How to Kill the Cat Urine Odor with Enzymes

Most people know how awful “cat smell” can be. The rancid odor of litterboxes and feline urine are not only reserved for the houses of crazy cat ladies; unfortunately every cat-owner is familiar with and loathes the smell. Cat urine has a pungent stench for many reasons, whether it is feline kidney disease, digestive issues, etc. Fortunately there are ways of removing the cat urine odor by applying active enzymes to combat the unpleasant aroma.

What Are These Enzymes?

Enzymes are protein-based chemicals that accelerate the breaking down/biodegrading process of urine. When enzymes like protease, amylase, cellulose, lipase and uriase are combined with non-pathogenic bacteria to create cleaning products, the product is able break the urine down into digestible chemicals and “cleaner” substances.

How Do The Enzymes Work?

When the bacteria and the enzymes interact with the urine, they break down the liquid into odorless elements like water and carbon dioxide. Typically, many cleaners are filled with intense chemicals and surfactants that do not remove the organic components of feline urine as effectively as natural enzymes can. When products contain ammonia, the area may appear clean, but the cat will still smell a strong scent of urine, and may be inclined to return to the place and leave a puddle again. Guarding against this by using enzymatic cleaners will help not only solve the smell of the urine, but it will also protect against future offenses. Instead of “bleaching” or using chemicals to mask or supersede the smell, the enzymes will break it down entirely.

Practical Use

For the most effective results, try to soak up the urine liquid initially. Then, apply the enzyme-rich cleaner precisely onto the stain and let it soak. The longer the bacteria and enzymes can work into the urine, the more complete the breakdown process will be. If you enter a room where the urine scent is evident but the liquid is not visible (or is on a dark surface and difficult to detect), we recommend using a black light to find the stain. The enzymes only work when they are in direct contact with the urinated stain/area itself.
Since cleaners with enzymes are natural, they do not require rinsing of any kind, and can be applied to counters, floors, carpets, cloth and upholstery. Be careful about storing enzymatic cleaners, as their potency is greatly lessened with an increase of temperatures. Bacteria and enzymes denature and become useless when exposed to heat, so avoid combining the cleaner with a steamer or hot water. Rather allow the product to work as a standalone, and be sure to store it in a cool cupboard.