How to remove the smell of cat urine from shoes - special means: how to remove and what to do

Despite the fact that cats are the most popular and cleanest pets and quite quickly get used to a certain location of their toilet, situations periodically arise when traces of their vital activity can be found in the most unexpected places. This often applies to different types of shoes. Such a nuisance can be caused by both psychological stress and problems with the cat’s well-being. The consequences of such an incident require immediate elimination in order to avoid a reoccurrence, as well as to preserve the appearance of the product as much as possible. There are several ways to rid shoes of an unpleasant odor and give them their original appearance.

Identifying and eliminating the reasons why a cat shits in shoes

Some cat owners are faced with an unpleasant problem, because the pet relieves itself on/in the owner’s shoes.
Reasons that force an animal to relieve itself in shoes:

• disease;
• dissatisfaction with the tray;
• territory marking, sexual hunting;
• response to changing circumstances.

In the first case, the behavior is associated with the appearance of urinary system diseases in an adult cat: urolithiasis (UCD), cystitis.

The solution is to consult a veterinarian.

Your pet may be unhappy with the tray if:

• the cat litter box is too small or the height of the sides is too high/low;
• the litter or cleaning products used for cleaning emits an unpleasant odor for the pet;
• the tray is located next to the washing machine or in another noisy place;
• The cat may also refuse to relieve itself in the litter box if it is not clean enough.

The way out of the situation is to replace the tray and filler, moving it to a quiet and secluded place.

In the case of sexual hunting, the cat applies its scent to the thing, guided by instincts . To prevent this behavior, the cat should be spayed/sterilized at the age of 6-7 months.

The way out of the situation is to replace the tray and filler

If you do this later, there is a risk that the animal will develop the habit of marking its territory. To protect your shoes from damage, you will have to put them in a closet or hard-to-reach place.

Inappropriate defecation may be a reaction to moving, a change in the number of family members of the owner, the emotional situation, the introduction of new objects, or physical violence. To stop unwanted behavior, you should pay more attention to your pet, pet it, and play.

Common mistakes

What remedies are powerless when the cat peed in his shoes:

1. Essential oils. Natural substances only mask the smell, although they have disinfectant properties. But citrus, tea tree and coniferous esters can repel the animal.
2. An air freshener is a useless thing in the fight against a naughty cat.
3. Ammonia does not cope with the smell of urine; both substances contain ammonia.
4. Aggressive chlorine-containing substances, including Belizna and Domestos, can damage shoes.

Advice: Did you catch a cat at the crime scene? There is no need to offend him, it is enough to simply scare him (by clapping your hands or stomping your hands) so that the pet develops an association: when you pee in your owner’s shoes, an unpleasant sound occurs.

All these tips are also relevant for other products made from similar fabrics: carpets, clothes, furniture. To prevent the incident from happening again, use these simple tips:

1. Hide your shoes in the closet, have a special cabinet with doors.
2. Find an object that causes fear in the cat: a vacuum cleaner, a spray bottle of water, etc. Place your pet scarecrow next to the shoe rack for a while: you will see that the animal will avoid this place.
3. Cats do not like to relieve themselves near the place where they eat. Place a bowl of food at the entrance.
4. Purrs do not like the strong smell of citrus fruits, so after peeling an orange, do not throw away the zest, but place it next to your shoes.
5. Replace the litter in a timely manner: cats are aesthetes! It's better to pay attention to the potty every day.

The wisest advice is to anticipate such situations in advance, especially if the kitten has an obstinate character. Train your animal to the toilet patiently and very carefully so as not to encounter an unpleasant cat smell in your shoes at the wrong time.

Why is it important to quickly eliminate the smell of cat urine from shoes?

After the shoes dry out, the smell will disappear for the human sense of smell, but the cat will continue to smell it. If the scent is not destroyed by some means, the animal will perceive the owner’s indifference as permission to continue using the shoes as a tray.

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Boots and moccasins that smell of urine will attract other cats, who will mark the entrance, trying to attract the attention of the pet.

