There are over 200 to 550 million domesticated cats globally, so it comes as no surprise that the odor of the cat urine is exceptionally high on the list of most-searched-for terms. If you are coping with this issue, here are five facts that may help you understand and eventually triumph over the odor.
- Sadly, this odor contains harmful ammonia. And inhaling these fumes can cause critical flare-ups for those who suffer with asthma and allergies.
- It has a comparatively higher acid content than that of many other mammals. Our evolutionary gods designed this to ward off predators, and for cats that are still left outdoors to find food, this is a massive aid in self-defense.
- It shines under a black light. This happy fact makes it quicker to find the offending spot and neutralize it.
- It comprises 95% water.
- Urine contains the protein Fel D1 typically like dander, and can also cause an ichy skin reaction for those sensitive to it.
Now that you know all of these exciting facts, you’re apparently still wondering how something that is 95% water can literally cause such a stink and how you can handle the odor effectively. Here are a few steps to take to clear your air literally.
Find and Remove The Spot: Finding the spot is sometimes the most challenging part. What you can’t see can harm you, and as you are apparently now aware from personal experience, it can smell not very good. Sometimes the stain is noticeable, and sometimes you feel the wet spot under your feet–Yuck.
If you are having issues finding it, use your nose, especially if you think it’s on the bed or the furniture. You can also use the number 3 point above and illuminate the black light.
Removing the spot will mean that your cat will be less likely to return and repeat the improper behavior, at least in the same location (bed or furniture for example). There are all types of products available on the market designed to remove the cat odor. One of the most natural (and cheap) is a proper solution of white vinegar immediately after the accident has occurred as is possible.
Keep The Litter Box Clean: As discriminating as we might think, cat noses have ah an even keener sense of smell compared to humans. So keeping the litter box totally pristine will push your feline friend to go where it’s really supposed to go when it feels the urge to pee.
Filter the Air: Even the best odor remover can sometimes not prevent a faint smell from continuing to occur, especially if moisture is introduced to the free air. As cat lovers, it is simple for our noses to turn a deaf ear to the odor because we are around our pet so much. Friends and relatives (aren’t they nosey?) are less likely to dodge the smell, so continually air filtering is an efficient and low maintenance way to maintain the air smelling relatively fresh.
