? Same, you have to get to the inside and clean. If there's residual pee, you'll still get the odor. 

You really need to get the foamy vinegar and baking soda into the fibers of cloth for it to work effectively. You may need to repeat the process to make sure you really drench everything and then completely soak up all the liquid.

This sounds unfun. Can't I just Febreze it and call it good?

You can. But only if you want your cat to pee there again. Febreze, or even detergent, will work on some of the fatty acids in the urine (some of the stink) -- maybe enough so you can't smell it anymore. But you cat can.

Oh, yes. 

Those lil snoots are awesome at picking up odors we can't. And if they smell their pee, they may decide that this is, indeed, a great spot to pee again. And then you're back at square one….which is even less fun than dealing the first unfun time.

I hope this helps when you inevitably step into your next cold puddle (why do I always do that when wearing clean socks?). It’s a good thing they’re cute.

And smart. And funny. And sweet.

The bliss and tribulations of loving cats…

Note: I'm not a medical professional. As always, you know your cat best. Follow your common sense and consult with your veterinarian. If you need low-cost veterinary services, the Humane Society has some options, but you can always call 211 for your area (in the US) to find out about clinics near you.

As always, all our unsmelly love,

TCR