How to Clean Cat Pee From Carpet: Reasons Why Cats Pee to the Carpet and Tips to Properly Clean It

ByJoanna Foy Updated

Cleaning cat pee from the carpet can be daunting, but it’s important to do it properly to prevent the odor from lingering and deter your cat from returning to the same spot. 

Here are the steps you can do to clean cat pee from the carpet:

  • Blot up as much urine as possible with paper towels or a clean cloth. You should do this as soon as possible after the incident occurs.
  • Mix a solution of one-part white vinegar and one-part water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area generously with the solution.
  • Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes to soak into the carpet fibers and neutralize the odor.
  • Blot up the excess moisture with paper towels or a clean cloth. Repeat this step until the carpet is mostly dry.
  • Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Baking soda helps to absorb any remaining moisture and neutralize odors.
  • Vacuum up the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.
  • If the odor persists, use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet urine. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

Reasons Why Cats Urinate in the Carpet

Medical Issues

Medical issues can be a common cause of cats urinating on the carpet. Some medical conditions that may cause inappropriate urination include:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are caused by bacterial infections in the urinary tract, which can cause pain, discomfort, and frequent urination. Cats with UTIs may urinate outside of their litter box to avoid the painful experience of using it.
  • Bladder Stones: Bladder stones are one of the medical issues concerning inappropriate urination, according to VCA Animal Hospital. Hard mineral deposits form in the bladder and can cause pain and difficulty urinating. Cats with bladder stones may also urinate on the carpet due to discomfort.
  • Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): FLUTD is a group of conditions that affect the urinary tract, including inflammation of the bladder or urethra. It can cause pain and discomfort while urinating, which may lead to inappropriate urination.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes can cause excessive thirst and increased urination, leading to inappropriate urination outside the litter box.
  • Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause excessive urination or difficulty controlling the bladder, leading to inappropriate urination.

Stress or Anxiety

Stress or anxiety can also be a reason why cats urinate on the carpet. For example, some factors that may cause stress or anxiety in cats include any significant change in the cat’s environment that can cause stress and anxiety, such as moving to a new home or changes in the household routine.

Cats are territorial animals; other cats or pets in the household can cause stress and lead to inappropriate urination. However, not adequately socialized cats may experience stress and anxiety when exposed to new people or environments.

Litter Box Issues

Litter box issues are among the most common reasons cats urinate on the carpet. Some litter box issues that may cause inappropriate urination to include cats that are naturally clean animals, and they may avoid using a litter box that is not cleaned regularly. As a result, they may choose to urinate on the carpet instead.

Some cats may not use the litter box if they don’t like the texture or scent of the litter. Trying different types of litter can help determine which type the cat prefers. The litter box should be in the house’s quiet and private area. 

If the litter box is in a busy or noisy area, the cat may avoid using it and urinate on the carpet instead. It should be big enough to house the cat comfortably. If the litter box is too small, the cat may avoid using it.

Marking Territory

Marking territory is another reason why cats may urinate on the carpet. When cats urinate to mark their territory, it is usually done on vertical surfaces, such as walls or furniture. However, in some cases, cats may choose to mark their territory on horizontal surfaces, such as carpets.

In households with multiple cats, marking behavior may be used to establish dominance and mark territory. For example, introducing a new pet or family member may cause stress and lead to cat-marking behavior.

Stress or anxiety in cats can also lead to marking behavior, particularly when the cat feels threatened or unsafe. For example, cats have a strong sense of smell, and unfamiliar scents in the environment can trigger marking behavior.

Aging

Aging can also be a reason why cats may start to urinate on the carpet. As cats age, they may experience a decline in physical and cognitive abilities, leading to inappropriate urination. Older cats may find it difficult to climb into a litter box or navigate stairs to reach the litter box, leading to inappropriate urination.

Aging cats may experience cognitive decline, leading to confusion and forgetfulness, making them forget where the litter box is located or how to use it properly. They are more susceptible to medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney disease, which can cause inappropriate urination. Arthritis is common in older cats and can make climbing into a litter box difficult, leading to inappropriate urination.

To prevent inappropriate urination in older cats, it’s important to provide a litter box that is easily accessible and does not require the cat to climb stairs or jump. Providing multiple litter boxes in different locations can also help. For example, regular visits to the veterinarian can help detect and treat any medical conditions contributing to the behavior. 

Additionally, providing comfortable and supportive bedding can help alleviate the discomfort associated with arthritis. If the behavior persists despite these changes, consult a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist for additional guidance.

Products to Clean Cat Urine Messes

Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are designed to break down the proteins in cat urine that cause odor and stains. These cleaners release enzymes that break down the proteins and neutralize the odor.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mixing vinegar and baking soda can also effectively remove cat urine stains and odor. Start by blotting up as much urine as possible, then saturate the area with water and vinegar. Let it sit for several minutes, then sprinkle baking soda over the area and sit for a few more minutes. Finally, blot up the mixture with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Pet Stain and Odor Removers

Pet stain and odor removers are designed to remove pet urine stains and odors. These products contain enzymes and other cleaning agents that break down the proteins in cat urine and neutralize the odor.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can also be very effective in removing cat urine stains and odor. Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts, then saturate the area with the mixture. Wait a few minutes, then blot the mixture with a clean cloth or paper towel.