Let's break it down into components

So what does this indestructible liquid consist of, and what do we need to deal with? Let’s try to figure it out.

Main components of cat urine:

1. water;
2. urea;
3. urochrome;
4. uric acid;
5. amino acids (they are what give this unbearable smell);
6. bilirubins and urobilins (they give color to urine).

We, of course, do not need the full chemical composition of urine; we are interested in those components that create the problem. These are uric acid and amino acids, the most aggressive amino acids. An unpleasant odor occurs at the moment of their decomposition; humans also have them in their urine, but in cats, amino acids begin to decompose almost immediately, hence this unbearable odor.

Uric acid also adds some effect; it penetrates deep into the tissues and dries out. For some time the smell disappears, but this is before the first moisture enters. As soon as your feet get sweaty or you get caught in the rain, the smell will return with renewed vigor.

Sneakers, moccasins and fabric slippers

Boots and moccasins that smell like urine will attract other cats, who will mark the entrance.
Fabric shoes are easier to clean from cat urine.

The cleaning process is carried out as follows:

1. Blot the stain with a towel, waste rag, or other material.
2. Wipe the wet part with laundry soap or a professional odor remover and rinse with water.
3. Pull out the laces and insole. If urine gets on them, replace them with new ones.
4. Wash the shoes in the washing machine with the addition of washing powder, using the “Cotton” or “Shoe” mode.
5. Dry the items on the balcony in the fresh air.

Advice! To prevent damage to shoes in the future, for the first few days after treatment, put a citrus peel (orange, tangerine) inside or moisten the insoles with lemon juice. Cats cannot stand the smell of citrus fruits.

Industrial products

Many housewives trust industrial anti-cat odor products, as they are safe for most shoe materials and act quickly. Our rating of good disinfectants against cat odor:

1. ZooSan is a good spray against fresh stains, it has almost no smell.
2. OdorGone is a powerful tool for all types of shoes and other items; it is more expensive than its analogues.
3. Odor-Kill is an effective product that leaves behind a pleasant vanilla aroma.
4. Urine-off Multi-Pet – used on both fresh and old stains.
5. Himola Antigadin is an inexpensive spray that will be a faithful companion when training a kitten to use the litter box. It is better to use in conjunction with other techniques.

Chemicals help get rid of old stains and odors the first time, but require care. Do not forget about the basic rules for working with such sprays: ventilate the room, do not inhale them, spray strictly in the direction of the stain on the shoes.

Tip Before using any product, first remove as much urine as possible from your shoes. Use toilet paper and dry wipes.

Cleaning shoes made of genuine leather and artificial leather

It will not be possible to completely remove the unpleasant odor from leather shoes.

To clean boots or shoes made of genuine leather, you need to use the following method:

1. Wipe the surface of the product thoroughly with paper or a napkin. If the cat relieves itself inside, then sprinkle the stain with soda or salt and, after waiting 1-3 minutes, shake it out. Repeat this action until the poured powder stops changing color.
2. Prepare one of the solutions: dissolve 10 drops of iodine in water;
3. dilute vinegar with 70% water in a ratio of 1:4;
4. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of citric acid in water or squeeze the juice of 1 lemon.

Boots and other things made of leatherette are cleaned in a similar way with one difference: instead of solutions, it is preferable to use laundry soap. The fact is that any reagent can ruin the appearance of the product.

Features of cleaning different materials

How effective the process of removing unpleasant odors will be directly depends on the material from which the “affected” shoes are made.

Suede

Suede shoes are cleaned with special care. You need to use glycerin and treat the inside of the shoe with it. The same should be done with lemon juice. After half an hour, the area should be wiped with a sponge and wet wipes.

Leather and leatherette

Boots or other leather footwear should not be wiped with wet products. Household chemicals are suitable for cleaning, but do not use aggressive or abrasive substances. You can use a solution of iodine, vinegar, and also muffle the smell with coffee or tea.

