Expert: Dear Tabbi - 2/14/2009

Question
Hello. I have a male cat who is about 6 years old. He was neutered at about 4 months and has never exhibited any marking behavior. He lives indoors. Several months ago a neighbor's cat got into our screen porch and sprayed urine to mark his territory. This happened about 3 times in a month before we figured out how the cat was getting in. I cleaned the area well, using enzyme based cleaners and looking for spots with a black light. Since then I've noticed that from time to time the odor gets really strong. I'm sure the other cat is no longer getting into the room and I'm wondering if my cat might have taken up marking his territory or if the smell just comes back more strongly at times. I notice it when we have a heavy rain. (The porch has a stone floor and tends to get damp in the rain). Any suggestions? I keep cleaning and cleaning but the smell always comes back. If my cat is marking territory is there a way to get him to stop? He never did this at all before, even when we lived in an area where he went outside and other cats were around. Thanks.

Answer
Sharon,

I would venture to say that it is not your cat causing the odor. Even if your cat did spray, due to being neutered, it would not have that 'tomcat' smell.

The other cat may be spraying outside and the smell is carrying in somehow.

Here is something that may be helpful:

'Receipe' for cat urine odor removal:

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon of liquid soap

(3% hydrogen peroxide can be bought at most grocery and drug stores in pint and quart bottles).

Gently mix all ingredients in a non-metal container. Do not mix or shake vigorously!

The mixture is best used when fresh but can be stored. Do not keep mixture in an airtight container.  Have a VERY loose lid as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide when mixed together will release oxygen and an airtight container will explode. You can mix and keep it in large spray bottle (Home Depot, etc.) but a plastic liter or 2-liter soda bottle works just a well.

Always test for color-fastness. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent in stronger concentrations and can lighten materials that are not color-fast.

REMOVING URINE ODOR FROM CONCRETE/CEMENT

Spray or mop the area soiled with the cat urine. Saturate it completely and let the area dry for 2-3 days. Concrete and cement are very porous and take a long time to dry. You must let the concrete or cement dry completely before you reapply the recipe. This usually has to done at least 3 or more times before the urine odor is gone.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi