If you have problems with cat urine smell, either because of a cat not using its litter box, or because of urine marking, don’t panic! We have some simple tips on how to remove it. However although you removed the smell, does it get to the heart of the problem? If you don’t find out why it's doing it your cat will probably continue with this behaviour...

Before we get to the clean-up lets try to find out why your cat is doing this. There could be many different reasons why your cat is not using its litter box, and urinating in different places around the house. It may simply be marking its territory, or it may be more serious and be caused by a medical problem. If you suspect the latter then you should take it to a vet for a urinalysis, and an overall check-up, just to make sure there is not a medical reason for its behaviour.

Another reason for a cat not using its litter box is because cats can be very shy when it comes to going to the toilet. Cats enjoy their privacy, especially when they are doing their business. Make sure that you have more than one litter box for your cat, and always place it in a quiet spot away from people and other animals. You may find by simply doing this that it will start to use the litter box, and stop leaving that nasty cat urine smell all over the house.

There are several tips on how to remove cat urine, and the use of white vinegar seems to be a popular one. After soaking up as much of the urine as you can with paper towels, (don’t rub, as this will only push the urine further in,) mix two parts warm water with one part distilled white vinegar. Apply the mixture to the stained area and this time rub it well in. Allow the area to dry, and then go over it again using just warm water.

Once the affected area is fully clean and dry, you should use a high quality pet odour neutraliser; (available at pet supply stores) this will get rid of any lingering smell and so should stop your cat from re-offending in the same place

This is just one method of how to remove cat urine, there are many more home made remedies as well as some very good commercial products available at pet shops. However never use anything with ammonia for removing cat urine odours, as the urine itself contains ammonia and this will only attract your cat to mess in the same place again.