Rag shoes

Fabric sneakers or sneakers should be immediately wiped clean and all liquid removed. Then special odor neutralizing agents are used and the shoes are placed in the washing machine. When washing, the delicate cycle and low temperature are set.

Fur

It is extremely difficult to remove the smell from fur. In any case, the insoles will have to be thrown away. The inside of the shoe is treated with vinegar or citric acid solution. Then the product needs to be ventilated for 2-3 hours.

Nubuck

The stain is treated with glycerin or a liquid product that contains it. Next, you need to sprinkle the area with lemon juice and wait half an hour. Excess detergent is removed with a moistened sponge, and the shoes are left to air.

Suede, nubuck, soft fur uggs

It is difficult to remove the smell of cat urine from shoes made from these fabrics, since regular care for them causes a lot of trouble.

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Boots made from these materials are processed as follows:

1. Remove urine from the inside and outside of the shoes using paper napkins.
2. Treat the stain with glycerin or liquid laundry soap. To prevent marks and stains from appearing on the product, it is recommended to apply the substance to the inner surface.
3. Rub the stain with lemon juice and wait 20 minutes.
4. Soak a sponge in water and remove excess substances.
5. Dry your shoes on the balcony or in a well-ventilated room.

Removing cat urine odor from fur items like soft UGG boots is difficult, and it's easier to throw them in the trash than try to restore the item.

The following instructions will help you try to save them:

1. Remove the insoles from the product and discard.
2. Treat the inner surface with 9% vinegar, a solution of citric acid or potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate).
3. Stuff the boot with paper. Place the product on the balcony for 2-3 hours.
4. Pull out the paper filler and check the result. If the smell does not disappear completely, then repeat the procedure 2-3 more times.

If you still can’t remove the smell, you’ll have to get rid of your shoes..

Removal methods at home

The unpleasant odor and traces of cat urine can be removed using many methods. There are both folk, time-tested remedies and special chemical compounds.

Folk remedies

Many folk remedies, which are available in every home and at everyone’s fingertips, help eliminate the consequences of a cat’s “surprise.”

Laundry soap

For “first aid” for damaged shoes, you need to use laundry soap. It contains glycerin, which helps break down uric acid. To remove the smell, rub the outside of the shoe with a dampened piece, and add a solution of warm water and finely crushed soap inside.

Baking soda solution

Using baking soda, you can remove even old and stubborn stains. Shoes that have been damaged by a pet will need to be treated with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide 3% added. After a day, the mixture should be washed off. This solution will absorb dirt and eliminate odor.

Hydrogen peroxide

To eliminate the strong smell of cat urine, you need to wipe the “marked” shoes inside and out with hydrogen peroxide. However, this method is not suitable for varnish products. A color change test should be carried out before application.

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Vinegar solution

Using an acetic solution, you can not only remove the odor, but also completely dissolve uric acid crystals. To clean, you need to dissolve one tablespoon of 6% vinegar in one liter of water and rinse the shoes.

Lemon acid

Citric acid gives the same effect as after using a vinegar solution. To remove odor and stains, both powder and natural lemon juice are used. Crystals must be diluted in water before use.

Formalin

You can purchase this product at any pharmacy. Soiled shoes should be washed, treated with formaldehyde, placed in a plastic bag and sealed tightly. After 3 hours, the products are taken out and aired.

Alcohol-containing substances

Following this method, you must first rinse your shoes with warm water, then soak a napkin in alcohol or vodka and place it on the contaminated area. After 2 hours, the napkin is removed.

Potassium permangantsovka

Potassium permanganate is used only for cleaning dark products. It wouldn't hurt to add ten drops of iodine. The outer part of the shoe should be treated with glycerin. After three hours, the remaining product is removed with dry wipes.

Glycerol

Using glycerin, as well as products that contain this component, you can quickly wash a soiled product. Simply apply a small amount of product to the stain, leave for a while, and then rinse.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is one of the most effective remedies for eliminating cat urine. The concentrate should be diluted in one glass of water. This composition also repels your pet and prevents future problems.

