If you’re a cat owner, accidents happen—and few things are as frustrating as discovering your furry friend has peed on the carpet. The smell can be overwhelming, the stain stubborn, and if not cleaned properly, your cat may return to the same spot again.
To clean cat pee from carpet, blot up the mess right away, use an enzymatic cleaner to break down odours, and avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia that can worsen the smell.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when your cat urinates on the carpet, why the odour is so persistent, and what to avoid. We’ll also answer some common questions about cleaning up cat urine, so you can act quickly and confidently when accidents happen.
Why Cat Urine Smells So Bad
Cat pee has a strong, lingering smell because it contains uric acid, which crystallizes and sticks to surfaces long after the liquid has dried. Over time, bacteria break down the urine proteins, creating that unmistakable ammonia-like odour. If not fully removed, the scent can sink into carpet fibres, underpadding, and even subflooring.
Worse, cats have a strong sense of smell—and if they detect even a trace of old urine, they may return to the same spot. That’s why thorough cleaning is crucial not just for your home’s freshness, but to prevent repeat accidents.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Cat Pee from Carpet
Step 1: Act Fast
The quicker you can get to the stain, the better. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot up as much urine as possible. Press firmly, but don’t scrub—you don’t want to spread the stain or push it deeper into the carpet.
Step 2: Rinse the Area
Pour a small amount of cool water on the affected area and continue to blot the space. This helps dilute and lift the remaining urine. Avoid using hot water, which can set the stain and odour.
Step 3: Apply an Enzymatic Cleaner
Use a pet-specific enzymatic cleaner—these are designed to break down the proteins and uric acid in cat urine, which standard cleaners are unlikely to fully remove. Follow the directions on the product label, and let it sit for the recommended time.
Make sure not to use ammonia-based products—cat urine already smells like ammonia, and cleaners with a similar scent can actually attract your cat back to the spot again.
Step 4: Blot & Air Dry
After applying the enzymatic cleaner, blot the area again to absorb any remaining moisture. Then let it air dry completely. You can place an upside-down laundry basket over the area to discourage your cat from returning until it’s dry.
Step 5: Repeat if Needed
Some stains may require multiple treatments, especially if the pee has soaked deep into the carpet. Be patient and persistent—especially if you’re trying to avoid replacing carpet altogether.
What If the Smell Still Won’t Go Away?
If you’ve followed all the steps above and the smell is still lingering, the urine may have soaked into the carpet pad or subflooring. In these cases, a deeper professional cleaning may be your best option.
FAQs About Cleaning Cat Pee from Carpet
Can I use vinegar and baking soda?
While vinegar can neutralize some odours and baking soda can absorb moisture, these are not always enough to eliminate uric acid crystals, which are the root cause of lingering smells. Enzymatic cleaners are more effective for fully breaking down urine compounds.
How do I stop my cat from peeing in the same spot?
Cats are creatures of habit. If they smell old urine, they may think it’s their designated area. Thorough cleaning is essential. You can also:
- Use a pet deterrent spray
- Place furniture or an object over the area temporarily
- Try a litter box retraining strategy
- Check with a vet to rule out medical issues
Is it safe to steam clean cat pee?
No. Steam cleaning can actually set the stain and odour by bonding the urine proteins to carpet fibres with heat. Always use an enzymatic cleaner first, and avoid heat-based methods unless recommended by a professional after treatment.
What if the stain is old?
For dried or set-in stains, you’ll still want to start with an enzymatic cleaner and take multiple runs at it. Soak the area thoroughly and let it sit longer. It may take several applications to fully neutralize the smell.
How Professionals Can Help
If you’ve tried DIY methods and the smell still lingers—or you’re dealing with multiple accidents across your home—it might be time to call in a professional carpet cleaning service. Experts have access to industrial-strength cleaning solutions and equipment that can reach deeper into the carpet layers than home methods allow.
Professional services can also help with:
- Removing stubborn stains and deep odours
- Treating carpet underpadding or subflooring
- Applying protective treatments to prevent re-soiling
- Offering guidance on long-term odour control
Cleaning You Can Rely On
Cleaning cat pee from carpet isn’t fun—but with the right steps, it’s completely manageable. Acting quickly, using the proper products, and understanding how urine interacts with carpet fibres can make all the difference in removing stains and preventing repeat accidents.For especially tough cases, Calgary Trusted Cleaners offers expert carpet cleaning and odour removal services to help restore freshness to your home. Whether it’s one stubborn spot or a recurring issue, our team is here to help you handle it with care.
Contact us today to schedule professional cleaning and say goodbye to lingering pet odours for good.
