What does cat pee smell like? This is a question that many people have asked, and it is not an easy one to answer. The truth is, everyone's sense of smell is different.
So, what one person considers to be a strong scent may not bother another person at all. However, when it comes to the smell of cat pee there are some general characteristics that most people can agree on.
In this blog post, we will discuss these smells and how you can deal with them if they become a problem in your home.

Characteristics of Cat Pee
Cat urine has a strong, pungent odor that is easily recognizable. If you have ever smelled cat urine before, you know how potent and unmistakable it is.
Cat urine contains a chemical called felinine, which is what gives it its characteristic odor. Many people describe the smell as being similar to ammonia. It's a strong and foul odor. When urine oxidizes, urea is broken up and released.
This smell is temporarily neutralized by baking soda, soap, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. However, if humidity is present, the smell immediately returns as the urine recrystallizes.
When cats urinate, they often leave a small puddle of urine on the ground. This puddle will quickly evaporate and the strong smell of cat urine will be left behind. If you have ever had to clean up cat urine, you know how difficult it is to remove the odor completely.
Even after cleaning with a powerful cleaner, the smell of cat urine may still linger. This is because the odor particles of cat urine are extremely small and can easily become airborne, making them difficult to remove.
Why Does Cat Pee Smell Bad?
Cats are very adaptable creatures. They are extremely good at utilizing water efficiently. Their urine is highly concentrated and darker than that of most other creatures.
Male cats generally have worse smelling urine due to the presence of hormones and pheromones. This is because their bodies are not able to break down the amino acids in their food as efficiently, so they produce more ammonia.
5 Steps for Removing the Potent Cat Urine Smell
Can you completely eliminate the smell of cat pee? It is important to clean your cat's pee as soon as possible. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can also attract other cats to urinate in the same spot. The following are five steps that will help you remove the cat urine smell from your home:
- Find the source of the odor and clean it up. If you don't know where the odor is coming from, start by checking the litter box. Empty the litter box and clean it with a mild soap and water solution.
- If the odor is coming from carpeting or upholstered furniture, you will need to use a pet odor neutralizer or enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners break down the odor-causing molecules in urine and neutralize the odor.
- Once you have cleaned the affected area, you will need to ventilate the area to help remove the lingering odor. You can do this by opening windows or using fans to circulate the air.
- If the odor is still present after cleaning and ventilating, you may need to treat the area with an ozone generator. Ozone generators are available at most hardware stores and will help to eliminate the odor by breaking down the molecules that cause it.
- Finally, you can prevent future odors a few different ways. Some suggest using a litter box with a lid while others suggest having an outdoor litter box. You should also clean the litter box regularly with a mild soap and water solution.
Following these steps will help you to remove the cat urine smell from your home and prevent future odors.
The Best Cat Pee Stain & Odor Remover
If you're looking for the best cat pee stain and odor remover, look no further than Clean + Green. Clean + Green Pet Stain + Odor Remover sprays are chemical free, non-toxic and safe for use around kids and pets! They are plant-based, unscented, hypoallergenic, and free of bleach, dyes, ammonia, phosphates, and other petro-chemicals. The best part is that they are certified Cruelty-Free.
Carefully formulated to clean up your cat pee, cat poop, dog pee, dog poop, and other animal accidents. They are also ideal for cleaning vomit, hairballs and more. They work on floors, carpets, rugs, sofas, mattresses, concrete or litter boxes.
A Fast, Easy, and Effective way to keep your home clean and free of pet messes! These professional-strength sprays are designed to permanently eliminate the source of stains and odors. Simply remove excess pet messes, spray the area until damp, and allow it to dry. No scrubbing or rinsing is required!
Perfect for deodorizing small animal cages and small animal bodies.
Clean+Green has a mission to create effective products for busy parents and pet owners that balance performance, ease of use and Eco-Friendly sensibilities. Made in the USA.
In Conclusion
The cat urine smell can be a difficult odor to remove. The best way to remove the odor is to clean the affected area with an enzymatic cleaner or pet odor neutralizer.
You should ventilate the area and consider using an ozone generator if the odor persists. You can prevent future odors with a lid or with an outdoor litter box. Be sure to prevent your cat from urinating in inappropriate areas.
If your cat is urinating outside of the litter box, you should take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions. You can also try using a litter box with a lid to keep the odor contained. If your cat does urinate somewhere in your home, be sure to clean it up immediately to prevent the odor from lingering.