Vodka

Fresh stains should be treated with vodka - this will eliminate both the smell and the crystals that cause it. Napkins are soaked in the liquid and placed on the “affected” shoes. After a couple of hours, the product is washed and the room is ventilated.

Boric acid

This product is not suitable for some shoe materials, so test before use. You should take a cloth or napkin, wet it with the product and apply it to the product. After an hour, remove the remaining solution.

Special means

If you don’t want to experiment with folk remedies, you can use professional unpleasant odor neutralizers.

Zoosan

This chemical composition is intended for disinfection and elimination of persistent pet odor. The product is safe for both humans and animals. It must be diluted in a ratio of 1:9.

Urine-off Cat & Kitten

Using this product, you can not only remove the smell of urine, but also destroy urea crystals. The composition is applied to the stain and wait until it is absorbed. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

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Dezosan

The action of the product is aimed at eliminating unpleasant odors, as well as destroying urine components at the molecular level. The chemical solution is applied using a sprayer or a washing vacuum cleaner.

Bio-GM

Using this product you can safely eliminate odors and disinfect surfaces. The product contains fragrances that help quickly eliminate unpleasant odors.

Pet Stain&Odor Remover

A universal product for removing stains and strong odors from organic pet waste. The product is easy to apply to a damaged product using a spray bottle.

Just for cats Stain&Odor Remover

The effective composition of this product quickly removes the consequences of unwanted behavior of a pet. The main feature of the product is the presence of components that repel cats.

Trixie

This is an effective deodorant for cat litter that neutralizes strong and unpleasant odors, thereby preventing “walking” in other places. The product is also applied to damaged products.

8in1

The product effectively combats unpleasant odors and stains left by your pet. The active oxygen included in the composition removes even stubborn stains. The product is applied liberally to the shoes until completely dry.

How to remove urine smell from shoes

If you still can’t remove the smell, you will have to get rid of your shoes.
Safe substances used to eliminate unpleasant odors are divided into 3 groups:

• professional;
• household chemicals;
• folk (helpers).

Professional preparations for pet odor

Professional products include:

• "Zoosan";
• Pet Stain&Odor Remover;
• Odor Kill & Stain Remover;
• Just for cats Stain&Odor Remover;
• Bio-G;
• Urine-off Cat and Kitten;

They are sold in pet stores or veterinary pharmacies.

Household chemicals to eliminate odors

To help eliminate unwanted odor:

• Vanish for carpets;
• Fukortsin;
• DuftaPet;
• "Bio-J";
• "OdorGone.

They can be found on the shelves of hardware stores.

Traditional recipes for eliminating urine odor

Every housewife has tools in her arsenal that will provide effective assistance in combating the smell of cat feces:

• potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate);
• soap (glycerin, laundry);
• acetic acid;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• alcohol solution of iodine;
• lemon juice.

What products should not be used to remove cat urine odor?

Perfumes and colognes really help get rid of an unpleasant odor, but the masking effect will end when the perfume wears off.
In addition to substances that help remove the smell of cat urine, there are also those that strengthen it and complicate the removal process.

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These include:

• perfume (perfumes, colognes, deodorants);
• products containing chlorine compounds;
• ammonia (ammonia) alcohol.

Perfumes and colognes do help get rid of unpleasant odors, but the masking effect will end when the perfume wears off . Then the unwanted aroma returns and becomes stronger. Substances containing chlorine act in a similar way.

It is not recommended to wash the tray using “Belizna” and similar chlorine-containing solutions. Because of them, your pet will think that the toilet is dirtier than it actually is. Ammonia will also not help fight the problem.

How to prevent shoes from breaking again

Unfortunately, a natural feature of cats is the desire to relieve themselves in one place. Consequently, shoes, once freed from persistent odor, run the risk of re-turning into an alternative to the tray.

