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gahurts posted 5/12/2013 09:20 AM

In another post about odor, Kajem posted that she used odor eliminator from the cat.

What did/do you use? Does anyone know how to eliminate cat odors?

I have two cats. The momma cat was a rescue and never learned the corrct way to use the litter box. She doesn't even cover her stuff up - but instead scratches the wall when she is done with her business.

She also had a bad problem of markinger territory all around the house up until we fianlly got her fixed. It still happens but not near as often as it used to.

So my carpets are ruined. And I cannot seem to get the smell out. I've used pet odor carpet fresh, fabreeze carpet shampoo and I bout a shampooer. I have a bunch of Plug in air fresheners in the house and I spray regularly all of which has some results but is temporary before the smell comes back. Hazelnut coffee actually covers it up the best.

I know I have to replace the carpets, preferably with hardwood floor but that will not happen for a little while.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can pull the smell out of the carpets?

woundedwidow posted 5/12/2013 09:51 AM

Unfortunately the methods you've used before just masked the odor temporarily, but did not remove the source of the smell from the carpet. You need an enzyme-based odor remover or else the cat will re-mark the same spots. Once the carpet is soaked with the enzyme solution, remove the excess with a cloth, but then let the rest dry naturally. I would bet that the pee has also penetrated into the carpet pad, so this step is very important. I used to use OUT or Simple Solution Advanced Stain and Odor Removers. Good luck!

gahurts posted 5/12/2013 09:58 AM

Thanks! I've never heard of either of these.

peacelovetea posted 5/12/2013 11:03 AM

Nature's Miracle is another good enzyme product. I had a dog that would piddle when he was excited and I used to mop with it.

ThoughtIKnewYa posted 5/12/2013 11:07 AM

Good Old-Fashioned Borax will do the trick. I have four cats and we had The Great American Piss Off a few years back and it worked wonders! And you can use it for a million other things, too.

Give it a try!

damncutekitty posted 5/12/2013 11:10 AM

Bleach works. I think it works better than the fancy enzymes and stuff, but not everything is bleach safe. I had success on carpet once using a carpet steamer and Oxy Clean.

My boy cat does not bury his poops. I think he is proud of them. But I scoop the cat box twice a day, and use a covered box so that's not really a problem.

InTheRabbitHole posted 5/12/2013 11:44 AM

My alpha cat doesn't bury. She also is the stinkiest thing ever. Thankfully her sister goes in after her and helps out.

I came here to second the enzyme cleaner. It really works well. Sometimes you have to use it a couple of times to get all the way through. I've put it in my little green machine (spot carpet cleaner). It works really well.

his#1 posted 5/12/2013 22:20 PM

I use cider vinegar and water solution to clear up the odor. We have 3 cats now that my son and his girlfriend moved in with their 2 cats and I can tell you that the cider vinegar will completely remove the odor. It may take 2 applications, but it works amazingly well.

Nature_Girl posted 5/13/2013 01:29 AM

I had cats for 30 years, plus I grew up on a farm. Please believe me when I tell you that you must use a product which is enzyme-based if you want to eliminate cat or other foul odors. I whole-heartedly endorse Nature's Miracle. I also endorse Anti-Icky Poo, a product developed by the people who clean up crime scenes (think decomposing dead bodies). These products are very expensive, but when you consider how much you spend combined for the other non-effective products, the cost is equivalent or less.

Kajem posted 5/13/2013 13:42 PM

It is a tough job to get rid of odors. I've used Nature's miracle. I've used the vinegar and water method and ammonia..also. I think Black light will help you find any traces of urine to remove. I don't have a black light, wish I did.

Right now I don't have any of those in my house, so I am attempting the borax ( I have a lot of that!) to see if it will work on fleas. So far the house smells pretty good. :)

You have to get rid of the enzyme otherwise they will continue to use the same spot and the odor will just continue to grow.

If you are planning on doing a large area, I would start with the most inexpensive method available first.

When I fostered a lab puppy I had her on my back porch (which has outdoor carpet) she ruined it. Nothing took the smell out of the carpet... except several applications of some carpet fresh stuff from the dollar tree store. Each time I treated the carpet, I let it sit overnight and vacuumed before noon. Assessed the odor after dinner and treated again if needed. It took me several applications but it worked. I think I spent about $15 on it. Nothing prior to that worked.. not even pressure washing the carpet!

Good luck,

K