Basic cat messes are something most owners will have to deal with at some stage. Whether it’s pee, poo or sick – accidents happen!
So here are a few handy hints on how to get rid of the mess, stains and the smell…
Caught short
If your cat pees inappropriately, check there are no underlying causes, such as urinary tract infections.
But whatever the reason it’s time to clean!
The most important thing to remember is get to it as quick as possible. Urine decays as it ages and converts to gases, which give you that strong ammonia smell.
Aside from the dreadful smell, the longer you leave the puddle the more likely it’ll seep through the flooring – unless you have vinyl and then you’re lucky!
There are three steps to cleaning up –
Blot: use an old, thick, towel and blot as much as you can. Continue with paper towels until no moisture is seen.
Dilute and blot again: spray the area with water or a mild solution of white vinegar and water, and blot again.
Neutralise: if the odour lingers once the area is dry, it’s time to break out the odour removers.
Old isn’t always better
If you’re not around when the accident happens and the urine dries, it’s not pleasant. The bacterial process is well underway, the smell will be pungent and the only thing for it is serious neutralisation or new flooring!
If you can smell it, but can’t see it then a black light may be the way to go; play the detective. A black light will illuminate the pee – it’s magic!
Things just get messier
If your cat has left you poo, rather than urine, a little more elbow grease may be required. If it’s firm, you’re in luck. Just pick it up with a paper towel, you may want to wear rubber gloves too. Then clean the area with a mild detergent and water mixture. Then blot and neutralise as above.
If you’re in the unfortunate position where your cat has diarrhoea, you need to do clean up as much as you can with paper towel and then hit the detergent and water in a big way. Just keep rinsing and blotting until it’s all gone. Then hit it with the odour neutraliser.
I don’t want to bring it up
If your cat is sick, treat vomit in the same way as you would diarrhoea. However, if your cat eats canned foods containing red dyes, unfortunately that’s likely to come up too. These dyes are difficult to remove and it’s likely you’ll need to call in a professional.
Whatever you do, don’t take your cat’s accident personally. Cats are particular animals and will use their litter boxes or go outdoors, unless there is a reason they can’t.
Here’s to happy, healthy cats and a clean, fresh smelling home!