To avoid having to wash your favorite shoes from cat urine again, you need to follow simple tips:

1. Store shoes in a lockable drawer. This will additionally protect it from damage by claws and teeth.
2. Treat the wardrobe item with a special antigas treatment. It has an unpleasant odor for cats and is completely safe for the pet and its owner.
3. Treat the insoles and surface of the shoes with lemon juice or vodka. Their smell disappears for a long time and prevents damage to products.

What not to do

Some products used when trying to remove cat urine odors from shoes can do more harm than good.

Bleaching

Chlorine, as well as chlorine-containing detergents, is not able to mask the unpleasant odor, but, on the contrary, will strengthen it. Also, such products are not safe for your pet.

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Ammonia

You should also not use products that contain ammonia. Otherwise, the smell may attract your pet, who will mistake the smell for someone else's.

Air fresheners

Fresheners eliminate the odor only temporarily, but a little later the uric acid crystals that are on the shoes will make themselves felt again.

Colognes, perfumes, deodorants

Any strong-smelling compositions, even high-quality perfumes, do not dissolve urea crystals. In this regard, any cosmetic products only enhance the smell.

Essential oils

Essential oils are also not recommended for use on damaged shoes. They are not able to influence crystals, which are the main cause of the unpleasant odor.

Vinegar

If the shoes are light-colored and you cannot use iodine or potassium permanganate, ordinary table vinegar will help. You can also take vinegar essence. To do this, perform the following manipulations:

1. Vinegar is poured into a cup and diluted by a third with water.
2. This mixture moistens a sponge and wipes the shoes. In a very dire situation, boots can be soaked in this water for several hours.
3. After this, the shoes are sent to air dry.

If the stain is old and the smell is already ingrained, add salt. In this case, the shoes are soaked in vinegar and then sprinkled generously with salt. Leave everything like this for 15 minutes, after which the salt is cleaned off and the shoes are wiped with a dry cloth. Shoes must be dried in the open air for several hours.

Soda

Baking soda neutralizes odors well. To do this you need:

1. Sprinkle generous amounts of baking soda on the stains.
2. Wait for complete absorption.
3. The swollen pulp is removed, the procedure is repeated again if necessary.
4. Clean the shoes with a dry cloth and leave them in the air for several hours.

If the contamination is old, then they act a little differently:

1. The boots are sprinkled with a mixture of baking soda and water.
2. Rub thoroughly to eliminate the corrosive odor.
3. Leave it like this for half an hour.
4. The pulp is removed with a rag and wiped dry.
5. The shoes are taken out into the air for final drying.

Camphor alcohol

If your sneakers are dirty, the above remedies will not be as effective. The multi-layer absorbent material of sports shoes instantly absorbs liquid and odor, preventing it from evaporating for a very long time. Camphor alcohol will help here - the strong-smelling substance will penetrate into loose tissue and neutralize urine. To do this you need to do the following:

1. Apply camphor to cotton wool.
2. Wipe problem areas.
3. Leave a fresh cotton pad soaked in camphor alcohol overnight inside the sneakers.
4. The next morning, remove the disc and air dry the shoes.

Preventive measures

Cats are smart animals. They will not harm their owner without reason. If you once encountered a situation where a pet peed in your shoes, you should immediately understand the motives for its behavior and take measures to prevent trouble in the future:

1. Check if the cat's litter box is in order. If it is in an uncomfortable, restless place or is rarely cleaned, the animal begins to look for a new, more suitable corner. Remove dirty litter promptly.
2. Exercise with your pet. Cats often play pranks if they feel they are not getting enough attention.
3. It is better to neuter cats that have reached reproductive age so that they are not tempted to mark their territory.
4. Take your pet to the vet regularly - erratic urination can be caused by kidney disease.
5. Store your shoes in a locked closet or place them in citrus-scented sachets.
6. If things have already been marked, treat them with Antigadin. This product can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy.

It should be remembered that cats have a delicate sense of smell. They tend to go to the toilet in a place where they smell their own or someone else's urine. This means that shoes that are not completely cleaned will become an attractive object for other animals, in the houses you visit or on the street. Therefore, it is important to completely remove traces of cat urine, even if you have to use several products to do this.