Cat Stain Removers

Accidents happen. And sometimes they happen on your couch. What to do when Fluffy makes your home smell like it's a personal mating ground? Clean it up!  Here's a guide to what to use for that oh-so-appetizing job.

Sniff Out the Problem

Or not. If your nose isn't strong enough to find the source, try a black light  to find the offending spot. But, beware, you may be overwhelmed with grossness. The bad news is, of all the beings that may urinate in your home, your cat will be the worst offender. Cat urine is especially strong and cats can jump and climb practically anywhere. So those spots might be anywhere.

Is there a problem?

There are several reasons why Fluffy might be urinating everywhere. Missing the box? Work on litter box training. Spraying urine? It may be a hormonal/behavioral problem. Consult a veterinarian. And this guide:

• It's natural for cats that aren't spayed or neutered to begin spraying at around six months old. Not so normal for cats that have been snipped to relieve themselves outside of the box.
• Make like a detective and scope the scene: Was there a regular amount of urine?
• A decent-sized puddle might mean your cat's health is just fine -- it's the living conditions that have gone south.
• Is the litter box clean? Far from the food bowl? Out in the open or inaccessible? Has a new cat been brought into the house?
• Clean the litter box, move it to a room that's private and easily accessible, and, if sharing is an issue, give the cat its own box for a bit.
• It could also be spite: Have you given the cat proper attention, including regular feedings? If not, make amends.
• A small puddle of urine -- or no urine, the cat crouching on your bed, struggling to pee -- is a sign of possible stoppage. Stop reading this and take your cat to the vet immediately! Stoppage is often fatal.

Odor Removers
Enzymatic Odor Remover  Interacts with the stain to neutralize it. Can work with detergent in your laundry cycle.	Bacterial Odor Remover  The bacteria eat the odorous components of cat urine. It leaves behind water, so it's safe for anything that's water-safe.	Chemical Odor Remover  Neutralizes stains with a chemical reaction.	Baking Soda  Easy, cheap, non-toxic and you just put it on the spot, leave for 24 hours, and vacuum. Some say to mix with water.	Vinegar and Water  Mix with vinegar and water and blot until the stain is gone.

Cat Urine Spraying Prevention Products
	After you clean the area of its offending mess, put this product down to keep Fluffy from going back to the spot. Keeps the territory-marking instincts off your furniture. Mimics Fluffy's pheromones to calm him down and discourage more spraying and scratching. Comes in sprays, whole room plug-ins, and liquids. Always test in a hidden spot before spraying on your couch.

Related Articles

• Cat Care
• Cat Litter Boxes
• Cat Litter

Additional Links

• About.com - Cat stain removal buying guide.
• About.com - How to get cat urine out of clothing.
• Urine-Off - How does a urine removal system work?
• Planet Urine - Litter box train your cat.
• Planet Urine - Stain removal products.
• Pet Stain Removal - How to find and treat pet stains.
• eHow - How to get cat urine from a carpet.
• eHow - And from hardwood floors.
• eHow - How to remove cat stains with household products.
• eHow - More tips.
• How to Toilet Train Your Cat - A bit disconcerting, but, hey, they once pooh-poohed Galileo for the same reason.